Historic theater makes final fundraising push ahead of reopening

The historic Mariemont Theatre is approaching a late summer reopening after being acquired by the Cindependent Film Festival. According to Christina Hardebeck, the organization is currently $200,000 short of its $1-million fundraising goal to cover equipment installation and employee training.

Why is the Mariemont Theatre reopening now?

The Cindependent Film Festival entered the real estate business to save the venue. Staff received the keys earlier this year and discovered many essential movie theater components were missing from the building, according to Hardebeck.

Volunteers recently lifted projectors into the crow’s nest by cutting a hole above the lobby. Hardebeck stated that projectors and sound equipment are now in place, while other necessary gear is currently en route.

The facility still requires general tidying in the concession stand and auditoriums. Hardebeck noted that the organization hopes to eventually renovate the lobby to create a community gathering space.

Did You Know? To install the theater’s projectors, volunteers had to cut a hole in the ceiling above the lobby to lift the equipment into the crow’s nest.

How will the theater serve the community?

The venue will continue to screen family-friendly and arthouse films, according to Hardebeck. The organization also plans to expand its educational programming at the site.

Is the historic Mariemont Theatre closing?

Hardebeck currently manages CindeNEXT, a short workshop where high school students create films alongside local filmmakers and University of Cincinnati graduates. That specific workshop is scheduled for July 8-10 at UC.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that by transitioning from a festival organizer to a property owner, Cindependent is securing a permanent physical anchor for its mission. This shift likely reduces reliance on third-party venues and allows for a more consistent integration of educational workshops and public screenings.

What happens next for the theater’s funding and schedule?

The project needs an additional $200,000 to meet its $1-million target. These funds are intended for employee training and the final installation of equipment to meet the late summer opening goal.

Hardebeck suggested the first screening could be the film ‘Jaws’ to capture a “classic opening-of-summer vibe.” This would mirror “Cindependence Day,” an event where the festival announces its lineup by showing the movie in a pool.

The Cindependent Film Festival has merged with the Over-the-Rhine International Film Festival. While the festival is scheduled to run in September at Memorial Hall, Hardebeck said the organization may consider a tie-in with the Mariemont Theatre in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much money does the Mariemont Theatre still need to raise?
The theater is $200,000 short of its $1-million goal, according to Christina Hardebeck.

What types of movies will be shown at the theater?
The theater intends to show arthouse films and family-friendly movies.

What is CindeNEXT?
It is a workshop running July 8-10 at UC where high school students make films with local filmmakers and University of Cincinnati graduates.

Do you think local community-run theaters are essential for preserving arthouse cinema?