Detroit Movie Theater Shutting Its Doors, Will Host Pop-Up Screenings

DETROIT — A Detroit theater in Midtown is closing down after 10 years.

Cinema Detroit, the home of rare and independent films, will shut its brick-and-mortar location on third avenue at the end of June.

Founder Paula Guthat said in a statement there are many reasons why the theater is shutting down, including rising rents and business in the post-pandemic era.

Guthat said the theater did receive some Federal pandemic relief funds and some funds from the State of Michigan, but these weren’t enough to keep going. The theater was also unsuccessful at securing new grants.

While Guthat looks for a permanent location, the theater will be hosting pop-up events, including a series of screenings at the University of Michigan Dearborn beginning June 16. You can view the screenings here.

Guthat said she's trying to find another Midtown area location, but noted it's been difficult since the theater needs a building with high ceilings and no load-bearing columns. In addition, she said the theater doesn't have the money to build from scratch.