The Cameo Art House Theater on Hay Street opened its doors 25 years ago. The theater’s founders, Chris and Nasim Kuenzel and Eric Lindstrom, brought independent films and an added cultural richness to downtown Fayetteville.
Now, they have decided to pass ownership to a new generation, announcing the theater’s next chapter on social media on Wednesday.
The Cameo Art House Theater will be owned and operated by the newly created CAMEO Collective, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit incorporated by the state in May. The CAMEO Collective is “dedicated to fostering arts and culture through film, live performances, and community programming,” according to a press release.
“The torch has been passed to them,” Nasim Kuenzel told CityView. “They’ll continue what we’ve done while adding new elements. The Cameo will be a hub for art, entertainment, and more, day and night.”
Nasim Kuenzel said the past 25 years have been filled with countless cherished memories, making it impossible to single out one.
“It was home to us. It was home,” she said.
Since its opening in 2000, the Cameo Art House has become an iconic staple in Fayetteville’s downtown landscape where cinephiles gather for independent and art films.
Brian Adam Kline, 39, will serve as the artistic director and says the CAMEO Collective already has seven founding board members. Kline first started working at the Cameo in 2009 as a projectionist.
When asked about plans for the Cameo’s future, Kline told CityView that the goal is to stay true to the theater’s roots. “We’re going to focus on showing quality independent, studio, and retro films. We’ll also include comedy shows, live theater, concerts, and many other community events,” he said.
Kline said they plan to add gallery space where local artists can display their work. He is especially excited about a new partnership with the Capitol Encore Academy, a public charter school on Hay Street, which has established a department of cinematic and theater arts.
Kline said high school students can attend classes during the day in the theater and learn filmmaking “right where they should.” He told CityView that they will continue hosting the Indigo Moon Film Festival and offer educational classes and summer camps. Organizers announced the film festival’s cancellation in early September, with goals to bring it back in 2026.
Over a year ago, the Kuenzels announced their retirement and began seeking new ownership.
That night, Kline said he started writing the bylaws for the organization. “We’ve been working on this project for the past year, and now we’re ready to announce that we’ll officially start managing the Cameo on January 1, 2026.”
Kline emphasized that, as a nonprofit, the Cameo relies on local support. The organization is now accepting contributions to support the CAMEO Collective. “To keep the doors open and bring our new initiatives to life, we need your help,” Kline said.
Donations can be made in person in the theater lobby at 225 Hay St. or by mailing a check, Kline told CityView. A fundraiser-style launch is also planned for later this fall.
Kline reiterated that preserving the Cameo’s legacy is paramount.
“We’re excited to do this because the Cameo is a staple of Fayetteville and downtown,” he said. “It’s important to keep it open. It’s a cultural institution.”
