The Nightlight Turns 10: Looking Back at a Decade (Plus) of Cinematic Memories & Milestones
July is our 10th Anniversary Month, so we’re keeping the celebration going by reflecting on The Nightlight story so far — and the passionate people who’ve played key roles along the way.
Can you believe it? The Nightlight turned ten on July 1, and we’ve got a decade of photos and milestones that bring back memories.
Fresh off our festive 10-Year Celebration Weekend, we’re feeling thankful for not only reaching double digits, but also for the many irreplaceable relationships we’ve made over the years.
What a joy to see all of you, and celebrate this milestone together — the many people we’ve made movie memories with, in the space those memories were made.
That’s the magic and power of cinema. The same stuff that brought people together, before we even had this space. People who believed independent film had a place in Akron, Ohio.
Ten years in, and The Nightlight community is flourishing!
(And our Second Screen Expansion is right around the corner.)
But not all who are familiar with our indie cinema today have heard how far back The Nightlight lore (and love for film) really goes…
So, let’s look back on a decade of cinematic magic, the pivotal moments along our 10-year-plus journey, and the people who made it all possible.
2002–2013: PRE-NIGHTLIGHT
How it all began: a passionate film student with a spark of inspiration
In 2002, Rob Lucas, then a student at the University of Akron, founded the Akron Independent Film and Video Festival. The festival initially found its home at UA’s Gardner Student Center, where students and film enthusiasts gathered to celebrate independent cinema.
By 2006, the festival had grown, and The 2380 Project, a student filmmaking organization, took the reins. Named for the distance in miles between Akron and Hollywood, the project hosted film fests at the Student Union Theater in 2006 and 2007, drawing larger crowds and more attention. In September 2007, a dedicated team, including Steve Felix, Mike Honeck, Kendra Minadeo, Rob Lucas, and Sara Lucas, took a significant step by incorporating the festival and achieving 501(c)3 nonprofit status.
Cofounder Cory Sheldon addressing an audience at the Akron Art Museum.
The 2008 festival, hosted at the Bang and the Clatter Theatre in Summit Artspace, was a resounding success, attracting filmmakers and film buffs from far and wide. Later that year, the inaugural hosting of Freakishly Short Animation Festival forged a lasting relationship with the Akron Art Museum, drawing over two hundred attendees and selling out the auditorium.
An excited audience waiting in anticipation at one of many Akron Film+Pixel events.
In 2009, the organization rebranded as Akron Film to reflect its expanding scope, which now included monthly screenings. By 2011, with the addition of artistic and innovative video games, it evolved into Akron Film+Pixel. The same year, the organization moved its offices to the renovated second floor of Summit Artspace, transforming it into a bustling venue for nearly weekly events.
This evolution set the stage for a significant transformation: on July 1, 2014, The Nightlight Cinema officially opened its doors at 30 North High Street in Downtown Akron’s Historic Arts District.
Architect Mary O’Connor taking five during our initial construction in 2013.
2014–2019: OUR FIRST FIVE YEARS
Inside The Nightlight theater, opening night.
From the moment we opened our doors in July 2014, it was clear that Akron had a hunger for the kind of films we were bringing to the community — films that spark conversations and inspire imaginations. We quickly became the go-to spot in Akron for seeing indie films with friends.
In 2015, we had the honor of hosting the Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF 39) for “A Day in Akron.”
That same year, our efforts to make a place for independent film in Akron were recognized with The Knight Arts Challenge, which provided crucial funding for our growth.
The Nightlight team celebrated winning The Knight Arts Challenge with a photo under the Akron Civic Theater marquee.
Miriam Bennett and Anthony Crislip stationed behind the bar at The Nightlight.
In 2016, we welcomed Anthony Crislip to our team, now our illustrious theater manager, whose knowledge of and passion for cinema and our community continue to make a positive impact!
By 2017, with the support of our community, we successfully funded a Kickstarter campaign to install new theater seating, making our space even more welcoming.
Celebrating our five-year anniversary in 2019 was a joyful milestone, a testament to the support and love from our patrons and growing community.
2019–2024: THE NEXT FIVE YEARS
Coming off celebrating five years, things would take an unforeseen turn.
The world faced unprecedented challenges with the pandemic, but The Nightlight adapted and persevered. In 2020, we pivoted to launch The Nightlight Virtual Screening Room and Nightlight Under the Stars, keeping the magic of cinema alive through:
115 virtual screenings that attracted 1,456 viewers
22 outdoor showings across six locations bringing together 1,600 attendees
These initiatives allowed us to stay connected with our audiences, even in difficult times.
Our marquee in spring 2021 — a sign of good things to come after a pandemic-induced hiatus.
Jenn Kidd, Executive Director
June 2021 marked a significant turning point as we reopened our doors at limited capacity. Jenn Kidd joined us as the new Executive Director, bringing fresh leadership and vision, and passion for people and films — embodying the same spirit in which The Nightlight was built.
By the end of 2022, we announced plans to expand and add a second screening room, an exciting development for the future of film in Akron.
In 2023, our Capital Campaign gained remarkable momentum, highlighted by a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $65,000. This year also set a record for attendance, with over 16,000 movie lovers joining us.
The Future of Film in Akron Is Brighter Because of You.
Looking ahead, it won’t be long before we kick off construction for our Second Screen Expansion, thanks to your unwavering support of our vision. We are deeply grateful for all you who have been instrumental in making the Second Screen dream a reality.
With a decade of cinematic milestones behind us, we are excited to continue bringing people together through the power of film, fostering a love for cinema in the heart of Akron.
The future of The Nightlight shines bright, and we look forward to sharing more movie magic with all of you — and more memories in the month ahead.