The Sarasota Film Society announced it will close its movie theaters in Burns Court and Lakewood Ranch indefinitely beginning Dec. 2. Officials said the pandemic has both severely reduced the marketplace of movie-goers and cut off a pipeline of films to screen.

“Due to the overwhelming decline in revenue, as a result of COVID-19 and the lack of content being released from Hollywood & Independent Studios, it is with great sadness we announce the temporary closure of Sarasota Film Society’s Burns Court Cinema & Lakewood Ranch Cinema locations,” reads a letter to Film Society members.

The society will still show a range of “Virtual Cinema” on its website, www.filmsociety.org. The facilities themselves will remain available for private rentals and other events.

“We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause you, and we understand that you might be disappointed in this decision,” the message reads, “but it is the most responsible decision we can make to ensure we can still provide the highest level of entertainment and education to the community in all areas of the film industry.”

Executive staff said those who desire to support the society may still buy gift cards or donate to the organization.