Williamstown’s beloved Images Cinema is one of the few remaining single screen theaters still in operation in America. Throughout it’s history, the cinema has left quite the impact on the Williamstown community, doing much more than showcasing entertaining, thought-provoking movies.
Images hosts events such as their annual Red-Carpet Party (a fun way to celebrate the Oscar-nominated movies) and a film festival where students across all of Berkshire County can showcase their filmmaking talents. Just last year, they opened the cinema lounge, located right across their main lobby. This additional space is used as a second screening room, as well as a bar and a gathering spot.
Now, Images Cinema has asked us to “Look Forward”, as they have launched their bold fundraising campaign which will go towards further renovation. In a statement released by their executive director Dan Hudson, he aims to make sure the theater continues to adapt to the constantly evolving movie landscape.
“Since taking the reins here at Images Cinema in the Fall of 2022, I have been hard at work with our board and staff to chart a course for Images to not only survive but thrive as we address the changing film industry and the evolving needs of our community,” Hudson said. “Our vision is simple: to ensure Images is the premier film center in the region, serving a diverse and robust audience.”
One of the cinema’s main challenges being taken into consideration is that distributors with first run films require a minimum of two week runs and a maximum of four week runs. Almost every time, this frame exceeds the market size for Images. In addition, the distributors require one movie per screen during its run, meaning two first run films cannot share a screen by alternating at different showtimes.
To tackle this, enter Images’ planned renovation. The capacity of the main theater will be reduced to 70 seats and a brand-new theater with a 19-seat capacity will be created, located right behind the main theater. This way, simultaneous screenings and the rotation of films can be made possible and will allow for more opportunities for events and film festivals to occur.
On top of this, the theater will be receiving upgrades that range from new seats and better accessibility to improved screens, projectors, and sound. “Demolition, construction, fit-out, and seating/AV installation will take place over the course of four to five months,” says Hudson. They expect to temporarily close the main theater after the summer tourist season (around late August), but the lounge is expected to remain open and off-site collaborations will continue while all the renovations and upgrades are happening. They expect Images will be fully reopened by February 2026.
On Sunday, March 2, Images held their annual Red-Carpet Party that not only honored the Oscar-nominated movies this year but also showcased some plans for the theater. In doing so, they debuted an advertisement for the “Look Forward” campaign (which has recently been included as part of the pre-show reel), and even unveiled a prototype of what their new seats will look like, promising to be more comfortable than their current ones.
Alongside the larger fundraising campaign, a seat campaign has also launched, allowing members and customers to claim a seat by inscribing their name, or to pay homage to a beloved film legend or a loved one. Other exciting fundraising events and future gatherings revealing plans for the theater are taking place throughout the year. Hudson says he is very grateful for all of the support that the Look Forward campaign has received so far. “It is an honor and privilege to lead this community art house.”
