An independent movie theater (American English) or indie cinema (British English) is a movie theater which screens independent, art house, foreign, or other non-mainstream films.[1] It can be contrasted with a mainstream theater (often a multiplex), which is more likely to screen blockbusters and other popular films.
Indie theaters are often characterized by their smaller size and stronger ties to their local communities.[2] Many are also located in historic or nontraditional venues.
Unlike mainstream theaters, which almost exclusively draw patrons looking to see a particular film and make no tacit endorsement of the films they screen, indie theaters often work to cultivate a reputation for good taste by curating a selection of high-quality films, thus drawing patrons who might know little about a film before going to see it.[3]
History[edit]
In the silent cinema era, most movie theaters were independent.[4] In the 1930s, as talkies requiring more sophisticated equipment arose, many smaller cinemas were unable to compete with larger chains.[4] The 1948 United States v. Paramount Pictures, Inc. Supreme Court case, which blocked movie studios from also owning cinemas, led to a resurgence of indie cinemas starting in the 1950s.[4] In the 1980s, loosened vertical integration restrictions helped reverse this trend.[4] Like all movie theaters, indie theaters have been financially threatened in the 21st century by the rise of streaming platforms like Netflix.[2] Some have converted to become nonprofits.[2]
By region[edit]
United States[edit]
In the United States, the largest indie movie theaters chain is Landmark Theatres. There are some smaller regional chains such as Laemmle Theatres in Los Angeles, as well as many stand-alone venues throughout the country in places like New York City.[2]
United Kingdom[edit]
Africa[edit]
In South Africa, limited independent cinemas exist beside the blockbuster chains Ster-Kinekor and Nu Metro Cinemas, including The Bioscope in Johannesburg, The Labia in Cape Town, Kings Cinema in Alexandra township, and the non-traditional non-profit organization Sunshine Cinema.[5]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ Lang, Brent; Donnelly, Matt (26 March 2019). "Inside Indie Movie Theaters' Battle to Survive". Variety. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
- ^ a b c d Beals, Rachel Koning (27 February 2017). "Independent and art-house movie theaters double down on anti-Netflix vision". MarketWatch. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
- ^ Blair, Iain (17 January 2017). "Indie Cinemas Face Challenging Future Together". Variety. Retrieved 22 January 2020.
at the movie theater, we're all about curation through a person, and that's always been part of the indie cinema experience.
- ^ a b c d Geraughty, Kiera (27 September 2018). "Highlight Reel: Independent Film Theaters in Limbo as the District Evolves". The Hoya. Retrieved 21 September 2019.
- ^ van der Vyver, Karel. "Independent cinemas still offer escapism – with a few health and safety guidelines in place". Daily Maverick. Retrieved 1 September 2021.