Shana David-Massett, co-owner of Sun-Ray Cinema, is overseeing the relocation to University Mall to bring independent films and big releases to Tampa. 

“We’re so excited to pack the screens out with more content and serve people in the theater because we do it well,” David-Massett said.

Sun-Ray will replace LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, a popular spot for students looking for discounted movie tickets, about a mile from the southwest corner of the Tampa campus. 

Sun-Ray, a Florida-based company, was founded in 2011 by David-Massett and her husband, Tim Massett. The movie theater’s location in Jacksonville closed in July after the property was sold to out-of-state developers, David-Massett said.

Bringing Sun-Ray to Tampa was fitting, David-Massett said.

“Sun-Ray started as a Florida brand so for our second spot it felt right to stay,” she said. 

The cinema’s grand opening at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 will feature a screening of F.W. Murnau’s 1922 “Nosferatu” film. Dutch composer Jozef van Wissem will also perform a live score.

The showing is meant to set the “mood” for the upcoming “Nosferatu” movie, which will premiere on Christmas Day, according to Sun-Ray’s Instagram. Tickets are being sold online for $15.

Customers can expect to watch “Moana 2,” “Wicked,” “Nightbitch” and holiday movies in the first week of opening, according to Sun-Ray’s Instagram.

Past the popular blockbusters, Sun-Ray will offer a variety of movies for viewers.

“We play all the big releases, but also fill in with smaller films from studios like A24 and Neon and even smaller distributors too,” she said.

David-Massett was initially unaware of LOOK’s $6 student tickets. But when she found out, she said “I’ll see what I can do.”

Two minutes later, David-Massett called back with news that they would offer the same discount.

”So USF, get your student IDs ready,” David-Massett said. 

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David Cook, a sophomore biology major, said he is excited about the opening of the Sun-Ray Cinema and will not miss LOOK.

“[Sun-Ray Cinema] seem to really care about their clientele,” Cook said. “Anything new is always exciting, especially when it is so close to campus.”

Zoë Daffinson, a sophomore philosophy major, is looking forward to the film variety and affordability.

“I’m most excited Tampa has an opportunity to show independent films,” Daffinson said. “Especially at the price range they’re offering the tickets, especially with the student discount.”

Sun-Ray Cinema will “go out of [its] way” to have customers put down their phones for a few hours, according to Instagram. 

“You had to use your phone to order food [at LOOK], which is a cardinal sin as far as I am concerned,” David-Massett said. 

Sun-Ray Cinema will offer a varied menu of food options at the counter, instead of giving customers the option to order off their phones. Staff will then bring food to guests’ assigned seats, David-Massett said. 

Related: OPINION: Hop in, USF students. We’re going to the movies.

Cook said ordering off his phone was awkward. He said he prefers ordering before sitting down.

“For me, if I am sitting down to see a movie, I prefer to be away from my phone, and not even think about it,” Cook said.

David-Massett said they believe in affordable menu options and will have “super seller” prices. 

To David-Massett, customer service is a priority. She said they care about their people. 

“I appreciate that [students] believe in us and how we try to serve customers,” David-Massett said. “The timing is just awesome for us and the neighborhood.”