COLLEEN BARSTOW, INDEPENDENT CINEMA LEADER, DIES AT 64
Colleen Barstow, a longtime leader of independent cinema, died on January 10. She was 64.
Colleen Barstow was not only a driving force behind the Omaha-based family-run theater chain ACX Cinemas, but also a nationally respected leader in the independent cinema industry. At the time of her passing, she served as Treasurer of the Executive Board of Directors and Chair of the Independent Theatre Owners Committee for Cinema United. On Cinema United’s Executive Board, she represented independent exhibitors across the country with clarity, conviction, and compassion. She was on the Cinema United Board from 2022-2026 and was also instrumental in the North Central Cinema United conferences.
Colleen co-founded Main Street Theatres alongside her husband, Bill Barstow, in 1988 after answering a newspaper ad for a small, single-screen theater in Nebraska. What began as a leap of faith—financed through borrowed credit cards and fueled by determination—grew into ACX Cinemas, a seven-location cinema chain known for innovation, hospitality, and community engagement.
“Colleen was a tireless advocate for independent theatre owners,” remembers Cinema United CEO Michael O’Leary. “I had the privilege of working with her closely and she always brought energy, ideas, and commitment to everything she did on behalf of our industry. Of course, her greatest joy in life was her family – her husband Bill, her children, and beautiful grandchildren – to whom we extend our deepest condolences and support.”
From the earliest days, Colleen was the heart of the business. Born in Detroit, she was one of nine children. She left her job in banking to help build the company from the ground up—delivering film prints between theaters, managing operations, and raising a family alongside the work. Her children grew up in theaters, learning first-hand the values that would later shape ACX’s culture and leadership.
Colleen believed that the power of cinema extended far beyond the screen.
“To me, the movie is always secondary,” she said. “We like bringing people together. We like telling a story—and that story isn’t always the one on the screen.”
That belief guided her work both locally and nationally. She was a tireless advocate for independent theaters, encouraging collaboration over competition and urging exhibitors to engage deeply with their communities. She championed theaters as gathering places—homes for festivals, fundraisers, nonprofit events, and shared experiences.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Colleen played a critical role in industry advocacy, working alongside fellow exhibitors and Cinema United leadership to help secure federal relief funding for shuttered venues and independent theaters. Her steady leadership helped guide the industry through unprecedented disruption.
She is survived by her husband Bill Barstow; their three children, Michael Barstow, Andrea Barstow-Olson and Amy Evans; and four grandchildren. A funeral service will be held on Friday at the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Omaha, Nebraska.
Category: Member News
Cinema United Issues Statement for the Record for House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust
WASHINGTON, D.C. – (Jan. 7, 2026) – Today, Cinema United, the world’s largest exhibition trade association representing more than 31,000 movie screens across all 50 states and over 30,000 additional screens in 80 countries worldwide, submitted written testimony to the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Administrative State, Regulatory Reform, and Antitrust hearing on the myriad harms caused by the proposed acquisition of the iconic Warner Bros. studio.
In the statement, Cinema United advocated: “We are deeply concerned that this acquisition of Warner Bros. by Netflix will have a direct and irreversible negative impact on movie theatres around the world. Such an acquisition will further consolidate control over production and distribution of motion pictures in the hands of a single, dominant, global streaming platform in a market that is already highly concentrated. The impact will not only be felt by theatre owners, but by movie fans and surrounding businesses in communities of all sizes.”
Cinema United extended its concerns of the proposed Warner Bros. merger beyond Netflix, adding: “If Paramount or another major studio ends up displacing Netflix as the buyer, our concerns are no less serious. A combination of Paramount and Warner Bros., for instance, would consolidate as much as 40% of each year’s domestic box office in the hands of a single dominant studio.”
The statement outlined four primary harms to the industry caused by consolidation, namely, Fewer Movies Produced for Theatrical Exhibition, Increased Marketplace Leverage for Studios vis-à-vis Theatre Owners, Reduced Diversity of Films for Movie Fans, and Job Losses Across the Entertainment Industry and in Communities Worldwide.
“The key to a successful industry overall is having a diverse, robust, and consistent product pipeline that responds to consumer demand. The number of films being produced for theatrical exhibition is slowly returning to pre-2019 levels. However, that growth is threatened by further consolidation. At best, an acquisition of Warner Bros. will stall the growth we have seen in the last four years. More realistically, however, it will result in a significant reduction of theatrical releases.”
The statement concluded: “We must heed the lessons of the past: further industry consolidation has consistently led to fewer movies being made, and there is no reason whatsoever to believe the outcome here would be any different, particularly given Netflix’s stated views of movie theatres over the past decade-plus.”
For a PDF copy of the full statement, click here.
ABOUT CINEMA UNITED
Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing 31,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, with an additional more than 30,000 screens in 80 countries. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org.
National Popcorn Day Is Back — Bigger and Better, Offering One Day Only Popcorn Deals at Movie Theatres Nationwide on January 19
WASHINGTON, D.C. & LOS ANGELES, CA – January 5, 2026 – Movie theatres nationwide will celebrate National Popcorn Day, the annual nationwide celebration of America’s favorite movie snack on Monday, January 19. An initiative of Cinema United and The Cinema Foundation, this one-day-only event, at participating theatres, will feature unique promotions, discounts and offers on hot delicious movie theatre popcorn. Fandango, the nation’s leading online ticketing service, has joined the campaign for another year as its presenting sponsor.
“National Popcorn Day is one of those moments that reminds us why people love going to the movies,” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “It’s about sharing a big screen experience, and enjoying the amazing combination of movies and popcorn together that you simply can’t replicate anywhere else.”
“We’re excited to once again partner with The Cinema Foundation to celebrate National Popcorn Day in theatres nationwide on January 19,” said Jerramy Hainline, EVP of Fandango. “The theatrical experience is truly unmatched, and concessions like Popcorn play a big role in making every theater visit memorable to fans, whether they are watching the latest blockbuster, a beloved re-release, or even a live event. We’re proud to support exhibitors by helping fans enjoy their favorite theater snacks at a great value.”
According to a Fandango study of more than 6,000 Moviegoers, 96% of general ticket buyers said they purchased concessions during their trip to the movies with Popcorn being one of the most popular items and 61% of participants saying they like to order a variety of concessions.
To find participating theatres and their offers, visit your local movie theatre’s website or app, AtTheMovies.co, or Fandango.
ABOUT CINEMA UNITED
Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing 31,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, with an additional more than 30,000 screens in 80 countries. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org.
ABOUT THE CINEMA FOUNDATION
The Cinema Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit dedicated to strengthening the cinema industry and engaging moviegoing audiences around the country. The Foundation promotes and enhances the exhibition industry through programming, events and activities, while spearheading the development of vital industry data, research and consumer insights, education and community involvement to advance the moviegoing experience.
ABOUT FANDANGO
Fandango digital network provides unrivaled, instant access to all things movies and TV, enhancing fan enjoyment across the entire entertainment journey. The portfolio serves more than 50 million unique visitors per month and includes leading online movie ticketer, Fandango, which tickets for 31,000 U.S. movie screens; world-renowned entertainment review site, Rotten Tomatoes; and Fandango at Home (previously Vudu), the on-demand streaming service offering the industry’s best selection of 4K UHD titles and more than 250,000 new release and catalogue movies and next day TV shows.
Register for CinemaCon 2026 Today!
Registration for CinemaCon 2026 is open! Join us at Caesars Palace from April 13-16, 2026. Registration rates are below, and you can register here.
Cinema United Visits Cinergy Midland Tall City
Cinema United’s Todd Halstead recently joined Cinergy Entertainment Group for the VIP night at its newest and largest project yet: Cinergy Tall City in Midland, Texas. Timed to open alongside the premiere of Avatar: Fire and Ash, the 98,000-square-foot cinema entertainment center is built for shared experiences. What was once a long-closed movie theatre is now a vibrant cinema entertainment center that’s creating more than 180 new jobs and marking a real investment in this West Texas community.
Cinema At The Center
Cinergy co-founders Jeff and Jamie Benson have long said cinema is the foundation of the company’s growth, and that philosophy is at the heart of the building. Cinergy Tall City features six luxury dine-in auditoriums with recliner seating, laser projection, and premium sound. Two of the screens are equipped with 4K RGB laser projection and Dolby Atmos, showing a strong commitment to presentation, led by David Zylstra, Director of Theatre Technology. Movies aren’t an afterthought here. They’re the anchor.
Beyond the Screens
Outside the auditoriums, the venue opens into a full entertainment destination. Cinergy Tall City features:
- 11 lanes of boutique bowling
- Four escape rooms
- A sprawling arcade with more than 80 games (with plans to reach 100 next year)
- A full sports bar anchored by a massive projection wall that turns game day into a shared event.
The center’s layout is flexible, with private event rooms and adaptable spaces that can handle everything from birthday parties to corporate events, fundraisers, and community gatherings. It’s a good example of how cinemas are expanding what they offer while keeping movies front and center. As Jeff put it, Tall City was built to deliver the kind of big screen impact and entertainment experiences people usually have to travel hours to find.
A Team Effort
The VIP night was also a reminder that projects like this don’t come together without teamwork. The Bensons surprised Kathi Gillman, Vice President of Construction and Capital Asset Purchasing, with a championship belt in recognition of her work overseeing the project to completion. Kathi worked closely with colleagues like CTO Bill Radtke, Vice President of Operations Todd Maunsell and design-build partner ARCO Murray to make the venue a reality.
A Win for Midland
The team’s hands-on approach extended to the night itself. COO Darek Heath jumped behind the bar to channel his best Cocktail-era Tom Cruise, while Rich Schwarte, President and CFO, engaged guests and gave tours, and Jordan Michael, head of Box Office & Guest Experience, helped keep the event moving. Chief Marketing Officer Traci Hanlon summed it up well, calling Cinergy Tall City the company’s most dynamic and immersive location yet, one where every element, from elevated dining to next-generation attractions, was designed with guest experience in mind.
Local leaders were equally enthusiastic. Midland District One City Council representative Brian Stubbs joined the event and spoke about how Cinergy Tall City reflects the kind of public-private partnership that supports the city’s goals around economic growth and quality of life. He pointed to developments like this as part of the bigger picture, alongside schools, parks, and neighborhoods, when people decide where they want to live, work, and raise families.
Looking Ahead
Cinergy’s roots in Midland run deep. The company opened its original Midland location in 2013, a project that exceeded expectations and helped fuel its national growth. Since then, Cinergy has expanded to 10 cinema entertainment centers across four states, totaling 82 screens, and was named Top Family Entertainment Center of the World by IAAPA.
And Tall City isn’t done growing. Cinergy Speedway Extreme Karting, a 45,000-square-foot expansion, is already underway and scheduled to open in spring 2026. Featuring multi-level electric kart racing and dedicated spectator viewing areas, it shows Cinergy’s continued push to raise the bar on what cinema entertainment centers can be.
As Cinema United continues visiting exhibitors across the country, Cinergy Tall City stands out as a strong example of how movie theaters can energize the communities they serve.
Cinema United Releases “Strength of Theatrical Exhibition” 2025 Update Spotlighting Important Movie Theatre Industry Metrics
Movie Fan Engagement Remains High with Gen Z Moviegoers Leading the Charge to the Local Theatre
LOS ANGELES, CA – (Dec. 17, 2025) – Cinema United, the world’s largest exhibition trade association, today released the 2025 update to its “Strength of Theatrical Exhibition” report, an annual analysis of key industry metrics beyond traditional box-office performance. This year’s update highlights how theatres are building loyalty through innovation, high-quality experiences, and a diverse slate of films—trends that continue to drive strong audience engagement. The report includes a special spotlight on Gen Z moviegoers, whose frequency of attendance grew by 25% over the last 12 months*, the largest increase of any age group.
“Weekend box office is important, but a more accurate measure is looking at the industry on an annual basis and considering myriad other factors in the marketplace to get a more complete picture of the strength of the industry,” said Michael O’Leary, President and CEO of Cinema United. “2025 is a perfect example of a year where an inconsistent box office threatens to overshadow other variables that point to a bright future for movies on the big screen.”
Key findings in the 2025 update include:
- The number of habitual moviegoers (those who see at least six movies annually) grew by 8% *.
- 77% of Americans aged 12-74 saw at least one movie, representing a total of more than 200 million Americans*.
- Cinema loyalty programs in North America saw a 15% jump in new subscriptions from 2024 to 2025**.
- Among all age groups, Gen Z went to the movies more frequently, averaging 6.1 visits, up from 4.9.*
- 41% of Gen Z audiences went to the movies six times or more, up from 31% in 2022*.
In addition, the Cinema United “Strength of Theatrical Exhibition” 2025 update features unreleased Gen Z-focused data from global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company’s Attention Equation report, revealing new insights into what Gen Z seeks out most in going to the movies, namely, immersive moviegoing experiences and unique concessions as the two highest-rated priorities.
“Movie fans, led by Gen Z, in particular, love coming to the movies and theatre owners are responding by spending over $1.5 billion upgrading their theatres over the past year in North America alone,” O’Leary continued. “The number of people who saw six or more movies grew a staggering 8% last year, and with the amazing slate of 2026 movies on the horizon, that trend has a chance to continue. Time and time again, consumers show that when investment and innovation combine with a great movie to create a special experience, the theatrical business thrives. That time-tested foundation of our industry remains strong, and we are excited to build upon it toward greater success in the coming year.”
*Source: NRG’s Future of Film report, August 2024-August 2025
**Source: Cinema United
CLICK HERE TO SEE THE 2025 UPDATE
ABOUT CINEMA UNITED
Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing 31,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, with an additional more than 30,000 screens in 80 countries. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org.
Cinema United Staff Supports Cranford Theatre Reopening In New Jersey
[Left to Right: Cinema United’s Harry Medved, Cranford Theater’s Doreen Sayegh, Cinema United’s Matt Pollock]
Cinema United staffers Matt Pollock and Harry Medved recently attended the reopening of the nearly 100 year-old Cranford Theatre, the cultural gathering place for the historic Main Street America town of Cranford, New Jersey.
Reopening and revitalizing the five-screen Cranford Theater has been the result of the hard work of indefatigable cinema owner Doreen Sayegh (highlighted in Cinema United’s Behind the Screens: Faces of Exhibition video from CinemaCon 2025), along with her family and team members.
“The movie theatre is definitely the anchor of our downtown,” says Downtown Cranford Executive Director Caren Demyen said at the the theatre’s reopening on December 2, 2025, “People go see a movie at The Cranford Theater and they will stop at other downtown destinations to have dinner or drinks nearby. Because of the wide variety of movies playing at the cinema, they’ll be introduced to the town of Cranford, New Jersey, and then will want to come back. We do a lot of cinema-merchant collaborations, like Sunday Dinner & a Movie with our local bistro or an in-theatre book-reading tie-in with the Cranford Bookstore. The local merchants really appreciate the theatre being here, and they see first-hand how it helps their business. We’re so grateful that Doreen and her team were able to achieve this holiday miracle for us. She embodies what community means with the support she’s provided for all of us. We’re so lucky that Doreen and the theatre are here.”
Cinema United Opposes Proposed Acquisition Of Legendary Hollywood Studio Warner Bros.
Fewer Movies and Lack of Meaningful Commitment to Theatrical Exhibition will Hurt Consumers, Theatre Owners, and the Entertainment Industry around the Globe
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Dec. 5, 2025 – Cinema United, the world’s largest exhibition trade association which represents over 30,000 movie screens in all 50 states, with an additional 26,000 screens internationally, announced today their opposition to the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Netflix.
“The proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. by Netflix poses an unprecedented threat to the global exhibition business. The negative impact of this acquisition will impact theatres from the biggest circuits to one-screen independents in small towns in the United States and around the world,” said Cinema United President and CEO Michael O’Leary. “Cinema United stands ready to support industry changes that lead to increased movie production and give consumers more opportunities to enjoy a day at the local theatre. But Netflix’s stated business model does not support theatrical exhibition. In fact, it is the opposite. Regulators must look closely at the specifics of this proposed transaction and understand the negative impact it will have on consumers, exhibition and the entertainment industry.”
This mega-deal between Netflix and Warner Bros. would risk removing 25% of the annual domestic box office if films that are traditionally given a robust theatrical release by Warner Bros. disappear from theatres. Netflix currently grants only a handful of their films a token theatrical release and the overwhelming majority of Netflix titles go straight to their platform.
“Netflix success is television, not movies on the big screen. A true commitment to theatrical means a robust slate of movies with a meaningful period of theatrical exclusivity supported by marketing. Sporadic and truncated theatrical releases to meet awards criteria in a handful of theatres is not a commitment to exhibition.” O’Leary added. “Movie theatres are cultural and economic anchors of communities of all sizes – we are a Main Street industry. Research shows that for each dollar spent in a local movie theatre, an additional $1.50 is spent in surrounding businesses in the community—restaurants, bars, shopping centers, transportation. That is what is at risk here if we sanction fewer movies in the marketplace. Theatres will close, communities will suffer, jobs will be lost.”
ABOUT CINEMA UNITED
Founded in 1948, Cinema United is the largest exhibition trade organization in the world, representing more than 31,000 movie screens in all 50 U.S. states and Canada, with an additional more than 30,000 screens in 80 countries. Its membership includes theatres of all sizes, from the largest cinema chains to one-screen theatres in cities and towns around the world. For additional information, please visit cinemaunited.org.
Headlines Newsletter, December 2, 2025
| Global Box Office Variety: ‘Zootopia 2’ Box Office: All the Records Set in Opening Weekend Global Highest animated global opening of all time (based on current rates) Fourth-biggest global opening of all time after “Avengers: Endgame” ($1.2 billion), “Avengers: Infinity War” ($630 million) and “Spider-Man: No Way Home” ($587 million) Biggest global debut of 2025 Highest global opening for an animated sequel ever Largest global opening ever for Walt Disney Animation Studios Highest global opening for any animated film in Disney’s 102-year history Biggest opening weekend increase from original to sequel for any animated franchise (239%) Read full article Release Calendar The Hollywood Reporter: ‘Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ Live-Action Movie, New ‘Sonic’ Set 2028 Releases From Paramount Paramount‘s 2028 slate will include four pizza-loving turtles and a hedgehog. The studio announced Monday that the untitled hybrid live-action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles feature from producer Neal H. Moritz will hit theaters Nov. 17, 2028. Additionally, an untitled film in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise is set for theatrical release on Dec. 22, 2028. Read full article |
Cinema United Attends UNIC Cinema Days
[Left to Right: UNIC’s Laura Houlgatte, Cinema United’s Erin Von Hoetzendorff, UNIC and UK Cinema Association’s Phil Clapp]
Cinema United’s Director of Membership and Global Affairs Erin Von Hoetzendorff attended UNIC Cinema Days 2025 in Brussels on November 20 and 21.
The opening day offered a broad overview of key industry themes, and it include UNIC Women’s Cinema Leadership Programme session, which spotlighted professional development, leadership pathways, and the importance of diverse voices shaping the future of exhibition. The day also featured several panels and presentations on the state of cinema in Europe, emerging issues, and strategic opportunities that align closely with Cinema United’s own priorities, including training, accessibility, sustainability.
The second day featured Technology Lab sessions, which explored cinema technology lifecycles, cybersecurity, operational efficiency, PLF innovations, and future-focused technical infrastructure. UNIC produced a truly outstanding event, and Cinema United appreciated the chance to connect with so many of our international members and partners. Events like this strength relationships and created a deeper alignment with the global exhibition community.