Accession 2017.035 - 2017 acquisition

The Aron Cinema is Campbellford Ontario, has been owned and operated by Paul Imperial from 1976 to 2011. The theater began screening films in 1947. Due to the lack of growth in the rural area, and change in cinema, the Aron was set to close down in 2009. The community rallied together, wanting to save the cinema that had become a major part of their neighborhood over the years. Together, they turned the theater into a not-for-profit co-operative. By selling bonds, fundraising, and the Imperial family taking out a mortgage, the facility was able to re-open in 2011. For their efforts, the Imperial family was awarded a plaque commemorating their 35 years of dedicated service.

With new backers, the theater has continued to be updated, the largest change being the upgrade to a digital projector from a 35mm projector. This has allowed the theater to show mainstream on-release Hollywood films. The theater has also begun to rent the space out to private parties and become a stage for festivals, even partnering with the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) to bring art and documentary films to the community.