It’s about this time every year that Slab Cinema kicks off its weekly outdoor series of classic, camp and horror films. But right now, Slab Cinema is homeless in Southtown.

Since 2003, Slab Cinema has been screening the films weekly during the summer on the concrete slab across the street from La Tuna at Probandt and East Cevallos streets.

But La Tuna, which owned the property, sold it for development, forcing the film screenings to find a new location.

Slab Cinema directors Angela and Rick Martinez, who have screened more than 100 films since the series began, decided in January to buy a small, permanent lot for the events.

“We wanted the opportunity to get our own property so we could make an outdoor cinema for San Antonio,” said Angela Martinez. “Especially since they closed the Mission Drive-In. We were really sad about that because it’s nice to go somewhere with your family.”

But efforts to procure a new property at 132 E. Cevallos St., just down the street from La Tuna, have been delayed by zoning issues.

The City Council has objections that an outdoor theater is not compatible with the residential, manufacturing and office structure in the area, and that the theater may cause noise issues for the residents.

“We talked to the residents” before requesting a zoning change, Angela Martinez said. “The last thing we want to do is be bad neighbors to anyone.”

Meanwhile, the Martinezes are waiting to find out if they can start the fifth season of Slab Cinema, which was to include screenings of Three Musketeers and the Lone Ranger, at their old spot.

Jessica Belasco | 210SA contributor