The Milford Independent Cinema, a cherished fixture of the Milford community for over five decades, is set to close permanently on January 31, 2024. The nonprofit theater is grappling with financial challenges, changes within the film industry, and rising operational costs, which have led to this tough decision.
Financial Struggles Prompt Closure
Board member Bryan Gutierrez expressed deep emotion regarding the theater’s closure, stating, “We love our people, we love this place.” He emphasized that the primary reason for the theater’s shutdown is financial. The cinema, once a family-owned establishment, transitioned to a nonprofit model in 2020 under the Huron Valley Film Organization. This move initially helped stave off closure, but the lack of sufficient funding has ultimately taken a toll.
Gutierrez shared, “When we first opened, we had three large corporate sponsors, and that really helped us out those first few years.” He noted that this financial cushion allowed the cinema to navigate early challenges. Yet, without those sponsors to rely on in recent years, the board has faced increasing difficulties in maintaining operations.
Another board member, Julie Lin, highlighted that a decline in customer attendance and significant shifts in the film industry have played a role in the decision to close. “We had hoped to evolve with where the film industry has gone,” she said, referring to the rise of streaming services and the need to diversify offerings, such as hosting trivia nights and special events like “Hollywood’s Big Night” for the Academy Awards.
Community Reaction and Last-Minute Efforts
Local resident Amelia Price, who grew up attending the cinema, shared her mixed feelings about the closure. “I remember having birthday parties there when I was in elementary school,” she recounted. While saddened by the news, she acknowledged the changing landscape of movie consumption, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led many to prefer streaming options over traditional cinema outings.
Despite the community’s efforts to support the cinema, board members have indicated that it would require a substantial last-minute donation in the range of tens of thousands of dollars to keep the doors open. When asked why potential donors should consider contributing such an amount, Gutierrez argued, “It’s not investing in the theater, it’s investing in the community.”
For those wishing to support the Milford Independent Cinema, donations can be made through their official website at milfordcinema.org/support. The closure of this beloved venue marks the end of an era for both the cinema and the community it has served for over 50 years.
