A New Chapter for The Mariemont Theatre
The Mariemont Theatre is in active transition under the stewardship of Cindependent, a local nonprofit dedicated to preserving and celebrating the moviegoing experience.
The initial campaign to re-open the theatre targeted $515,000 for a speedy reopening. The theatre we inherited requires more restoration and system infrastructure than anticipated, expanding our original reopening goal into a $1 million transition campaign. That work is now underway—focused on restoring the space, upgrading the experience, and building a sustainable future for this historic cinema.
As of 4/28/2026, Cindependent has placed a 50% deposit on an equipment order that unlocks the timeline to re-opening. We are currently finalizing timelines and targeting a mid-summer reopening.
This is a community-powered effort, and while we’ve made meaningful progress, the work is not finished. Every contribution helps bring the Mariemont Theatre back to life as a place for films, filmmakers, and audiences to gather.
Here’s a snapshot of our fundraising progress.
$551,500 pledged from 18 leadership donors
$39,440 in memberships (151 members)
$8,602.13 in grassroots donations (56 donors)
Next Payments for Projection Equipment:
$179,042.94 (40%) due May 28
Final 10% due at installation completion
Remaining fundraising efforts support concession equipment, initial inventory, system software infrastructure, wages, utilities reserves and operational readiness to safely and sustainably reopen the theatre.
A Thoughtful, Long-Term Plan
Cindependent has developed a top-level three-phase revitalization plan available here to inform the public on the plan to guide the Mariemont Theatre into a sustainable future as a hub for film, arts, and civic life. You should always reach out if you are interested in learning more.
Phase 1: Restore and Reopen
Our immediate focus is returning movies to the screen. This includes securing and installing new projection and sound equipment, addressing critical repairs, and preparing the theatre for a strong, community-centered reopening.
Phase 2: Repair and Reimagine
Once operational, we will invest in the physical space - restoring auditoriums, improving comfort and accessibility, and enhancing the lobby and shared spaces to better serve audiences, filmmakers, and community partners.
Phase 3: Program and Sustain
With a strong foundation in place, we will expand programming and partnerships—activating the theatre as a year-round destination for film, education, and community events while building a financially sustainable model to ensure its long-term success.
This plan reflects our commitment not just to reopening the Mariemont Theatre, but to stewarding it with care, intention, and a clear path forward.
Who is leading this work?
Over the past several months, Cindependent and community leaders have been working together to listen, assess, and plan. An advisory group was formed to help guide this process, bringing together local civic and cultural voices with a shared commitment to the theatre’s future. The advisory group includes Cheryl Rose, Jeff Chapman, David Zimmerman, Susan Brownknight, Flavia Bastos and is led by Allyson West, Founder and Executive Director of Cindependent.
At the same time, Cindependent’s board has been actively engaged in this work - providing governance, financial oversight, and long-term planning support. The board includes Jim Crooks, Jack Crumley, TJ Peloquin, Christina Hardebeck, Jonny Shenk, Doreen Stanley, Laney McCormick, and David Charles.
Together, this group has approached the Mariemont Theatre not as a short-term project, but as a shared responsibility - focused on preservation, stability, and ensuring the theatre remains a vibrant gathering place for generations to come.
Meet The Team
Allyson West
Allyson is the Executive Director of Cindependent and The Mariemont Theatre. Contact her at:
Jack Hoffpauir
Jack is the Operations Director of The Mariemont Theatre. He's managed this cinema for 4 years and is committed to building a sustainable theatre for the community. You can contact him at:
Christina Hardebeck
Christina runs the CindeNext High School Film camp and programs our film education. Email her by at:
Jack Crumley
Jack is the Board President of CIFF and our Press Director. Contact him at:
Jonny Shenk
Jonny is the Curation Director for Cindependent and The Mariemont Theatre. He will be picking the movies that play in the cinema. Email him at:
Zoey Desmond
Zoey is our Volunteer Lead. She helps shape the experience for everyone looking to be involved with film in Cincinnati, as well as The Mariemont Theatre. Email her at:
Common Questions
(Updated 4/28/2026)
1. Is the Mariemont Theatre closing forever?
No. The theatre is in transition, not closing. The theatre will reopen and we are focused on strengthening long-term operations and care. We will need to assess and repair the space when available and our progress is tied to our fundraising goals.
Our initial fundraising goal of 515k was expanded to $1M once Cindependent had access to the space starting 3/20/2026, the time we signed a 3-year lease in the space. Cindependent does not own the property or the building. The condition the theatre was left in have expanded the scope needed to safely and sustainably reopen the theatre.
2. What does “stewardship” mean?
Stewardship means long-term responsibility and care. As steward, Cindependent is focused on preserving the theatre, strengthening operations, and ensuring it remains a welcoming community gathering place.
Cindependent has developed a long-term vision for the theatre you can see here.
3. Is Cindependent from Cincinnati?
Yes. Cindependent is a local Cincinnati-based nonprofit founded in 2017, best known for producing the Cindependent Film Festival and other year-round film and education programs and events like CindeNext, Snowtime Cinema and Hollywood Highlife. Our EIN is 82-3467195.
In 2026, The Cindependent Film Festival merged with Over-the-Rhine Film Festival to produce the 2026 Cindependent Film Festival, presented with LADD.
4. What kind of movies will you show?
The Mariemont Theatre will continue to be a high-quality arthouse, neighborhood cinema, showing a mix of beloved classics, independent films, family programming, and thoughtfully selected new releases - always with an emphasis on shared moviegoing experiences.
As of 2026 and under Cindependent’s stewardship, The Mariemont Theatre is an official registered ArtHouse Cinema through ArtHouse Convergence.
We send out surveys asking our community what they want to see - make sure to sign up for our newsletter and share your voice!
5. Are you changing the popcorn?
No. The popcorn everyone loves is staying. :)
6. Will ticket prices change?
Yes, slightly. General Admission tickets will move from $10.25 to $12, and matinee pricing from $7.75 to $8.50. Our $5 Tuesdays will remain unchanged.
On average, about 50% of every ticket sold goes directly back to film distributors. This small adjustment help us build a sustainable model that supports daily operations, maintains the historic theatre, and delivers a high-quality moviegoing experience for our community. That means when you buy a $12 ticket the theatre only has the opportunity to retain $6. If you are buying a $5 ticket, we only retain $2.50 for your visit.
Our revenue model balances affordable ticket prices with revenue from private rentals, advertising, alcohol sales, concession sales and membership. Membership for the first two years is designed to support the cinema while we improve the financial footing of the space year over year. We also use grants and foundation support initially to support the theatre.
Over time, membership and foundation support are intended to invest in the space, programs and long-term sustainability of the cinema.
7. Why move to a nonprofit model?
Nonprofit stewardship allows the theatre to plan beyond short-term cycles, access philanthropic and grant support, invest in preservation, and reinvest in programming and community use.
8. Who is overseeing this transition?
The transition is being guided by an advisory group of community leaders and Cindependent’s board, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and long-term planning. The Advisory Group is led by Allyson West and Cheryl Rose, Jeff Chapman, David Zimmerman, Susan Brownknight and Flavia Bastos.
9. What role does Mariemont Council play?
Mariemont Council initiated conversations with Cindependent and remains a valued civic partner as the theatre moves into this new chapter.
As of 4/27/2026, the leaders from Mariemont, Columbia-Township and Fairfax united to donate $75,000 to the transition campaign, unlocking the equipment order needed to proceed with planning and operations within the space.
10. Will the theatre still feel like The Mariemont?
Yes. The goal of stewardship is continuity - not disruption. The theatre remains a neighborhood institution rooted in Mariemont and we are hopeful to elevate that experience alongside you.
11. Wait - haven’t I seen your mascots around town?
Yes, Crunchy and Bubs will find their new home at The Mariemont Theatre. :) We’re excited to share them with you.
12. How can I support the theatre?
Community members can learn more, become a Friend of the Mariemont Theatre through membership, or make a leadership-level gift by naming and stewarding a theatre door.
13. Where can I get updates?
Updates and information will be shared at mariemonttheatre.org or on instagram at ‘mariemonttheatrebycindependent.’ We are sharing email updates to our members who join ‘Friends of The Mariemont Theatre.’
Lastly -thank you for your patience through this transition. You can email any questions to allyson@cindependentfilmfest.org.