The search for cinema

Whenever the public is asked what kinds of new businesses people would like to see in Rumford, a movie theater tops the list.  Historically, the town had movie theaters but long before the advent of DVD's and streaming movies on the internet.  Still, people here seek the kind of public facility where they can get out of the house on Friday night, see their neighbors, maybe have a place to take the kids Saturday afternoon.

The Economic Development Committee has been active in seeking out possible operators for a local movie theater.  Committee members so far have contacted four different companies already operating theaters nearby.  Local property owners have expressed a willingness to cooperate in renting space for a theater with the River Valley Plaza management in particular indicating they would be willing to offer a reasonable rent to make a theater possible.  Another property owner, Maria Vrotsos, the owner of the building on Congress Street (pictured below), has also indicated a strong willingness to help a theater get established in her building.

Possible theater locations:

Congress St., downtown Rumford

Available unit at River Valley Plaza

So far, there haven't been any takers, although there has been interest on the part of those contacted.  The economics of the movie business have become so fragile that areas with smaller population, such as Rumford, are not seen as viable.  The standard model for theaters is to buy first-run, major studio movies when they are first released.  This is very expensive for the theater operator, but much of the audience for going out to movies these days is conditioned to going to first run films.  An alternative model is to show older films, independent films and special local productions.  One successful theater using that approach is The Railroad Square Cinema in Waterville, Maine, which combines older movies, first run movies, live stage shows and movie festivals in its programming.

The Economic Development Committee continues its search for an entrepreneur to run a theater.  The town is willing to provide some modest financial support for a new theater, and the Committee can help the entrepreneur work out a strong deal with a local building owner, or possibly help find a partner to assist in setting the theater up.  If you are or know someone who might be willing to go into the movie business in Rumford, contact us at info@growrumford.com