The a/perture cinema is a unique and locally-owned art house cinema located in Downtown, Winston-Salem. This cinema opened in 2009 and has been loved by many, but it was recently announced that it may be closing down near the beginning of 2025. The screenings are a mix of documentary, foreign and local films shown in two 80 seat theaters as well as a new 25 seat alternative space.
Film is an extremely important aspect of society because it has the ability to influence, educate and inspire whoever watches it. Movies and film are a form of artistic expression that is greatly valued among most people.
“I don’t think you can just discount what films mean to somebody. I’ve got into acting and the performing arts but that’s just my story. I think that everyone has a story in that regard where they’ve just been touched by a film they’ve seen,” theater Manager Aaron Botts said.
The a/perture suffered financial trouble following the COVID-19 pandemic as well as difficulty adapting to changing movie culture. After the pandemic, since people were quarantined, streaming services began to gain more and more use and popularity. People have the luxury of having access to almost all new movies at home. People wait about two weeks or so for newly released movies to be added to streaming services to be rented or bought. Due to the sudden popularity boom for streaming services in 2020, movie theaters have been negatively affected, causing box office numbers to plummet each year.
“I think that there have been new people attending since the risk of [a/perture] closing has been announced. But I’d say the biggest things that’s helping us is all the donations that we have been getting and the partnerships that we are gaining with the community,” Botts said
Lawren Desai, the cinema’s founder and executive director, is expected to work until the end of 2024, but her replacement is still being sought after. Along with the search for a new executive director, the cinema is seeking help from the community and donations to stay open.
“Lawrens resignation just showed everybody why this [a/perture] is a cultural staple here that is worth keeping open,” Botts said.
As of September 24th, the cinema has raised about two-thirds of the $100,000 fundraising goal needed so the cinema can continue operating in 2025. Even though there are risks of a/perture closing in 2025, many remain hopeful and extremely supportive of the theater.
“I think that it’s a misconception that it is [a/perture] closing. As a nonprofit, we have to reach a certain donation amount to remain open. We are two-thirds of our way there in just two weeks so I don’t think we’re closing by any means, I would even say we’re stronger than ever,” said Botts.
Anyone that’s interested in making a donation to help keep this beloved non-profit business open can visit, https://aperturecinema.com/donations/
