A local nonprofit dedicated to independent filmmaking is taking over operations of the historic Mariemont Theatre.
In a press release Thursday, Cindependent, which is best known for hosting the annual Cindependent Film Festival, announced that it has been working with Mariemont leaders, community partners and stakeholders to assume operations at the cinema. The Esquire Theatre Group is currently operating the building, but will be transitioning out of the space soon, according to Mariemont Theatre’s website.
The shift in operational management will make the Mariemont Theatre the first independent, nonprofit movie theater in Greater Cincinnati.
“This is about more than movies — it’s about preserving a community treasure,” Cindependent Founder and Executive Director Allyson West said in the release. “The Mariemont Theatre has always been a place where people come together, and we’re thrilled to honor its legacy while creating a new home for independent film, local voices, and shared experiences.”
Cindependent says, under them, Mariemont Theatre will expand the community’s access to independent, international and locally produced films along with mainstream, family-friendly fare. It also plans on retaining all of the theater’s employees.
The Save the Mariemont Theatre Committee volunteer group says it has been coordinating with arts organizations and foundations to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for transition funding. The transition is expected to take around 16 weeks, depending on fundraising goals.
“This theater is the heartbeat of Mariemont. It is woven into the memories of families in our region and it is upon us to ensure it thrives,” says Save the Mariemont Theatre Committee Chair Cheryl Chapman. “We are confident in Allyson’s leadership with Cindependent and the plan that’s been developed.”
Cindependent will also launch a grassroots campaign in the community called Friends of the Mariemont Theatre, which will give Mariemont residents and film enthusiasts the chance to become founding members of the new nonprofit cinema. Membership ranges in tiers, starting at $60 a year, up to $5,000 a year. Membership dues will support daily theater operations, and members will receive early access to tickets, special screenings and exclusive events.
“Cindependent is excited to bring a flood of people to this cinema to share in our love of storytelling together, to provide a new home for filmmakers and filmlovers we’ve been developing for nearly 10 years now, and to stimulate the economic community through stories and shared experiences,” said West.
Mariemont Theatre, 6906 Wooster Pike, Mariemont. More info: mariemonttheatre.org.