SEPT. UPDATE: DOORS RE-OPEN THIS WEEKEND (FOR ART)
Dear Friends, Supporters & Followers of Sisters Movie House:
Following on the recommendations of local, state and Federal authorities for helping to reinforce “social distancing” and reducing the risks of further contagion, Sisters Movie House temporarily closed its doors on Monday March 16th. We did so voluntarily, and a full week before the state's mandated "shelter in place" went into effect. Within days, the rest of the US (and the world) had followed suit and "going to the movies" was largely impossible (except for a handful of drive-ins).
With recent clarification from the Governor's office, coupled with some new releases (still a trickle, not a flood) we think there might be some light at the end of tunnel, although we won't re-open for regular business until sometime in the fourth quarter of 2020.
We're happy to announce that, as part of the Sisters Art Association Studio Tour for 2020, we will be re-opening on the weekend of Saturday & Sunday, September 26th and 27th. We will also be featuring new artwork in the lobby area from our "resident artist" Davis Te Selle (based in Portland, but a frequent Sisters visitor), including works from his latest show in Portland. Our hours will mirror that of the rest of the "tour" - opening at 10 a.m. both days, closing at 4 p.m.
We will be limiting attendees to 10 at a time and masks are required. There is no admission charge.
This is an excellent opportunity for you to come see us (socially distanced), take away a bag of our delicious popcorn (we know you've missed it) and we'll have gift cards, gift baskets and Club memberships for sale for those who want to support SMH during this difficult time.
Whenever we ultimately re-open, we want you to be aware that Sisters Movie House is taking numerous steps to ensure you can have confidence in returning to visit your local cinema. We are part of the #CinemaSafe consortium - for more information on what this entails, see here.
Also whenever that is, please know that we expect this to be a long, hard slog back. Our business likely won't make another profit before there's a vaccine for this virus, so we are still asking you for your help in other ways. Throughout America, independent movie theaters like ours are now in grave danger. We know of two within hours of Sisters here in Oregon that are currently facing an existential threat, for example. But there is legislation still pending in Congress that could make a huge difference to all of us called the RESTART Act. If you haven't done so already, would you think of contacting our folks in Washington DC for their support?
This website makes it really easy for you: www.saveyourcinema.com. Click and learn more and/or easily send a message to our Senators Merkley and Wyden or Congressman Walden.
For other updates, please join us on Facebook (@SistersMovieHouse) or via Twitter (@Sisters_MH).
Thanks again to each of you that has reached out during this time to express your concern for the health of our business & asking how you can help. Again, right now, the simplest and best thing you can do is go to www.saveyourcinema.com.
However, if you do wish to do something more in the interim and you are either not yet a member of the Sisters Movie Club, or you might consider purchasing a membership for a loved one, now is a great time to do so. Just click on the Sisters Movie Club tab at the top of this page for more information and to sign up. Memberships WILL be adjusted to activate for a full year from whenever we re-open.
Hope to see you this weekend - #SistersStrong!
Drew Kaza & Yee Cheng
Co-Owners
