Surviving through the pandemic, Cinemapolis has stood as a town staple rooted in Ithaca’s rich film heritage. Despite the theater’s resilience, it became increasingly difficult for the theater to maintain its business as its space’s rent continuously increased.
As of Oct. 1, Cinemapolis was at risk of shutting down completely because of rising rent. In order to preserve its existence, the theater took the step of buying up the space.
Over the last few years, the business has held itself to a very consistent standard. Kate Donahue, executive director of Cinemapolis, said the theater’s goal was to keep movie ticket prices affordable and accessible to everyone in Ithaca and provide a comfortable space downtown to enhance the movie-going experience. With increasing rent prices, that experience was at risk of disappearing completely.
Donohue negotiated with Cinemapolis’ landlord, Cayuga Green, to end the contract against the increased rent for the space. Originally around $14,700 a month for the space, Cayuga Green bumped the rent to roughly $17,700 a month as of Oct. 1. Consistent escalation of rent was part of the deal made with Cayuga Green by Cinemapolis’ founders ever since taking over the space in 2009, something that Donohue said he adamantly wanted to escape altogether.
“One of my most proud moments of my career was telling Lynne Cohen, one of the original founders of Cinemapolis, that we had avoided the contract with Cayuga Green entirely,” Donohue said.
Cayuga Green required Cinemapolis to meet its asking price for full purchase in order to annul the current rent contract. The landlord’s initial buyout offer started at $1,000,000. Through negotiation, Donohue and the board of directors were able to bring that price down to $850,000.
To achieve this, several local organizations came forth with grants and loans in support, on top of the general fundraising Cinemapolis was spearheading. The Tompkins County Tourism Program provided a grant of $100,000, while the Park Foundation gave a loan of $300,000. Donohue said both organizations were instrumental in the theater reaching Cayuga Green’s asking price.
As of Oct. 11, a lower monthly rent plan for Cinemapolis was established. The theater makes payments out to the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency, a direct payment to the city itself instead of going through Cayuga Green.
“I think people recognize us as being an important part of this region and Downtown Ithaca,” Donohue said. “This whole process has been a reminder to me that people really care about Cinemapolis, and that it’s an important part to this community. The response has been so wonderful: people have been overjoyed to hear about good news happening for a local organization that they really care about.”
For students across Ithaca College, Cinemapolis’ continued presence has been a sigh of relief. The relaxing aesthetic of the downtown theater provides new and returning students opportunities to get involved in the local film community.
Sophomore Lily Ashman, an advertising, public relations and marketing communications major at the college, said she frequents Cinemapolis with her friends to catch up on the newest movies without having to travel far.
“I go there at least five times a month, sometimes five times a week,” Ashman said. “You never know how it’s going to be. Sometimes it’s a spur of the moment thing: we just want to go see a movie. Having it be right there is just so good from the community. More instantaneous movie-going should be a thing.”
Maintaining the lower ticket prices in comparison to larger chain theaters, like Ithaca’s local Regal Cinemas, was a target for Donohue when combating the increased rent. Ticket prices for adult tickets have stayed at a consistent $11 dollars before tax, while the Regal Cinema charges up to $16. A minor student discount also exists to draw college attention, lowering the ticket price to $10 before tax. Donohue said that winning the negotiations over rent and ultimately keeping their original ticket prices was critical to future success.
“The cost of everything is going up, and we want to stay as affordable and accessible as possible,” Donohue said. “It may not feel new and exciting, but it’s the core of who we are.”
Sophomore Casey McGlynn, a screenwriting major, said the student discount allows Cinemapolis screenings to be a regular event for him. Checking out more Cinemapolis showings gave McGlynn a stronger appreciation for independent theaters.
“I’m really happy it exists,” McGlynn said. “It’s a great place to get movies that you can’t get in a bigger theater. It’s very cozy, has student discounts, and it’s generally affordable at all times.”
After the long negotiation process, Cinemapolis will be staying for the long term. It is, as described by Ashman, a necessity in Ithaca.
“The vibe right now is really good,” Ashman said. “It’s a perfect independent theater. I saw “Lady Bird” on the biggest screen they had last year, and it was a treat. I want those experiences to be available for people in the future.”
McGlynn said Cinemapolis changed the way he approached movie-going in general.
“I get to see a lot of movies for the first time in theaters that I wouldn’t normally get to see.” McGlynn said. “The Substance was my most fond experience. Having that opportunity nearby is so special to me.”
The new rent decrease has opened doors for what the future of the theater might look like. Donohue does not have specifics yet, but the idea of having extra revenue is sparking inspiration for projects centered around improving overall theater quality.
“People really care about us and how we succeed,” Donohue said. “I understood and recognized it before, but now I see it on a deeper level. … It’s one of the things I’m most excited about. We can continue to be a really strong partner to independent filmmakers and community leaders. We can follow our mission and our hearts.”