The Nightlight Cinema--Independent Film Theater in Akron

Inside the new Nightlight theater--featuring a fully automated, digital projection system.

The Nightlight Cinema--our own independent film theater in downtown Akron
by Joanna Wilson

The best thing to happen in the Empire this year is the opening of the new independent film theater, The Nightlight, in downtown Akron.  The new venue has been made possible from a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation as well as other local grants and a very successful Kickstarter campaign--all organized by Akron Film + Pixel, the local social organization for fans of film and games.  The state-of-the-art theater features a brand new projection system and screen, with a fully automated digital film projector which offers impressive image quality.  The 46-seat theater offers our community an intimate viewing experience with a oversize screen, the way theater film viewing is supposed to be.

Three of the men hard at work to open The Nightlight include (l to r): Rob Lucas, Kurtiss Hare, and Steve Felix.

One of the things that most impresses me about the founders of this new downtown space is their commitment to making the theater reflect the community of Akron.  The wooden bar/counter space was purchased from the Bomb Shelter, the round tables were donated from The Lockview, and the benches in the lobby area were acquired from the Church in the Falls (in Cuyahoga Falls).  The art on the walls in the lobby area has been curated by Roza Haidet (she's guest blogged for us several times) and it features the photography of Cleveland filmmaker/artist, Robert Banks (who has been a big supporter of the Akron film group from their beginning).  Food and snacks at the concession area include delicacies from The Blue Door (located in Cuyahoga Falls) and Cupcake Binge (in Munroe Falls).  And the opening film, beginning Tuesday July 1st, is Only Lovers Left Alive--a film directed by Akron native and independent filmmaker Jim Jarmusch.  All this Akron-centric thinking is the kind of dedication that I want to support!

The Nightlight light box sign above the lobby was crafted by hand in acrylic by Cory Sheldon.

The theater opens Tuesday, July 1 with screenings of Jarmusch's Only Lovers Left Alive.  Upcoming films include the digitally restored, retro classic Beatles' movie A Hard Days Night, Night Moves with Jesse Eisnenberg, Snowpiercer with Chris Evans and Tilda Swinton, and eventually the documentary film Life Itself, about the life and career of film critic Roger Ebert.  The film schedule and screening times are available at the website: The Nightlight Cinema.

Regular admission is $8.50, and tickets can be purchased at The Nightlight prior to screenings. Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Arriving early is advised. An online ticket booking system will be available at www.nightlightcinema.com starting in late July 2014. 

Please join me in showing this new venue and Akron Film + Pixel that we love what they are doing by attending a screening this first week!

The Nightlight Cinema is located at 30 N. High Street (just down from Rubber City Clothing and Uncorked Winebar)
For more information and screening times: http://www.nightlightcinema.com/
Twitter: @nightlightakron
facebook: Akron Film + Pixel