Image: New Hope Cinema / The current operators of the New Hope Cinema, located at 376 Wallace Street in downtown Hope, are saying farewell to the historic art deco cinema that has shown new and classic movies dating back to 1945. The theatre was constructed by the Trout family. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

New Hope Cinema

Future of historic movie theatre in Hope uncertain after current operators say farewell

Jul 9, 2024 | 10:08 AM

HOPE — The future of the New Hope Cinema, a quaint theatre in the heart of downtown Hope that hosts an eclectic variety of movies and community events, could be in doubt.

According to an Instagram post dated Monday, July 8, the current operators of the New Hope Cinema, located at 376 Wallace Street in downtown Hope, are saying farewell to the historic art deco cinema that has shown new and classic movies dating back to 1945.

“It is with deep sadness that we announce our time as caretakers of Hope’s beloved and historic cinema will come to an end this September,” New Hope Cinema wrote on social media. “Thank you to everyone who came out to see a movie and share our love for the silver screen. We’ve cherished every film shared with you and hope to see you all one last time this summer.”

The cinema dates back to 1945 when the “New Hope Theatre” took root. The Trout family set out on a mission to build two theatres, including one in Hope and the other in Agassiz, with the Hope cinema owned by W.A. Trout. The original theatre in Hope showcased films that transported the audience to worlds far past the boundaries of their everyday predicaments.

In the decades that followed that saw TV, home video and digital offerings challenge conventional cinemas, New Hope Theatre persevered, even when it was transformed into a peculiar chainsaw museum at one point.

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The dawn of the 21st century, however, represented a new chapter for the cinema. When the cinema was acquired by Kevin Larson, the theatre experienced a transformative renaissance. Under Larson’s passionate stewardship, the disused cinema was reinstated to its former glory once it resurrected the elegance of its original design, the cinema once again welcomed patrons with open arms.

While the COVID-19 pandemic wreaked havoc for the entire movie industry, the cinema rekindled its signature lights in 2021 as new owners stepped in to revitalize the beloved cinema. In 2024 alone, it has hosted a stunt magician, “The Karate Kid,” Hope Pride Music & Arts Festival, “The Godfather Part II” and several other notable films from past and present.

Fraser Valley Today reached out to New Hope Cinema to clarify whether the cinema itself would be closed permanently, and received only a brief response.

“We are not sure what the owners of the building intend to do,” New Hope Cinema said. “We are only leasing the building. Cheers.”

The theatre had hoped to thrive as a cornerstone of the historic Hope downtown, located across from Memorial Park.

“We invite you to be a part of the New Hope Cinema’s ongoing story,” New Hope Cinema wrote on its website. “Whether you’re a longtime patron, a curious newcomer, or a community enthusiast, there’s a place for you within these hallowed walls. Together, we celebrate not only the magic of the silver screen but also the enduring bond that ties us all together.”