Movie theaters in the Omaha metro have struggled in the time since the COVID-19 Pandemic began. One theater unique to Omaha is Film Streams, a nonprofit that has shown independent, foreign and local movies for over a decade. Film Streams was one of the first theaters to close when the pandemic began.
"Currently, there are no plans to re-open." Said Film Streams Communication Director Patrick Kinney. Kinney added that Film Streams has started a streaming service - Film Streams At Home - where Metro moviegoers can peruse their normal programming by paying to rent one of their movies to watch on their website. All proceeds from Film Streams at Home go to support the theater.
Recently, Film Streams has started renting out theaters to patrons for private screenings. "You can't exactly have anything you want screened on one of our theaters - but we're happy and willing to work with interested parties to find something they're excited to see." Said Kinney. Kinney adds that for an additional fee you can play any release on the Film Streams at Home platform as well as other new releases.
The Private Screening process starts by filling out an inquiry form on the Film Streams website. Any vetting the staff needs to do of any interested party will be done during that process. The fee is based off of a feature film with a standard runtime - meaning you can only rent out a theater for one screening, as opposed to the whole day.
On how social distancing is enforced at private screenings, Kinney said: "we created this handy graphic for anyone with questions about social distancing. All attendees are asked to review this information before arriving at our theaters. Film Streams staff will be on hand at all private screenings to help with the experience and ensure compliance."
Re-opening for Film Streams looks like its a long way away even still. "Its hard to see what re-opening would look like without a crystal ball. I've seen theaters re-open without the rules we've put in place here, only to close again because distributors aren't putting out movies right now and so they don't have anything to show." Said Kinney.
If you want to support Film Streams, Kinney says memberships are still a good way to do that, along with donations, rentals from Film Streams at Home, and renting out theaters for private screenings. Even though their theaters are closed, Kinney says Film Streams Members will still be eligible for perks such as discounted private screenings and lower film rental fees.
(Credit for photo goes to WOWT 6 News)