The Milford Independent Cinema, a longtime nonprofit movie theater, will permanently close on Saturday, January 31. The announcement was shared by the theater’s board on social media. The cinema is located at 945 E. Summit Drive in Milford. The theater has been part of the community for decades, showing first-run and independent films and hosting events like trivia nights.
Milford Independent Cinema to Close Amid Financial Struggles
The Milford Independent Cinema has announced it will permanently close on January 31. In the official announcement post, the team behind the theater cited ongoing financial challenges tied to major changes in the film exhibition industry.
The cinema’s board of directors highlighted industry shifts and rising costs as the primary reasons behind the closure. “Shifts toward streaming platforms, evolving film distribution models, rising operational costs, and increasing box office fees required to show first-run films have made it increasingly difficult for independent theaters to remain viable,” the board stated.
The team underscored that despite continued support from the community, the organization was unable to secure sufficient corporate sponsorships or major donors to offset these expenses.
“This decision was not made lightly and is not due to a lack of effort or community support,” said the cinema’s board of directors. “Unfortunately, we simply did not have enough time or the level of corporate and major donor support required to get where we needed to be.”
Over the years, the Milford Independent Cinema expanded beyond traditional film screenings to adapt to industry shifts and diversify its revenue.
Seeks Last-Minute Donor to Avoid Closure
Currently, the cinema requires approximately $70,000 in annual funding to cover core operating costs and allow time to reach long-term stability. Without that level of support, the board determined it could no longer continue operations.
The board is asking individuals and organizations interested in providing corporate sponsorship or donor support to help keep the cinema open. Interested participants can find more information at www.milfordcinema.org/support.
The Milford Independent Cinema will continue operating through the end of January, with final screenings and special events planned before the closure. Information about upcoming programs and opportunities to celebrate the theater’s legacy will be shared through its website and social media platforms.
The closure of Milford Independent Cinema marks the end of years of service as a community-focused movie theater.
