While there are no known cases of COVID-19 at Sidewalk Film Center + Cinema or in our region, out of caution and, in following the lead of our peers across the independent cinema/art-house community, Sidewalk Cinema will be closing Thursday, March 12 with a target reopen date of Thursday, March 26, pending additional guidance from local authorities as well as the CDC and World Health Organization. Our 22nd Annual Sidewalk Film Festival, August 24-30 is set to take place as scheduled.
The decision to temporarily close has been reached after much deliberation and in acknowledgment of Sidewalk Cinema’s role as a regional destination. Sidewalk Cinema, which draws customers from a 60-mile radius and beyond, is a community gathering place with regular high-volume foot traffic. Despite having recently implemented increased sanitation, reduced seating capacity, and other precautionary measures, the Cinema believes the best course of action at this time is a temporary closure.
By voluntarily closing, Sidewalk Cinema is prioritizing the health and safety of customers, staff, and the community at large, including vulnerable populations.
We ask that you remember Sidewalk is a federally recognized 501c3 Non-Profit Organization and as a result, we will still be accepting memberships, financial donations, and sponsorships. Public support is especially appreciated during this time and will help the Cinema to reopen with minimal disruption as soon as it is acceptable to do so. We are asking our administrative staff to work from home during this time and we are paying all Sidewalk employees during this temporary closure.
Sidewalk Cinema appreciates the public’s patience and understanding during this time. The Cinema looks forward to resuming business and welcoming customers back to the theater upon reopening. In the meantime, visit Sidewalk Cinema’s website for the latest regarding upcoming events and other updates.