The Rotary Club of Akron had the pleasure of listening to Jenn Kidd, Executive Director of The Nightlight Cinema during our May 9th Club luncheon meeting. Jenn oversees the programming and development of one of Akron's most exciting cultural institutions. Before joining The Nightlight Cinema, Jenn served as Creative Director for the Historic Arts District in Akron. She oversaw marketing, promotions, events, and outreach for the district's arts-based partners. With a long-standing background in the arts, Jenn has worked as a creative and visual consultant for numerous arts organizations and businesses.
When she's not enjoying films at The Nightlight, Jenn is an accomplished artist who enjoys family time with her husband, an artist, and son, a sculpture major at the University of Akron.
What is Nightlight Cinema’s Mission?
The Nightlight is dedicated to bringing the best in independent and arthouse cinema to Akron. By offering thoughtfully curated and quality films that are diverse in scope, The Nightlight fosters connection through a shared cinematic journey - where all can experience and celebrate the magic and power of cinema.
How Long has the Nightlight been providing movies to the Greater Akron area?
The Nightlight has been impacting Akron since 2014. The Nightlight audience is more than just movie-goers - they are a community of people who come together to support local businesses, enjoy cultural experiences, and connect with one another over shared interests. Whether they're grabbing dinner before a film, visiting the museum, catching a live band, or meeting up with friends over drinks to discuss the latest indie flick, the Nightlight audience is a vital part of the downtown Akron ecosystem.
Some Interesting Statistics:
- Virtual Screening Room: 115 Films Shown, 1,456 Attendees
- Outdoor Screenings: 22 Events, 1600 Attendees
- Theatrical Screenings: 805 Films Shown, 100,916 Attendees
Some Areas of Focus:
- AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander): 77 films, including Everything Everywhere All At Once (low-budget Chinese-American sci-fi that went on to win several Oscars)
- Black American/African Diaspora: 84 films, including I Am Not Your Negro (tribute to, and study of James Baldwin that let the Nightlight celebrate a singular American artist and thinker)
- LGBTQ: 48 films, including Portrait of a Lady on Fire (unforgettable opening night for a modern queer classic, one of the most emotional crowds leaving a theater)
- LATINX: 14 films, including Neruda (Pablo Larrain's surreal study of the famed Chilean poet and ambassador)
The Nightlight has collaborated with over 100 local and regional organizations.
What is the Future of Cinema in Akron?
Currently, the Nightlight Cinema has a 40-seat capacity. The organization is currently in a capital campaign to add a 2nd screen. Expanding will allow The Nightlight to double its physical footprint and create endless possibilities for community engagement and world-class cinema experiences in Akron.
- The Nightlight will activate an underutilized area on High Street, creating vibrant entry with a glowing marquee, welcoming everyone who travels into Downtown Akron from the North into the Historic Arts District.
- By adding a second screen, The Nightlight will attract more than 30,000 people annually to experience the Akron Arts ecosystem.
- The Nightlight will be free to serve different audience segments simultaneously through unique programming.
- The virtual component of the second screening room plan will allow them to host in-person virtual conversations with filmmakers globally without being limited by location.
- The addition of a second screen will allow them to make more timely bookings during peak films to catch shortening theatrical windows and have the flexibility to hold films that catch on with audiences.
- The Nightlight will be able to increase our community programming partnership activity through hosting events and screenings with local organizations, non-profits, and film festivals.
To learn more about The Nightlight Cinema, including showtimes, tickets and membership information, check out their website at www.nightlightcinema.com
Yours in Service -
Terry Dalton
Akron Rotary Club Secretary and Scholarship Chair
