Cinemapolis, a non-profit theater in the heart of downtown Ithaca, offered all customers a free ticket to a film of their choice on Saturday, March 18th. The event, sponsored by the CFCU Community Credit Union, gave members of the community a chance to enjoy the cinema.
According to Kate Donohue, the theater’s new executive director, the goal was to host an event that would put Cinemapolis at the center of people’s attention. Cinemapolis screened nine films and three shorts Saturday, including the Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin comedy Moving On, the attention-grabbing horror comedy Cocaine Bear and the psychological thriller Inside.
Many Cornellians expressed their enthusiasm and support for the event.
“I support the exploration of Ithaca with everything it has to offer,” said Nathaniel Chin ’23.
The Cinemapolis Free Movie Day event provided an opportunity to revitalize awareness around theater despite falling cinema attendances nationwide and local movie theater closures.
“We’re a constant presence, a place that people can always go to,” Donohue said.
Saturday’s event was also intended to give the public a chance to meet Donohue as Cinemapolis’ new CEO. In January, Donahue followed in the footsteps of predecessor Brett Bossard, who spent nearly a decade at Cinemapolis.
“Special experiences happen when we come into the theater and give it our full attention and time,” Donohue said.
Cinemapolis was filled with excitement and enthusiasm on Saturday. Word spread across Ithaca, and residents of all ages eagerly awaited free movie tickets.
Ithaca resident Adam Bryant told The Sun that a colleague had told him about the free film event and that he was excited to be attending. Julia Spandegrad said that free admission motivated her visit to the theatre.
The event was made possible with support from the CFCU Community Credit Union, theater co-chairs Enid Littman and Sue Perlgut, and the Greater Ithaca community. Donahue said Cinemapolis looks forward to future collaborations and partnerships with organizations in Ithaca.
The Ithacans expressed their appreciation for the event and their willingness to come back.
“I think we’ll be back,” said Monte Boyer, an Ithaca resident. “We are new. It’s our first time.”
Chuan Chang grad said he really appreciates the event and hopes to come to Cinemapolis to see future films.
Donohue also encouraged Ithaca college students who may be reluctant to travel away from their campus to visit Cinemapolis.
“It’s tempting and easy to spend your college experience in the campus bubble,” Donohue said. “Ithaka is a place with so many cultural resources, Cinemapolis is certainly one of them.”
Leo Glasgow ’26 is a Sun employee. He can be reached at [email protected]
