The Nightlight Cinema is small but intimate. This is my favorite Indy theater. They run great films in an intimate setting. They have great seats, great events (like meeting the producer), and great snacks. This is truly what the cinema experience should be.

We don't go to regular movie theaters very often, but we are Fans of Nightlight. We arrive just as the doors are unlocked so we can sit in the super comfy reclining seats in the front row! Love love love the indy films shown in this cozy place.

Let me make suggestions for improving the value of this cinema. I accompanied a friend to see the film that told much of the life of jazz pianist Bill Evans late in August 2017 on a Saturday afternoon. For those of you you who do not want to travel to far away cities see art films or foreign language films or independent films of noteworthy value as contemporary cinematography unfolds in several places here is an additional reason for people to visit this section of downtown Akron along with the Akron Art Museum. More space is needed to accommodate the film crowd. This cinema attracts people who would like to watch a film with other human beings who have similar tastes. If space is available a large separate room for discussions is needed to be used more often. Seeing film fans come and leave through same door is not good. Management should do something extra to create and sustain a network of film goers. Selling drinks, popcorn and snacks is not the best way to attain this goal. Do not make the cinema operate with a concession stand atmosphere. Sustain and recognize an intellectual mission for the cinema to play and do something to implement that mission.
Parking is not plentiful or abundant in the vicinity. Parking discounts or privileges for using the parking lot when viewing the film with tickets to be validated in the cinema should be considered. In some ways this cinema is a little too small in terms of simple physical space of an attraction to accommodate a large crowd. It is tucked in-between building space already utilized for other purposes. Lobby should be larger. Long over due in major ways to say the least about what was missing in downtown Akron. Now connections should be made and utilized with the two universities and their film studies programs or departments. One or more additional viewing rooms are needed. There has been showing recently on local television a series of films under the title Blue and Green to highlight the benefits living in the city of Akron. Naturally this cinema series should be featured there but additional connections with Blue and Green need to be made to promote cinematography. Admission prices are sometimes too high for the length of the film to be seen. Some arrangements for first time viewers of a particular film to return to see the same film a second time at a reduced price for developing a faithful clientele is needed. Films crowds of true believers are sustained and created this way not by charging a separate full admission for a second viewing of the same film. Under this traditional arrangement it is like checking out books at the library without chances to renew them. Also it is not good to fill the patrons with food and drink and not provide them with reading assignments like critical reviews of the film on the schedule. Make available to people copies of the film reviews from leading newspapers as reading assignments for home work in anticipatIon of up coming films as well as the film on the screen that week. Relationships through reading with film reviewers and film critics is what is needed to sustain a critical audience knowledgeable about cinematography not snacks and an empty lobby where people walk in and out rushing to their cars to leave. I question the value of the snack bar for this reason. I welcome this cinema. Do not squander the advantages by showing the art films that attract one segment of film viewers. Foreign language and foreign films as well as independent films are needed. Serious students of film should become regular parts of your audience not outsiders. Next door or near-bye I believe that there are two or more places where film viewers can congregate and discuss the film. Do create a relationship for sharing audiences for this purpose. The stores that are selling ice cream and coffee are quiet and conducive or suitable for doing these activities.

This is a little gem of a theater, showing top notch independent films. The lobby offers a sofa and little tables with candles. Soft drinks and alcohol are served, along with snacks you don't ordinarily find in theaters (Jeni's ice cream!). If you enjoy independent films and unique theaters, this is the place for you.