BETHEL — A local couple are making plans to reopen the Casablanca Cinema in the fall.

Courtney and Mike Bennett recently got approval for a bank loan and have a fundraising goal of $100,000 to get two of the four theaters open. The money is needed to upgrade projectors from 35 mm film to digital, Courtney Bennett said. So far, $10,000 has been raised.

“We’ve had a lot of help from the community,” she said. She is working on a lease for the property and hopes to reopen the theater September. In closed in 2012.

Bennett said plans also call using the existing projector for a third theater to show old or children’s movies for free on weekends.

“We also have some ideas in mind for the fourth theater, but nothing definite yet,” she said.

The building also needs renovations. Bennett said she has a commitment from contractor Heath Builders to donate some labor.

Bring Back Casablanca Nite, a fundraiser for the Casablanca project, will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, April 22, at Pat’s Pizza in Bethel. The restaurant will make a donation to the fund for each pizza purchase, dine in or takeout.

Other businesses raising funds are Crazy Sister’s Redemption Center in Bryant Pond and The Local Hub in Locke Mills.

Courtney Bennett’s business experience includes management of a convenience store and current ownership of a cleaning business.

For more on the project and fundraising, go to Bring Back Casablanca Cinema Bethel on Facebook.

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