Just when I started to make a list of theaters to visit in the future, I checked out the website for Central Cinema in Alameda, California to find out what will be playing there and learned that this independently-run movie theater is closing.....TODAY!

This is very sad news, as it is a small single screen movie theater that shows first-run Hollywood films. If you live in California and can get there today, I am asking that you show support for Central Cinema by going to the last screening of Iron Man this evening.


Central Cinema is located at 842 Central Avenue (at 9th St.) in Alameda, California. I spent some time today reading about DIY film sreenings with plans on setting one up for an upcoming feature film and Central Cinema was on my mind. The closing of this movie theater may not be a suprise to some people because there is an 8 screen cineplex that opened up down the street at 2317 central avenue. This theater of course is showing first-run films as well. It's current lineup includes Sex and the City, Hancock starring Will Smith and the new Wanted movie with Angelina Jolie among others.

When I read news about the new theater opening up, I hoped that this would not affect Central Cinema. This small movie house was reported to be the only theater in Alameda, California. If that was the case, local residents and even visitors from out of town would surely benefit from having Central Cinema there in operation. In times like this, I wish that I had at least half of what Donald Trump makes so that I could help to keep small theaters like Central Cinema in operation. The closing of this movie theater is sad for two reasons. Moviegoers will no longer be able to enjoy a movie in a cozy environment without listening to other people's cell phone conversations. Secondly, filmmakers will no longer have the opportunity to screen at this movie theater. It makes for an even smaller number of options for independent films to screen in the United States.

The Last Showing of Iron Man at Central Cinema is 7pm.

Central Cinema Website

Photo by Mike Kepka

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