Greenbelt Cinema’s director told the City Council that operations are recovering from pandemic-era lows and that earned income from facility rentals and fundraising are helping narrow the gap with expenses.

Dr. Caitlin McGrath reported that revenues and expenses both trended upward in 2024 compared with 2023 and that rental income rose from about $30,000 in 2023 to roughly $42,000 in 2024. The theater’s end-of-year campaign had a $100,000 goal and raised about $82,000, McGrath said. Box-office income remains below pre-pandemic levels, the director added, and the nonprofit continues to rely on city support to sustain operations and community programming.

McGrath described several community programs: an extended media-lab partnership with local schools (Silver Oak School premieres), an expanded summer youth film program in collaboration with GATE, and a second-screen rental market for birthday parties, small meetings and one wedding. She said publicity, targeted social-media ads and recent press coverage helped bring new patrons to the theater.

Council members and residents suggested joint marketing for Roosevelt Center businesses and discussed possible improved signage or a marquee to boost visibility from Greenbelt Road. McGrath said the cinema is pursuing a modest digital-marquee option as part of a bond-bill project pending historic-preservation review; she asked council to consider how city signage and coordinated marketing could encourage more visitors to Roosevelt Center.

McGrath said the cinema plans a 10th‑anniversary VIP event and a public celebration on May 3 that will include film trivia, a raffle and family activities.

No council action was taken; staff and the cinema director discussed continuing collaboration on marketing and a potential bond-bill project that could include signage and modest stage improvements to enable additional live programming.