The Independent Picture House (IPH), Charlotte’s only non-profit community cinema, just announced a major expansion that will double its size.
IPH will be adding a fourth auditorium with 145 seats. Additionally, a pre-function area will be built for educational offerings, community events, and gatherings.
This new space will increase IPH’s footprint by 4,639 square feet. The expansion aims to make IPH able to support events like September’s Charlotte Film Festival.
A celebration for the new space is scheduled for Wednesday, May 22, from 5:30 PM to 7 PM, free and open to the public.
“We have seen extraordinarily positive reactions from the community. This expansion comes at the perfect time as demand for screenings and events grows,” IPH Executive Director Brad Ritter said in a press release.
As of May 20, IPH has secured 60% of the necessary funds, with a public fundraising campaign starting May 22 to reach their $725,000 goal.
This summer, IPH plans several programs leading up to the September 24-29 Charlotte Film Festival, including:
- The Summer of ‘84 series: Celebrating films from 1984.
- The Critic’s Eye film series: With Lawrence Toppman and Tim Whitmire, every other Tuesday, May 28 – July 9.
- Indie on Wheels screening: At Sugar Creek Library on June 11.
- Community Impact Film Series: Focused on Immigration on July 20.
- Monthly Free Saturday Cartoons for families: Every second Saturday of each month.
Designs for the Independent Picture House’s new space are in early stages. Construction is expected to start this summer and completion aimed for early November. Current programming will continue without disruption.
