Kerasotes should lift ban

It's time for a change.\nSince 1995, the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre has been unable to show movies because of a stipulation placed on the theater by Kerasotes Theatres. Kerasotes donated the theater to the Bloomington Area Arts Council, but didn't want to create a competitor through its generosity. State Senator Vi Simpson told the IDS last Monday that talks with Kerasotes might result in lifting the ban.\n"They're very interested in seeing to it that the Buskirk-Chumley is successful in the community," she said.\n We feel this is a great idea. The Buskirk-Chumley could show movies that can't be seen in mainstream theaters, and the Bloomington community would have a chance to see many of the independent films unavailable now in mainstream theaters.\nBut that could create competition in the times movies are shown and in which movies people choose to see. Some people might choose the Buskirk-Chumley over Showplace Cinemas one weekend, which is a scary thought for Kerasotes. But the outcome would be positive -- there would be more choice for movie-goers.\nThe Bloomington community should have more options when going to the movies. The current situation leaves room for only the top-grossing movies to be shown every week. Without theaters such as the Buskirk-Chumley or the Von Lee able to bring other types of movies to the community, Bloomington is at a loss. Many downtown residents would like the opportunity to enjoy films shown within walking distance, too.\nWe encourage Kerasotes to lift the ban on the Buskirk showing movies. Bloomington citizens should be able to see more than just box office hits. Kerasotes has provided Bloomington with the Buskirk-Chumley, which is capable of bringing theater, music and now hopefully movies to the city. The Buskirk-Chumley has been a valuable venue for a wide variety of events, including Mayor John Fernandez's State of the City address and several events during both Arts Week and the world-renowned Lotus Festival. Kerasotes is on the right track -- now it needs to follow through and bring the movie experience back to the Buskirk-Chumley. \nStaff vote: 12 - 0 - 1\nyes - no - abstain