Community Helps Save West Newton Cinema During Coronavirus Crisis

NEWTON, MA — For the past four decades the West Newton Cinema has been a staple welcome for movie-goers near and far, to be counted on for a quality film, a date-night destination, or just a place to escape with friends. But when concern about the spread of coronavirus forced it to close its doors temporarily, like many other small businesses the future of the cinema and the people who worked there became uncertain.

So, in a hope-filled effort to raise a little money to help their father and uncle, owners David and Jimmy Bramante, David's children took to GoFundMe to ask for help paying the bills and operating expenses that will pile up while the independent cinema is closed for at least a month.

"Over the course of our entire life, we have watched our father pour his blood, sweat and tears into the Cinema," wrote Bridget Bali, Bonnie and Russell Bramante. "It is because of his work, along with the community that has supported the business, that the movie theater has been a part of birthday parties, film festivals, first dates, school field trips, proposals, family & treasured films, the list goes on..."

The plea resonated.

In the first two days dozens of people donated $10,000. In a week, some 290 people had donated nearly $27,000, surpassing the goal of $25,000.

"When we started this campaign, we didn't know what was possible, and wow," said Bridget Bali in an update.

The money raised here will help pay bills and operating expenses that will continue to be owed during the weeks and months ahead.

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Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna).