The show will go on. a/perture cinema is sticking around. After a call for help to the community, Winstonians stepped up to save the day. City Editor Kellina sat down with Leigh Dyer, the new executive director of the arthouse cinema for a preview of what's ahead in 2025.

Roll back the tape

In mid-September, a/perture's board of directors announced it was at risk of closing, asking the community to contribute to its $100,000 goal by the end of 2024. The theater surpassed its goal by a landslide. Let's break down how much the nonprofit received:

$70,000 in grants
$181,000+ from individual donations
594 individual donors stepped up to contribute
1,000+ more moviegoers walked through the doors in the fourth quarter in 2024 than the same time the previous year

All the efforts amounted to a grand total of $251,775 raised through the #saveaperture campaign. Dyer said she was glad to see community support in action.

"it was really nice to have people remembering we're here, not taking us for granted," she said.

Plotting the next move

When it comes to what's ahead for the arthouse cinema, Dyer says collaboration is the main focus this year.

"I want culinary partnerships with local chefs. Maybe that chef can pick a movie — a favorite movie — and create a menu inspired by the movie, and then we will show the movie," Dyer said.

Programming for filmgoers is something the theater will continue. a/perture will host an Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday, March 2 at the historic Chatham building downtown. Dress as your favorite movie character and enjoy cinema-inspired cuisine, curated cocktails, a silent auction, and a viewing of the Academy Awards from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tickets cost $100+.