In an interview with The Independent Sunday, the last day of the festival, Ms. Knakal stressed if the group raises the money and buys the Crandell, the Film Club plans to keep the traditional, wide-screen theater, which still has a functioning balcony, much the way it is today. She says the club would still play first-run, family-oriented movies.
She and Mary Gail Biebel, the club's treasurer, have been traveling around the area talking to the owners of independently owned theaters, like the Avon in Stamford, Conn., and theaters in Amherst and Northampton, Mass. "We've been doing a great deal of homework," said Ms. Biebel. One thing they have discovered is that the Crandell most likely won't survive if it becomes just an art house movie theater.
Ms. Knakal also said they did not intend to raise the famously low ticket price ($5 for adults) or the inexpensive candy and popcorn prices.
Sandy Quirino, who works at the concession stand, said she's sad about the idea of retiring, but selling the theater to the film club means it will stay open and she's encouraged that the club plans to "keep it the way it is."
The Crandell Theatre opened in 1926 and has only been run by two different families in its 80 years. Mr. Quirino, whose father bought the theater in the '60s, has not set a date for retiring and plans to work with the film club as it takes over the business. He bought the theater from his father in 1980 and said now he and his wife run it all--from the ticket booth to projecting the films.
He said one of the main reasons he's retiring is the film industry's move toward the digital format.
Mr. Quirino said he would have to get new equipment and make changes to the projection room that could cost $250,000. "I can't see myself going into debt at this point," he said.
Ms. Knakal said that digital technology costs are factored into the $1.5 million, as well as needed renovations on the roof and the bathrooms. She also said that since the film club is a not-for-profit organization it has access to grants that may help fund work on the theater.
She also described Mr. Quirino as "a great partner."
Fundraising has already begun, with a $100,000 anonymous donation and a $50,000 pledge. Though the club doesn't have a date for when it needs the rest of the money, Ms. Knakal said, "We feel the need to do it soon rather then later."
Ms. Biebel said that the film club is optimistic about the project. The club has had a good turnout for the film festival, with full houses for all the evening shows and a high attendance this year for the afternoon films. The club also shows independent films at the Crandell the last Sunday of every month.
For more information about the fundraising campaign go to The Columbia Film Club website, www.filmcolumbia.com.
To contact reporter Emilia Teasdale email eteasdale@IndeNews.com.
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