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It has to be done by March 31st of this year for Cinema 4! Less than 90 days from now. If movie theaters cannot convert to digital projectors, as required, it’s all over! For Cinema 4 in Forest City. The average cost is $75,000 per screen for the Forest City theatre. Hollywood’s switch from 35-millimeter film to digital movies is imperiling some small theaters throughout the nation that just can’t afford new digital projectors. The availability of first run movies ends this year. It will affect almost thirty percent of the screens throughout the country and at least fifty percent of the theaters. The little, local, movies houses are in big trouble.
Mike Packett, owner of Cinema 4 is in a quandary. It presents a difficult situation. He hasn’t given up and is reaching out to the community for help. “Save our movie theatre” is his theme. He has tried most everything to raise the $300,000, but to not avail. He is fighting for survival. He is asking the people of Rutherford County for help. Packett has launched a big fundraiser. Local businesses and people of Rutherford County are all, so far, being supportive of the fund raiser. He is posting his campaign on facebook and reaching out to the community by all means available.
Packett is showing his commitment by giving up and offering two of his personal treasures. His award winning car and beautiful customized Harley-Davidson. Here’s how it will work. He will give everyone a chance to win one of these two vehicles, which he has in his personal collection.
You can win his 1968 custom Chevrolet Camaro Super Sport or a 1999 Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide which has been customized to the max. To qualify for a chance at the award winning Camaro, you do so by making a $100 tax deductible donation. For the Harley-Davidson, a $50 donation will give you an opportunity. For each $100 or $50 you give, you get once chance. If for some reason, the goal has not been achieved, everyone’s money will be returned. If the goal is achieved, the tentative date for the drawing of the winners is April 28th. All the money raised is to be placed in an account for the specific purpose of achieving the goal to convert the Cinema 4 to digital. Contributions can be made by check, cash or money order to: Retro Cinema Digital Fundraiser and mailed or dropped at the theatre. The address is Retro Cinema, 265 Valley View Drive, Forest City, N. C. 28043.
To emphasize his commitment, Packet is excited about the forthcoming fund raising events and scheduling at the theatre. Starting with Sunday, January 27th, after church, there will be absolutely free showings of Christian movies at 2 p.m, 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. The movies will include the Christian films: “Facing The Giants”, “Passion Of The Christ”, “Courageous”, and “Fireproof”. These movies are being sponsored by The Christian Family Bookstore of Forest City. All are invited to attend.
Packett sincerely believes that the community will respond and make his goal achievable. He wants Rutherford County to continue to have first run movies as well as Christian movies. He feels Rutherford County deserves and needs a movie theatre and also wants to continue offering employment to his staff. “We don’t need to lose any more jobs in Rutherford County.”
For both employment and wholesome family entertainment let’s try our best to keep Cinema 4 in Forest City open. Mark your calendar for these important dates! Call 828-289-4067 for more information.
