Rumors are abound that the old 5 and 10 store in Camden will once again act as a movie theatre. For people that can remember, this once thriving cinema held the premier of such films as Peyton’s Place. Now, as a business closes its doors a group of community members are banding together to create a non-profit organization that will run the theatre. All of us here at CIFF are all for this and completely understand what a new cinema can do to revitalize a town. (I also have some fond memories growing up there, running around the aisles and playing in the old projector booths. My grandfather ran the 5 & 10 there for many years.)
The old theatre in Camden
Seems as if there are more and more towns just like Camden doing this same thing. Nantucket has been working on getting their non-profit Dreamland up and running for quite some time now, but progress is being made. No doubt the new Dreamland will be state of the art, and a great addition to the island.
So the real question is can a theatre compete in this day and age as a non-profit community organization? One would have to look no further then Brookline, MA very own Coolidge Corner Theatre to see that this is a viable option.
For those attending Sundance this year, there will be an Art House Convergence where a new world of film exhibition will be discussed. Our good friends at Railroad Square are 1 of 14 cinemas that have been selected to represent the Sundance Film Fest Art House Mission.
Will this model work? Seems like people are getting sick and tired of spending quality movie time in rundown theatres. Good luck to the Camden Cinema Committee, it’s going to be a long road but one that looks like its well worth it.
