AUGUST UPDATE: THE HOLDING PATTERN CONTINUES
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).
Last month, we had put forward our "best case scenario" of a re-opening in early August (this Wed. the 5th, to be precise). But once again, we are caught in a holding pattern and that WILL NOT be happening. Although several other movie theaters in central Oregon are open showing old movies and encouraging visitors, we cannot justify doing either at this time. With outbreaks expanding in dozens of states, and new controls put in place by the Governor here in the last few weeks, it's clearly not safe yet...nor is it going to be profitable for us anytime soon - even when we do re-open.
With that in mind, we are asking you for your help. Throughout America, independent movie theaters like ours are now in grave danger. We are aware of two within hours of Sisters here in Oregon that are currently facing an existential threat. But there is legislation before Congress THIS WEEK that could make a huge difference to all of us - it's called the RESTART Act, and we would urge you to contact our reps in Washington DC for their support.
You can learn more & help reach your Senators or Congressmen at www.saveyourcinema.com.
As for our re-opening, late August is a definite possibility as of this writing, but we don't want to get anybody's hopes up...least of all ours. We have been down this road too many times in recent months. However, when we have a definitive and confirmed date, we will post it here ASAP.
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.
In gratitude - #SistersStrong!
Drew Kaza & Yee Cheng
Co-Owners
