If you've visited the Coyote Twin this year, you may have noticed a difference or dozen. Our #ConcessRefresh includes a new candy window, digital menus, and—most importantly—improved traffic flow. As you can see above, we've come a long way since purchasing the theaters in 2015. And our success is certainly proportional to your continued support of the Coyote Twin and VCA programming. In keeping with our nonprofit mission, we re-invest in our infrastructure to ensure we're best serving you, our community. We hope you find your movie-going experience easy and enjoyable at the Coyote Twin, and that you feel proud knowing Vermillion boasts a classy little independent theater.

Even now in late March 2023—three years from when we went dark due to COVID—the movie business is still experiencing some before-and-afters of the pandemic. For example, this Q1 had 101 wide releases† in the market—the most since 2019, and up 42% from 2022. Studios have also (finally) realized that exclusive theatrical releases are the best business model. That will mean no more simultaneous releases to streaming and longer periods in theaters before titles hit the apps. At the Twin, we’re seeing attendance and grosses higher than our best year on record, 2019. Much of that continues to be attributed to our growing Yankton audience and a few great titles that have drawn folks in.

For a full overview of changes to movie business in 2022, including how Top Gun: Maverick helped the industry pick up speed, check out our 2022 Annual Report. In addition to the snapshot here, you'll get a complete account of our successful year in grant work, gallery exhibitions, and financial moves that have set us up for success in years to come.

† Wide releases are available to all cinemas; these movies are better for the industry than limited releases, which are available only in certain locations to cinemas above a specified size.

The Fool's 48 Short Film Showcase goes up next Monday! Everyone is welcome to attend this community screening and support their *foolish* friends, neighbors, and family. You'll get a chance to vote for the People's Choice Award and see who wins the coveted golden VHSes for Best Townie Picture and (new this year!) Best Student Picture. Admission is $5. Advance tix available starting Friday, March 31 at vermilliontheaters.com.

Join us April 11, 7pm, at the Coyote Twin for Big Chief Black Hawk, a short look into the life of the youngest Black Masking Indian Big Chief in New Orleans with the backdrop of COVID-19 and police brutality protest. There will be a Q&A with the filmmakers after the screening. Admission is free and the community is welcome. USD Tiospaye Student Council is also sponsoring a free small combo for attendees.

Gather is a documentary film about Native American efforts for food sovereignty, directed by Sanjay Rawal and released in 2020. The film follows efforts by various people and groups to reclaim ancestral foodways. There will be a free community screening of Gather at the Coyote Twin Monday, April 17, at 7pm as part of Earth Days 2023.

Big titles upcoming! AIR reveals the game-changing partnership between a then-rookie Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgling basketball division, which revolutionized the world of sports and contemporary culture with the Air Jordan brand. Renfield is a modern take on Dracula’s loyal servant, who's seeking to end his co-dependency after centuries of servitude. And Judy Blume's classic Are You There God? It's Me Margaret rounds out April before we kick into summer blockbuster mode with Guardians of the Galaxy 3.

March 31 – Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves

April 7 – AIR

April 14 – Renfield

April 21 – Super Mario Bros.: The Movie

April 28 – Are You There God? It's Me Margaret

May 5 – Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 3

You can always scope out what's on the way at vermilliontheaters.com.