BOARDMAN, Ohio – The owner of Movies 8 said the discount multiplex theater is in danger of closing because of poor attendance.
In a Facebook message posted Tuesday, Paige DeCiancio said the theater might not be able to stay open much longer. A persistent downturn in attendance that started during the Covid pandemic is to blame.
The theater, located next to Target on U.S. Route 224, offers first- and second-run movies for $4.
“We don’t know how much longer we’ll be able to keep the doors open,” DeCiancio said, adding that a closing date has not been determined and “nothing is set in stone.”
The owner stressed that she is not looking for a crowdfunding campaign or any other help. She only wants to let patrons know about the theater’s financial crisis so that it won’t be a shock if the business closes.
To save the theater, DeCiancio asks that people simply buy tickets and watch movies there.
Movies 8 is an affordable option that is important to many families, she noted. It also has become a place where local filmmakers screen their premieres.
“We made it through Covid, and it has been a struggle everyday to stay open,” DeCiancio said.
“We’ve done everything we can to keep it open, not raising prices very much at all, but it just isn’t enough anymore.”
DeCiancio’s father, Brian, purchased the theater in 2014. He owned Encore Cinema, also a discount theater, in Niles at the time, but that venue didn’t survive the pandemic.
“We’ll keep pushing for as long as we can,” she said. “We’ve had an amazing 11 years.”
The family still owns Skyway Drive-in in Warren.
“We love what we do and are doing all we can to keep [Movies 8] open,” DeCiancio said.
Playing at the theater this week is “Superman,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Remember the Titans” (2000), “The Bad Guys 2,” “Sketch,” “Smurfs,” “Jaws” and “Together.” Opening Friday is “Fight Club” (1999).
Pictured at top: Photo via Facebook | Boardman Movies 8.