Loss of Aspen movie house ‘would leave noticeable void’
Community members respond to Isis Theatre financial woes

Ray K. Erku/The Aspen Times
Every thriving small town has certain essential components: a supermarket, pharmacy, bookstore, and movie theater.
This was a common mentality shared among longtime locals after Aspen Film, the nonprofit that operates Isis Theatre, reported earlier this week that it has exhausted its financial reserves, having lost about $680,000 over the past four years.
“The Isis Theatre has long been a cornerstone of Aspen’s arts scene, and it’s an institution that serves locals and visitors alike,” former Aspen Words President Susan Bober said in a prepared statement. “In a community like ours, so steeped in art, music, and world-class amenities, the loss of Isis would leave a noticeable void.”
The theater is also currently in need of $15 million in renovations, according to Aspen Film Executive and Artistic Director Susan Wrubel. She and Aspen Film Board Chair Katherine Chapin urged Aspen City Council this week to amend the theater’s deed restriction, which would allow them to convert one of the four theaters into a lease space to help offset operational costs.
“We’ve stretched our limited resources, explored many options, and our staff has worked tirelessly to keep the doors open because we know how much it means to this community,” she said.
Community members like Chris Klug, founder of the Chris Klug Foundation, shared how Isis has been a part of his family’s life for years.

“Our family loves the Isis Theatre, which has been a part of our lives since Dominic introduced the films,” he said. “It brings great value to our community and benefits families like ours, as well as our children in school. This year’s screening of ‘The Wild Robot’ was especially memorable for our son and his school friends.”
But the financial reality is stark.
Box office sales nationwide have dropped by more than 23% since 2019, with independent cinemas like Isis facing added challenges as streaming services reshape moviegoing habits. Since then, the U.S. has lost nearly 3,000 screens, a number that continues to grow.
“Being newer to the board, I could not be more proud that we’ve sustained the theater this long,” Chapin said. “But it’s been at the cost of our organization, as it has drained us financially.”
During the Aspen City Council work session on Monday, she presented a three-part plan to create a sustainable future: downsizing to three screens for efficiency, amending the deed restriction to allow rental income from the upstairs space, and easing naming restrictions to enable donor recognition while preserving the iconic Isis name.
“We made it clear to our mayor and City Council that this was not a request for a handout,” she said. “It’s a request for the tools to create sustainability.”
Following the presentation, she expressed optimism.
“We were very heartened and uplifted by the positive response from City Council,” she said. “Mayor Torre and the council members understand the importance of preserving Aspen’s arts institutions, and we are optimistic that with their support, and the community’s, we can energetically and positively move forward.”
She urged residents to take an active role by attending events, becoming Aspen Film members, and contributing to the effort.
“If we want to keep Aspen’s history alive, we’d love for everyone to help and to act now,” she said.
As Aspen Film moves forward with plans to transform the Isis, Wrubel encouraged the community to show support in tangible ways.
“We will circle back when we can with specific ways in which the community can help,” she said following the city’s encouraging feedback. “In the meantime, locals and visitors can contribute by attending films, renting theaters for private screenings, and enjoying the theater’s signature popcorn — now served with free real butter, thanks to a generous donor.”
Aspen Film’s programming continues with events like Radical Wednesdays, a screening series kicking off Feb. 5 at Isis, where many who attend dress in 1980s attire for a fun evening out. More details can be found at aspenfilm.org/radical-wednesdays.
The organization is also gearing up for its flagship event, Shortsfest, taking place at the Wheeler Opera House and Isis Theatre from March 31 to April 6.
The festival’s prestige continues to grow, with three films from the 2024 event now nominated for Oscars. Discounted Early Bird Shortsfest passes go on sale Feb. 3, with more details coming soon via aspenfilm.org.
“This is a spirited and fun festival which happens around town, so there are many opportunities to get involved, support, and help,” Wrubel said.
Those looking to contribute directly can donate to Aspen Film or designate their gift specifically to Shortsfest at aspenfilm.org/donate.
“The Isis Theatre is more than a movie house; it’s a gathering place, a cultural landmark, and a living piece of Aspen’s history,” Chapin said.
Whether the city rallies behind Chapin’s vision remains to be seen, but both she and Wrubel say they have already seen a massive influx of community support.
Aspen art collector Nancy Magoon put it simply: “I do not want to live in a city without a movie theater.”
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