More moviegoers want to enjoy independent cinemas, contrary to reports. Among the closure of local theaters like Hugh Grant recently lamented , the National Audience Survey, conducted by Art House Convergence , found that independent exhibitors are still in high demand. More than 32,000 people, ranging in age from 15 to 98 years old, from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, confirmed that there is a need for indie theaters.
Forty-six cinemas across the country participated in the survey, which illustrated that audiences go to art house cinemas for more films outside the mainstream (84 percent), interesting programming and events (73 percent), “more films I like” (66 percent), and more of a sense of community (60 percent.) “While we’re constantly met with clickbait analysis about the perilous state of theatrical exhibition from Hollywood’s perspective, it was remarkable to hear from the audiences of independent cinemas across the U.S.
for the results of our 2024 National Audience Survey,” Kate Markham, Art House Convergence’s Managing Director, said. “What we learned of course is what we already knew to be true: art house moviegoing audiences are still attending their local cinemas, new and younger patrons are discovering these independent exhibitors, and the creativity and variety of programming is what keeps them coming back.” Markham continued, “These are the defining characteristics of an art house cinema and this is why, as a sector of the exhi.