Dimming Lights: The decline of movie theatre popularity (includes mini documentary)

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For over a century, theatres have offered the most immersive way of watching films within big screens and surrounding sounds. Featuring sharing tension, laughter and emotions, the theatres are what help the story breathe from the screen. However, especially after the pandemic, theatres have been in constant threat because of the growth of streaming platforms. 

People are no longer interested in leaving their homes to go to see a movie because it has become something everyone can easily access from the comfort of their house. Seeing this trend, the industry has shifted towards faster at home viewing, with movies having very short theatrical windows and some others without any.

This raises even deeper concerns regarding the future of aspiring filmmakers. This short documentary explores these concerns through firsthand voices of filmmakers whose dreams lead them to the theatre—where their stories can come alive once the lights dim.

Franco Szejpiacki, originally from Neuquén, Argentina, is pursuing a degree in Digital TV and Multimedia Production. His passion for storytelling and filmmaking drives his ambition to build a career in the film industry.

Diego Benitez is a junior at Florida International University majoring in digital communication and media. He is extremely passionate about the sports industry and entertainment industry and hopes to be an ESPN sports analyst

Ranndy Moreira is a junior at FIU majoring in Digital Broadcasting who is passionate about sports and media. He hopes to turn that passion into a career as a sports analyst or broadcaster for a major network like ESPN or NBC.