NOVEMBER UPDATE: STILL SHUT BUT STILL THANKFUL
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).
Never in our worst nightmares did we envision that we'd be sitting here in November, 250+ days later, and still be shut. And yet we are.
At the same time, it's Thanksgiving week - and we remain ever grateful.
This year, we won't be working on Thanksgiving, as is our custom, or welcoming packed houses into the theaters on Black Friday. Yes, the Governor has ordered a "two week freeze" but we wouldn't be open even if this wasn't an edict. This pandemic is raging. Now is simply not the time to encourage people to go out and interact in any fashion and we hope all of you will take the advice of the CDC and stay safe.
As for us, we now fully expect it will be early 2021 (and by that, we mean, Feb.-Mar. maybe) before we will re-open again. But when we do, we will do so safely. You can learn more about our protocols here.
Financially, of course 2020 has been disastrous for us. For the full year, our revenue has declined by over 90%. Unlike many businesses, we have not been able to qualify for PPP or other loans. Sadly, the exhibition business, along with owners of live music venues, seem to have been ignored by most of the politicians and unlike restaurants, airlines and some major corporations, there has been no "bailout" for us.
We think this is unfair of course. And we're still hoping that some help can be secured before it's too late for many in our business.
We are joining forces with the live/performance venue folks in our effort called #SaveOurStages - and of course, we continue our on-going campaign known as #SaveYourCinema. If you want to help, please go to www.saveyourcinema.com and let your elected officials know that you support our efforts. While DC can help, we'd also encourage e-mails, letters and phone calls to Sisters City Council, Deschutes County Commissioners, our state legislators and the Governor's office.
As ever, in the interim if you wish to do something more to support us directly, think about the Sisters Movie Club. 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. Makes a great Christmas gift (if your recipient doesn't mind a little deferred gratification).
Thankful for you now - and going forward.
Drew Kaza & Yee Cheng
Co-Owners
