The owner of FilmBar, downtown Phoenix’s independent cinema and bar, is calling on the community to help keep the theater stay afloat after it was forced to close amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Owner Kelly Aubey, took to Instagram Thursday, asking the community to purchase movie tickets and gift cards. The movie ticket purchases, which are not tied to any showtimes, would serve as donations to help the theater pay its rent and help those employees hit closely by the closure of the theater.
“Our numbers almost two weeks ago started to slowly drop and then over last weekend I could see them falling off a cliff,” said Aubey.
The FilmBar has been temporarily closed and several employees have been laid off. Aubey hopes the donations can help the theater and employees equally make it through this time.
“If we are successful in this part of the ask, this will be able to support those folks as well and make sure that they are not going to lose their house and can feed their kids,” said Aubey.
Phoenix residents began showing their support and commenting on Aubey’s post that they donated and purchased tickets.
FilmBar is one of the few businesses in downtown that has survived the gentrification wave that hit the downtown Phoenix area.
Its showtimes feature movies that are not typically available at chains like Harkins or AMC theaters. They also host special sing along events every Wednesday and let visitors bring their dogs to certain showings.
Jacky DeBlasi, an English teacher and Phoenix resident, was one of the many who purchased the lifetime movie ticket.
“When they had the offer for $120 for a lifetime of movies, I am pretty confident I will go to at least 12 in my life, so it seemed like a great way to help them while also helping myself,” said DeBlasi.
DeBlasi moved from New York in July 2019 and found comfort in going to the FilmBar when she didn’t have a social circle in Phoenix. She is among the many that love to support locally and see the importance of having theaters like FilmBar.
Patrons were able to select from various donation options such as a $40 gift card, a daily movie ticket for a lifetime for $120 or a regular movie ticket purchase option.
According to an article by Bill Goodykoontz of AZ Central, AZcentral.com, Aubey hopes to raise $100,000 to help support the FilmBar rent and his team.
Aubey took to Instagram to post and update, stating that in a matter of 48 hours he had reached three-fourths of his goal.
“It’s pretty indescribable feeling, I don’t want this to be just about FilmBar, this is what we can do for each other, this is what a community is really about,” said Aubey.
In an online statement by the FilmBar team, an announcement was made that a fundraiser is being planned to help other local businesses and people of the Phoenix community that are in need of help through this financial hardship.
“The most important thing to remember is that there’s a human across the street from you, and that we can share and help each other,” said Aubey.
Contact the reporter at pmachad2@asu.edu.
