The films start today, but the bar opened last night. (Photo: TBD Staff)

After attending a media preview at the West End Cinema on Wednesday morning, I thinly veiled my skepticism that the art-house theater would be ready for today's grand opening. But a reception there last night, sponsored by the Impact Arts & Film Fund, erased all doubt. The concession stand was open, serving draft beer and wine instead of jugs of Coca Cola, and two of the three screening rooms were just about ready, needing little more than a vigorous vacuuming (the third room appeared to need another half-day's work — not that I know anything about construction). And if the number of guests in attendance is any indication — roughly a couple hundred people swung by — then there just might be sufficient interest here in D.C. to sustain a new venue for independent film. Here's hoping so.

A few photos I took last night: