Small theatres struggle as Hollywood goes digital

CRETE, Nebraska (AP) - The Isis Theatre hasn't changed much since it opened 86 years ago in Nebraska, a stone's throw from the grain elevator and railroad tracks that cut through town.

But in the past few years, the movie industry has changed dramatically, and unless the Isis' owner comes up with US$85,000 (S$107,000) soon to pay for new digital equipment, residents of Crete, Nebraska, may have to drive 64km to Lincoln for a night at the movies.

It's a prospect that owner Thom Reeves doesn't want to ponder, but like thousands of small-theatre operators across the United States (US), he hasn't found a way out.

"This is my passion, to give back to the community," Mr Reeves said. "I love this movie theatre. I love what it does for the students I have employed there. We love our patrons. It's such a positive experience going on, and we're just a little sad this conversion is hitting us. How do we survive?"