AceShowbiz - Colleen Barstow, a pivotal figure in the independent cinema landscape and co-owner of ACX Cinemas based in Omaha, Nebraska, passed away on Saturday after an 18-month battle with cancer, as confirmed by her family. She was 64 years old.

Since 2022, Barstow held the position of treasurer on the executive board of directors for Cinema United, previously known as the National Association of Theatre Owners, and was the chair of its committee dedicated to independent theater owners.

Michael O’Leary, CEO of Cinema United, expressed his admiration, stating, “Colleen was a tireless advocate for independent theater owners. I had the privilege of working closely with her, and she consistently brought energy, creativity, and a strong commitment to our industry.”

Born on February 8, 1961, in Detroit, Colleen Rose Miszak was one of nine siblings. She and her husband, Bill Barstow, founded Main Street Theatres in 1988 after responding to a newspaper advertisement for a small, single-screen theater located in Nebraska.

What started as a bold venture—backed by borrowed credit cards and sheer determination—eventually evolved into ACX Cinemas, a seven-location chain recognized for its innovation, hospitality, and community involvement.

Leaving her job in banking, Barstow played an integral role in constructing the company from the ground up—delivering film prints between theaters, overseeing operations, and raising her family in the process. Her children grew up in theaters, absorbing the values that would become fundamental to ACX's culture and leadership.

A relentless advocate for independent theaters, Colleen championed collaboration over competition, urging exhibitors to foster deep connections within their communities. She envisioned theaters as gathering spaces for festivals, fundraisers, nonprofit events, and shared experiences.

As she once noted, “To me, the movie is always secondary. We like bringing people together. We like telling a story—and that story isn’t always the one on the screen.”

During the pandemic, Barstow collaborated with fellow exhibitors and Cinema United to secure federal relief funding for independent theaters that were forced to close. Her leadership was vital in navigating the industry through these unprecedented challenges.

In addition to her work in cinema, Colleen was actively involved in the Omaha hockey community, particularly with the University of Nebraska-Omaha's Mavericks, where she served as president. Her contributions to both cinema and community will be remembered fondly.