MILFORD, MI — A beloved Oakland County cinema that was planning to close for good will now stay open thanks to generous support from the community.
Milford Independent Cinema, located along Summit Street in Milford, planned to shut its doors permanently last weekend due to funding issues. But a successful crowdfunding campaign, which constituted an “outpouring of love and support” and a “significant contribution” from a donor, will keep the pictures rolling.
Officials with the cinema said the campaign was “nothing short of remarkable.”
“We are truly blown away by the support, passion, and resilience of this community,” the Milford Independent Cinema Board of Directors said. “This theater exists because of the people who believe in it, show up for it, and see its value far beyond the screen.”
Last month, officials said streaming platforms, evolving film distribution models, rising operational costs and increasing box office fees required to show first-run films have hurt the business. They said the cinema needs roughly $70,000 a year to stay open.
It was unclear if they raised the full $70,000, but officials are confident the cinema can stay open and “remain sustainable in the near term.”
The board is even planning to add new members, expand the Cinema’s Ambassador program, introduce a new membership program and streamline monthly and annual donor opportunities.
“The campaign was widely shared, donations poured in, and countless community members spoke up — through comments, messages, and conversations — expressing how deeply this unique cultural hub matters to them and how strongly they want it to remain part of the Milford community,” officials with the cinema said.
The theater is closed for now, but will reopen on Feb. 11.
You can learn more and help support the cinema at this link.