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That is the opening line from Owner David Bramante in a letter addressed to his customer base at West Newton Cinema in Newton.
In efforts to keep the business alive and usher into the modern era, the family came to the difficult decision to sell the property.
West Newton Cinema will continue operations for the next 18 months to two years until the new owners decide what to do with the space.
"Mark Development has agreed that the cinema can continue to lease space and operate at the current site while our family considers different models," Bramante said. "At this time, Mark does not have development plans for the site, but has committed that if we identify a new entity that can sustainably operate the theater, it will remain in place.
While the family will no longer be running the show, they hope West Newton Cinema's legacy will continue among the Newton community.
"Our theater has been the setting for countless memories and special moments," Bramante said. "We could not be more grateful for the support we received from the community and our longtime customers during the most challenging periods of the pandemic."
The management change was shared in the Newton Community Facebook page, where people chimed in to share their fondest memories of frequenting the cinema.
"This is indeed the end of an era," one person wrote. We have been regular patrons of West Newton Cinema since we moved to West Newton in 1984 and love that we can walk to the movies. We have appreciated the choice of films- from independent to art films and also festival participation."
"This is so sad and such a loss for the community and indie arts industry," another person wrote. "I hope it can stay as a theatre or something community-serving."
Updates about the cinema will be posted on its website.
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