Community Highlights: Meet Bianca Cato of Audio_Video_Club

Today we’d like to introduce you to Bianca Cato.

Hi Bianca, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I am the founder of Audio_Video_Club.

I founded AVC as a way to merge all my favorite passions in life. I started my creative career early in life as a Theateric Light Designer and Stage Manager in the local theater scene. I studied film and theater design at Georgia State and went on to work on various film and theater productions across the country. While working in Chicago for a small theater, I became interested in how creative businesses, like theaters and venues operated. I went on to pursue a Master’s Degree at Columbia College for Entertainment Business with a concentration in Nonprofit Management.

After a solo backpacking trip through Europe, I was reinspired by the EYE Museum in Amsterdam to bring a film-based experience to my hometown Atlanta. Shortly after relocating back home, I founded AVC.

We officially started our programming during the peak of the COVID-19 Pandemic, when 97 Estoria generously allowed us to use their outdoor patio to do film screenings. What started as a way to get people to look at film with a more critical and cultural lens has turned into a series of programs and a community of filmmakers and film enthusiasts.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The process of building and growing this organization has definitely had its obstacles and challenges. But I have been extremely surprised by the support and generosity of the strangers (now friends and partners) who have helped AVC grow and continue to grow. I would not be where I am today without the help of the amazing staff at 97 Estoria for letting us use their bar to experiment with event ideas, Pabst reps for supporting those ideas, Artemus Jenkins and the Peters Street Station crew for helping us expand, Eyedrum for help us reach new limits and all of the amazing local filmmakers for participating in our events.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Audio_Video_Club is a projector and screen dedicated to the exploration of visuals and sound through events, exhibits, and workshops. We aspire to change the way people view, perceive, engage, and experience forms of audio/visual creative works. What sets us apart from other local film organizations is that we welcome all forms of film and creativity, no matter the level of experience or quality. We are a platform where someone can get their start or introduce us to something new and experimental.

We strive:
+To make film and audible arts accessible and approachable.
+To elevate and advocate for local artists
+To create a new appreciation for film and sound.

We currently have three recurring monthly events that happen in Metro Atlanta:

+ Cinema Souterrain- First Friday at Peters Street Station is dedicated to local films and the creatives that make them. We screen 1-3 local short films followed by a talkback with our talented host Artemus Jenkins.

+ Trash & Trivia – 2nd Mondays at 97 Estoria is dedicated to terribly good movies and a fun session of trivia with our host Wendy. This event is dedicated to our movie lovers who want to have a fun evening with their friends. There are also some awesome prizes from our amazing sponsors The Plaza, Videodrome, and Pabst.

+ Cin·e·logue- Every 4th Thursday at Eyedrum is dedicated to indie film lovers who want to take a deep dive into the deeper meaning and impact of the film. We invite community members to select a film that we discuss in detail as a group.

We also do a variety of events throughout the year, from pop-up screenings, networking parties, showcases, and now workshops! In 2024, we hope to continue to expand our programming and introduce some music/audio-based events. Check out our website for updates on what we have going on.

Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
Some of my favorite childhood memories took place at the last drive-in theater here in Atlanta, Starlight. My family and I spent many summer nights there, making me the movie lover I am now. I even spent Prom Night there!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.audiovideoclub.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/audio_video_club/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audio.video.clubatl/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/audio-video-club
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Faudio_video_cl
• Other: https://filmfreeway.com/AudioVideoClubATL

Image Credits
@elevenpicsphotography