SALEM – Cinema Salem is launching a crowdfunding campaign in advance of the cinema’s projected reopening in late May. The campaign will help fund improvements to the cinema’s lobby, theater halls, and equipment. The campaign, on Indiegogo, can be found by visiting here.
“We are elated over the enthusiasm from the community about the cinema’s reopening. Messages of support have come from all directions,” said Marshall Strauss, co-owner of the cinema. “Many have asked if they can help in some way. This crowdfunding campaign is one answer,” he added.
Some improvements to the cinema will be completed before the reopening in late May. Others will be phased in later as time and funding allow.
“Painting is almost finished. The new carpet will go in soon. The place is starting to look great,” said Elaine Gerdine, Strauss’s wife and cinema co-owner. “And guys will find the men’s room much more pleasant,” she noted.
John Andrews, founder of Creative Collective, is managing the Indiegogo campaign for the cinema. He observed, “This community has so much love for the cinema. I expect a great response to this campaign. It’s not just that people want to see movies again, but the cinema aims to become a hub for arts and culture in the North Shore, and a real resource for the creative workforce AND the community.”
Cinema Salem is a four-screen theater that traditionally shows first-run and specialty films. It has hosted film festivals such as Salem Film Fest and Salem’s Horror Fest as well as live performances in the past.
The venue closed in March 2020 due to COVID. Strauss and Gerdine bought the cinema in September 2020. As noted, it expects to open to the general public in late May 2021. For more information, visit www.cinemasalem.com.
