An Ode to Cinema Detroit

I live about two hours north of Detroit. I will admit that I have never been to the independent movie theater, Cinema Detroit (website), but it has a soft spot in my heart. I watch their posts on Twitter. I have donated some cash from time to time. I bought one of their Cinema Detroit t-shirts and wear it most days when I am shooting a new film project.

I just like the idea of Cinema Detroit... that it exists. It's like the Two-Hearted River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. I haven't fly fished it yet, but the idea that the river is there is enough for me some days.

I plan one day to sit in the Cinema Detroit theater and watch a film.

I guess I just really like the idea of an independent cinema curating quality films for a public in need of quality films screened in a movie theater experience. There's nothing like seeing a film in a movie theater.

And right now, without taking risks, we really can't see films in a movie theater.

Cinema Detroit wisely remains closed to the public during a pandemic. What could the price be for their wisdom... well, the possibility of shuttering their doors for good. It's going to happen to a lot of businesses.

It shouldn't happen to Cinema Detroit.

Cinema Detroit also hosts an independent film festival of sorts called The Short Film Block Party. That was my hope... that one day they would accept one of my films, and that would be my reason for making the trek to Detroit. I've submitted several times, had some near misses, but an acceptance has yet to materialize. That's the nature of independent filmmaking. I'm not bitter in the least. In fact, I'm thankful just to have a venue to submit work to.

If you make independent film, you should support independent theater, especially in these times. That's why I'm taking the time to write this. I want you to seriously consider donating even five dollars to Cinema Detroit. Help see them through these challenging times the same way they may one day help audiences see your independent film. And, if you don't make independent film... well, support them anyway.

Since March, I've opened the door to our porch many times to find packages from Literati Bookstore (website) in Ann Arbor. Like Cinema Detroit, Literati is independent and brings a unique bookstore experience. They host readings there (I was scheduled to have one in June for my new book of short stories until Covid hit). My wife's purchases, along with the online purchases of many others, go a long way toward making certain Literati Bookstore is still there when this pandemic finally dissipates.

That's the thing. Literati still has a product that they can transition to online. They have a fiercely loyal customer base. I'm happy for that, and I'm happy that some of our budget goes towards books from their store... supporting both it and authors.

Cinema Detroit, however, sells experience. The experience of seeing a worthy film in a movie theater with popcorn and fellow citizens... (films that the mega-theaters might never show, driven as they are by profit rather than curating quality films). Cinema Detroit sells the experience of hosting independent films made by independent filmmakers craving to see their work on a movie theater screen.

Cinema Detroit is passionate about film. They have an excellent mission. But, right now, they can't sell the experience that they provide. They can't replicate it online. And so, in short, they need financial support in the way of donations. It's that simple.

And, they deserve it. In your mind, let Cinema Detroit represent the various independent theaters scattered across the country. Think of this as an adage: "Supporting one independent theater is a way of supporting all independent theaters... supporting the idea of independent theater altogether."

Help Cinema Detroit still be open after this pandemic. Let them remain as a lodestar for others to follow. Let others think, "Hey, there is a fiercely loyal customer base for independent theater. Just look at Cinema Detroit. Restricted from being able to show movies, they survived Covid-19. If they can do that, then surely I can start an independent theater in my hometown. It's possible."

So, I'm asking... even imploring. Make a donation to Cinema Detroit today. Maybe buy a t-shirt.

In this political cycle, you have all kinds of folks constantly asking for your money (I'm looking at you DNC)

But right now, I'm asking that you make a much needed donation to independent theater. I would love to get an email from Cinema Detroit saying, "Hey, thanks for the blog post. We raised $_________ and it helps so much!"

Donate: HERE