 A small movie theater, the Downing Film Center in Newburgh, is closing after a run of about 17 years. Founded in July 2006 by Brian and Sharon Burke and their son Kevin, the film center has specialized in showing classics, foreign films, documentaries and independent features.
In announcing that the last showing will be on April 27, the Burkes thanked local patrons for having kept the film center in operation.
“We are fortunate to have made so many friends through a shared passion for cinema and to have enjoyed such extraordinary support through the years from our devoted employees, generous volunteers, donors, members, and fans,” the Burkes said.
The Covid pandemic and associated restrictions that kept people away from movie theaters hurt, as did the realities of the changing economics of the movie theater business.
The film center had been operating in the Yellow Bird building, the former Burger Furniture warehouse at 19 Front St. in the south end of the Newburgh waterfront.
The Burkes were proud of their fresh popcorn and selection of coffees, teas, and soft drinks, along with traditional movie candies and fine chocolates.
When interviewed by the Business Journals for a profile of the film center, Brian Burke said, “Going to the movies or to the theater is a way to join with others who enjoy a common pastime. It”™s a joy to hear the audience clapping for a film at the end of it and hearing them critique it as they leave.”
The Downing Film Center operated as a nonprofit that was supported by memberships as well as ticket and concession sales..
“Our younger son encouraged me to take a chance on opening a small movie house, and knowing my love of films and the theater, it wasn”™t hard to take him up on the challenge,” said Burke.
The theater was named for architect Andrew Jackson Downing who was born in Newburgh in 1815 and became a renowned landscape designer.
