The Melwood Screening Room is part of Pittsburgh Filmmakers' headquarters...and I have to say, as cool as the concept itself is, it's a major pain to find this place! \n\nLet me back up a second. I recently went to the screening room for a wonderful documentary showing about human trafficking. While the topic in quesiton that night was certainly not 'wonderful,' the room, the set-up, the discussion and presentation of the topic was very well done; given the intimate-single screen nature of the Melwood Screening Room, this venue was definitely perfect for that showing. So I truly appreciate that Filmmakers has provided a place for people to show documentaries like that one, as well as a variety of other films that you wouldn't find on the mainstream silver screen. There's even a concession stand right outside the little room that Filmmakers operates, and it's not too shabby, either.\n\nI can't say I totally outright love the screening room though. The cost of an intimate viewing area is a lack of personal space; while the seats offer plenty of legroom, they offer very little distance between the people themselves. It kind of creates claustrophobic anxieties for me - nothing major, but still. Also, I really wish it was easier to actually find the Screening Room for first-time attendees. The elevator I had to use was tucked away and unmarked; it took me 15 minutes to find someone in the building who could point me to it. I'm just glad I found someone who could help me and that I made it to the showing on time...\n\nMy final verdict: this screening room is definitely an a-ok place to spend an evening and is local treasure in its own right, as is Filmmakers itself; despite the drawbacks I'd come back around for a big-deal showing, for sure - I pity the newcomers who have as much trouble finding the room as I did, though.
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