MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee Film announced Tuesday that it is taking over operations for the historic Downer Theatre, which had closed last September after more than 100 years of operation.
“This is a story of what dedicated supporters can do,” said Anne Reed, Milwaukee Film’s Interim CEO. “By stepping forward to support Milwaukee Film, our community is saving another historic cinema and all the moments of story and connection that can happen there again.”
Milwaukee Film's operation of the theater will begin on April 12 with the launch of the 2024 Milwaukee Film Festival. Regular operations will resume on April 26.
Many people told TMJ4 News that they are excited that the doors will be open once again.
"It's a great place. It's part of the community. Always has been. And people love going there," East Side Resident, Luke Mitchell explained.
He has enjoyed movies on the big screen at Downer since the 1970s.
"It's comfortable, everybody is nice and they show great films," Mitchell explained.
Watch: Coverage from September 2023: Downer Theatre closes after nearly 108 years
“Our being able to reopen the Downer this spring is a significant occasion for our organization as well as for the neighborhood,” noted Cara Ogburn, Artistic Director at Milwaukee Film. “When the Downer closed last year it meant that many films could not show on screens in our city. Adding these two screens to our footprint will allow us to better serve our community with high quality films year-round."
The 2024 Milwaukee Film Festival will take place April 11-25 at four local venues, including the Downer. Other theaters include the Oriental Theatre, the Avalon Theater, and the Times Cinema.
When the Downer reopens to the public after the film festival, on April 26, Milwaukee Film says it will feature "a year-round program of first-run independent, foreign, and documentary films."
"Downer Avenue has kinda had ups and downs and we're excited to be a part of the re-excitement," Artistic Director of Milwaukee Film, Cara Ogburn explained.
Ogburn said it feels right for Milwaukee Film to acquire the historic building.
"It wasn't a question right. There was really no question who the right operated would be. We knew we wanted it to be us," Obgurn explained.
“The Downer Theatre, with its storied past and charm, has been a cornerstone of Milwaukee's cinematic and cultural scene since its opening in 1915. Milwaukee Film and its board are thrilled to bring life back to the theater and cinema back to the neighborhood. Our mission has always been to make cinematic experiences possible for as many people as possible, and expanding our footprint in this way is a key next step in doing that,” said Susan Mikulay, chair of Milwaukee Film’s board of directors.
Visit mkefilm.org for more information.
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