Image: Advantage Hope / Facebook / New lease owner Ali Marsman is inviting residents to meet this afternoon, January 3, to learn more about some upcoming plans for Hope Cinema.

By Alyssa Conti

CURTAINS OPEN

Hope Cinema reopens for soft launch this weekend

Jan 3, 2026 | 9:27 AM

HOPE — A beloved theatre’s new lease owner is inviting residents for snacks and a chat as the gears on Hope Cinema’s projector begin turning again.

This afternoon, at 1 p.m., the newly named Almsgiving Hope Cinema and Performance House will be opening its doors for guests to learn more about the theatre’s upcoming plans and programs over popcorn and other treats.

Owner Ali Marsman says she has also been learning about the projector over the past couple of weeks and is looking to screen movies that require no licensing fees Sunday.

“[W]hen the lights dimmed, the curtains opened and the short played, I screamed with excitement,” Marsman said.

The theatre was initially scheduled to host a grand reopening on its 80th birthday, December 19, but faced several delays, largely due to heavy rain and flooding in the region that month.

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Since then, Marsman has received support from community members, including businesses from Hope to Surrey, as well as the last owner of the now-defunct Hollywood 3 Cinemas in Pitt Meadows.

“I have offered my services free of cost due to my vast knowledge that’s almost useless to me now, and I’d love for her to succeed,” said Sarah Hargitt-Rowe, who ran Hollywood 3 for 12 years. “I cannot let another little theatre die after we just lost Hollywood 3 Pitt-Meadows and Cottonwood Cinemas in Chilliwack!”

Once the theatre is fully up and running, Marsman plans to set ticket prices at $5 for children under 11 and $10 for guests ages 12 to 64.

A new date for the grand reopening has yet to be announced.