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Courtesy of Milford Independent Cinema photo
The Milford Independent Cinema, a nonprofit in northern Oakland County that has been showing national releases and Michigan-made indie films since 1972, is set to close Jan. 31.
"It is with great sadness that we had to send out this announcement," the board of directors announced on Facebook. "The community has continually supported us more than we could have imagined. But with rising costs and changes in the industry, we needed to be realistic. Without the corporate/philanthropic level of support, we just can’t sustain things. A few grant requests have been submitted, but we haven’t heard back as of now."
The board said in a press release that it faced the challenges of a changing film exhibition industry that included film streaming, evolving distribution models, rising operational costs, and increased ticket prices.
The board said the theater requires about $70,000 in annual support and was not able to secure enough funding from corporate sponsorships or major donors to continue operating.
As the industry changed, the board said it tried to evolve and better serve the community by offering the space for private rentals, nonprofit events, business and corporate meetings, and community programs.
The board did, however, leave the door open to being saved.
"We do have a full lineup through the end of the month with our FAN night, movies, and rentals. If something changes or a hail-Mary grant comes through, we will keep everyone informed."
