For over 50 years, Denver’s independent movie theaters have become a staple for film buffs and locals alike. Theaters under the chain Landmark, as well as Denver’s Sie Film Center, are well known for showing movies from more independent, artistic filmmakers rather than big-budget blockbusters. However, in the past month alone, two historical arthouse theaters in Denver have closed, which begs the question: Are local movie theaters in trouble?
When the news first came out that Landmark’s The Esquire theater was closing, local moviegoers were devastated. The Esquire had been running for 97 years, making it one of the oldest-running theaters in Denver. Despite that, on July 18th, the century-old cinema shut down for good.
Just as people were turning to similar theaters, Landmark announced that the Chez Artiste would be closing only a few weeks later on August 8th. Outrage sparked among Denver patrons who appreciated what these theaters had to offer. Both employees and clients expressed that they felt betrayed by Landmark for shutting down two beloved theaters, especially with such short notice. However, their screenings were not the only reason people loved these theaters so much; compared to the Mayan, another historic theater owned by Landmark, the Chez Artiste was easily more accessible, meaning elderly and disabled audiences would be forced to find other ways to watch new movies.
According to Denver7, the Esquire will be refurbished into a modern retail and office space, keeping tit’s iconic neon sign and marquees intact. However, there are currently no plans for the Chez Artiste.
No matter how disappointing these closures were, it was a long time coming. Movie theaters of all kinds have struggled to fill their seats post-COVID, especially considering the rise of streaming services. But remarkably, this trend has impacted larger theater chains much more than small ones. According to a 2022 article by Business Insider, many local theaters fared far better than those like AMC, who nearly had to file for bankruptcy during the pandemic. This may be on account of the sheer flexibility indie theaters have when choosing what they want to screen. Owners can curate their personal selection of films without having to worry about what a corporate office thinks. That way, theaters can pivot their focus based on audience demographics.
As of right now, the fate of independent movie theaters in Denver is still uncertain, but there are still plenty of ways to keep them alive. Many host events showing reruns of older films, allowing people to experience their favorite movies in theaters. Independent film keeps getting better, and there are plenty that can appeal to every taste.
Even with these closures, local Denver theaters still receive a significant outpouring of love. They have become community centers, music venues, and hubs for creativity. Events such as Film on the Rocks continue to be some of the most popular summer attractions in Colorado, drawing in crowds of thousands. Independent film as a whole has reached all-time highs at the box office. Local businesses are the heart of Denver, so it’s important to give them as much support as possible while they’re still around.
