Beloved Oakland County Cinema Planning To Close For Good

MILFORD, MI — A beloved Oakland County cinema is planning to close for good at the end of the month.

Milford Independent Cinema, located along Summit Street in Milford, will permanently close its doors on Jan. 31. The cinema has been in the community for more than 50 years.

Staff cited multiple reasons for the closure, including streaming platforms, evolving film distribution models, rising operational costs and increasing box office fees required to show first-run films.

Additionally, they said the cinema has been unable to secure the level of corporate sponsorship or large donors needed to offset the growing expenses. They said the cinema needs roughly $70,000 a year to cover operating costs and long-term sustainability.

"The decision was not made lightly and is not due to a lack of effort or community support. The Milford community showed up for us time and time again with attendance, donations, fundraising, and unwavering encouragement. We truly tried to evolve with the industry and meet the needs of our community. Unfortunately, we simply did not have enough time, or the level of corporate and major donor support required to get where we needed to be," the Cinema's Board of Directors said.

Staff said the closure is not due to a lack of trying. They have expanded the theater's role to offer space for private rentals, nonprofit events, business and corporate meetings and community programs.

"We are heartbroken," the board added. "This closure is not due to lack of trying. We are deeply grateful to our patrons, volunteers, partners, donors, staff, and especially the young people who grew, learned, and led within these walls."

You can learn more and help support the cinema at this link.