Why:

With all the exciting advances in technology and media access we don’t think an equivalent experience to the in-person video store has emerged. We also believe in creating a space and collection that is driven by principles of equity, justice and true representation. We are motivated by a love and belief in the power of cinema and are not a profit-driven tech company interested in data mining and creating wealth for shareholders. I’m sure many of the folks reading this remember their local video stores fondly and names like Pleasant St. Video, Video To Go and so many others  that are connected to very deep and meaningful experiences in their past, helping expose them to new and exciting places, stories, directors and more. There is no reason we should wait any longer to bring a video store and all it offers back to our community.

The best video stores offer an immersive experience in every era, genre, and region of film culture and provide a welcoming and exciting space to venture into new territory. Like great bookstores and record stores, video stores are centers of entertainment, learning, and discovery; a record of our true cultural history, a record that expands beyond the conventionally prescribed canon; and an exciting social space where friendships, ideas, and collaborations are born.

Can we stream the collection?

At this time there are no plans to make our collection available to stream, we want Visions to be a space where people are able to come and browse the collection, learn about new films and be in community. We are exploring options for an online reservation to select films to pick up at the store, more to come on that!

What does it mean to be a member?

Becoming a member will allow you to rent from our collection. The only cost is your membership, you won’t pay on a per item basis and there will be no late fees! Being a non-profit means we’ll rely on memberships and donations to build the Visions collection and keep the space up and running. When we find a suitable location we will be able to more fully understand the scope and capacity of the store and will include other member benefits as appropriate.

Where will the store be located?

At this point we do not have a long-term, permanent location. If you or someone you know wants a space like this in their area and can give us a reasonable rent, understanding the value of a space like this, please be in touch!

Is This Really Possible?

Yes! There are a number of these types of video stores opening up across the country! Some are for profit, some are connected to larger institutions, some are long-running video stores converting their model and some are very grassroots, all volunteer efforts. Each of the different models speaks to the needs and ability of their community in how they operate but they all speak to the value of having access to a broad library of physical media located in a community oriented space that highlights, celebrates and engages with movies!