Amherst Cinema Announces Cost Cutting Measures

Source: Amherst Cinema

Amherst Cinema this week announced several measures to reduce costs and sustain its core mission and operations.

In a letter sent to members and supporters, Cinema leadership announced that even though audiences have returned and ticket sales rebounded, sales are currently 20% below pre-pandemic numbers. The same is true for Amherst Cinema Memberships, which hover at about 85% of what they were five years ago. These factors, combined with rising costs, have resulted in three straight years of deficits for the Cinema, an unsustainable trend.

Effective March 7, the Cinema will discontinue some of its least attended showtimes (Sundays at 9 p.m. and Wednesdays at 2 p.m. and 9 p.m.). Its Masked Morning program has been consolidated to Sundays only.

After extensive analysis, the Cinema determined that reducing its operations from four to three screens is the most sustainable path forward. As a result, in mid-May, the Cinema will permanently shutter its Studio Theater (a space it leases rather than owns) and proportionally reduce staff to align with operations.

“We’re taking measures to reduce costs as part of a broader organization-wide sustainability plan, directing resources where they can have the greatest impact and safeguarding our ability to deliver on our mission. We will also redouble efforts to increase membership levels and philanthropic gifts,” said Barton Byg, President and Chair of the Cinema’s Board of Directors.

Even as it has worked to minimize financial losses, the Cinema has invested in equipment and facility upgrades to deliver the best customer and cinematic experiences possible. This includes upgrading projection technologies in its three theaters, greatly improving picture and sound quality.

Executive Director Yasmin Eisenhauer said the Cinema remains committed to its programmatic values and, despite the loss of one screen, expects to continue to showcase a wide variety of films. In fact, she said, the Cinema’s most recent newsletter features more events and special programs than ever before. “Two things can be true at once. While we’re feeling the impacts of a disrupted film exhibition landscape, our commitment to advancing cinema arts and culture has never been stronger. We’ll continue to program critically acclaimed stories from around the globe, bringing audiences together for emotional, educational, and entertaining moviegoing experiences. As we like to say, there is something for everyone.”

Ending on a hopeful note, Eisenhauer shared, “Amherst Cinema is a local nonprofit arthouse born out of the community. In 2026, we look forward to celebrating our 20th anniversary in and with our community. Headed toward this milestone, our goals are to shore up and preserve our fiercely independent, local treasure.”

About Amherst Cinema
Amherst Cinema is an independent, nonprofit arts and education center brimming with world-class programs. The comfortable, fully accessible theater offers state-of-the-art projection and sound and is a welcoming crossroads for all. Amherst Cinema presents over 250 films and events a year on four screens in more than 35 languages. For more information or to make a donation, visit: https://amherstcinema.org