The beloved “Sticky Shoe” theater on Main Street in American Fork, UT has been a staple of the community over the past 75 years since it first opened its doors in 1950 with the classic film “My Blue Heaven.”

In the fall of 2023, we made an agreement with former owners to lease the theater, and brought the cinema back to life!

Sadly, in June 2024, an electrical fire broke out in the wall of our neighboring tenant. We were so grateful to the AF Fire Department for saving this historic cinema, just before its 75th anniversary!

We had planned a huge summer of incredible events; instead, for the safety of our community, the city disconnected the building from the power grid until repairs were properly completed.

The building was under new ownership; they finally began repairs in February 2025. We worked with them for several months to try to resume operations of the cinema - as of October 2025, they have yet to complete the repairs and inspections necessary for safe occupancy.

Instead, the building is now available to be purchased!

We have a vision to transform this theater into a non-profit Film Community Center: a hub where all have a place to come to connect over their love of films, from all eras and genres, and partake in programming that will enrich the community in numerous, diverse ways!

The potential is practically infinite: provide unique community experiences such a craft nights and fun food collabs, establish educational opportunities through collabs with schools and libraries on book-to-film series and film history, revive our sensory friendly and autism events, create spaces for the independent filmmaking community to network and fulfill their visions, and more ….. we are only limited by imagination and resources!

In the 9 months we were previously able to bring wonderful films and events (well over 100 titles!) to the community we saw the beauty of providing opportunities for folks to revisit the nostalgia of past memories while creating new ones! We continue to receive feedback from followers of the cinema with hopes to see it return to the community once again!

We appreciate any help towards our goal to re-launch and kickstart the next chapter of this important work in our community. These funds will help us complete repairs and be certain this is a safe space, resume operations, and ensure this building remains a key part of the community for many more decades to come!

Even just sharing this and spreading the word is a huge help and is GREATLY appreciated!!!

About Film Maven Haven Society:

Joseph Governale has spent his career in live and movie theaters. He knows the operations side of cinemas inside and out, having cut his teeth during the transition era from 35 mm film to digital projection. He has always dreamed of bringing this opportunity to his community

Dvorah Governale has also spent her career in live and movie theaters. She has a deep passion for visual storytelling, and the ways it can help us to process emotions. She has focused primarily on costuming, and is also well versed in excellent customer service and fabulous event planning

We have also assembled a board with amazing members whose strengths and abilities will greatly contribute to the mission of this non-profit community center!