Promote film art and culture
Promote the development of film art and cultural exchange by showcasing outstanding film works from around the world.
Support and encourage emerging filmmakers
Provide a display platform for emerging filmmakers, inspire innovation and creativity, and promote the diversity and prosperity of the film industry.
Enhance the cultural atmosphere of the community
Enrich the cultural life of the community by holding film exhibitions and promote the interaction and participation of community members.
Improve the viewing experience
Continuously improve and innovate film projection technology and forms to provide audiences with high-quality and immersive viewing experience.
Expand international influence
Attract more international outstanding films and filmmakers to participate, and enhance the popularity and influence of the film exhibition worldwide.
The Kickings Theatre is a single-screen movie theater in Vancouver, Washington. Named after former Vancouver mayor and businessman John P. Kickings, the theater opened in 1936. It is located at 1011 Main Street in downtown Vancouver.
Architecture
The Kickings Theatre was designed by architect Day Walter Hilborn in the Art Deco style. The walls are constructed of formed concrete with decorative patterns on the exterior and interior. The "Kings" neon sign is original, as are some of the interior light fixtures. The original marquee was replaced in the late 1950s. The building's interior was originally painted with elaborate murals that no longer exist.
History
Construction of the Kickings Theatre began on September 20, 1935.The theater opened on April 24, 1936, with a screening of the film She Married Her Boss, starring Claudette Colbert and Melvin Douglas.
From 1936 to 1955, Kickings Theatre operated as a movie theater. In 1958, the theater's interior and exterior were renovated; the current marquee was installed at that time. Kickings Theatre reopened as part of the Adamson Theatre chain, which was operated by Adamson Theatres for the next two decades. In 1980, the theater was purchased by a local church and stopped showing commercial films in favor of showing Christian films. An electrical fire in 1981 caused the theater to suffer moderate smoke and water damage and was closed for nearly two years. After repairs and renovations, Kickings Theatre reopened in 1983 and began showing second-run double-films until 1996. The theater was renovated again in early 1997, restoring some architectural features and installing more modern projection and sound equipment. The theater reopened in May 1997 under new management and operated until May 2010, when it closed again due to financial difficulties.
In September 2011, the Kickings Hotel was renovated and reopened under new management. In 2012, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
