When the Dragonfly Cinema was put up for sale in November by owner Gryphon Shafer after owning the theater for five years, he offered a unique way of attracting a new owner.

In December, Shafer accepted proposals from people interested in taking over the business. Akin to an open bidding process, the proposals were primarily evaluated on who would have the best chance to keep the business open, not based on a dollar figure.

And now in January, it seems the right film enthusiast has been found to carry on the historic cinematic tradition on Bay Street.

Nick Taylor, a film-school graduate from San Diego, was chosen as the new owner. By purchasing the theater, he’s fulfilling a lifelong dream.

“Always wanted to own a theater,” Taylor said. “When the theater I went to as kid closed in 2006, I wanted to reopen it, though circumstances at the time wouldn’t allow it.

“I heard about the Dragonfly being available for bid and figured I had to take the opportunity because it was something I always dreamed of.”

Taylor said film has always been a visual and emotive experience for him.

“I wanted to be a part of that form of community and story telling,” he said.

Having moved to Port Orchard three years ago, Taylor said he enjoyed watching movies at the Dragonfly and is excited to see it grow.

Although a few small upgrades need to be made, he doesn’t see drastic changes in the two-screen cinema’s future.

“Gryphon, the former owner, had five years here and has done a fantastic job,” Taylor said.

The biggest change Taylor sees ahead is an upgrade of the digital projection system.

“The theater is still showing 35mm films,” Taylor said. “The industry is quickly moving away from that, and in order to be able to have access to independent, international and studio films, we need to update to digital projection.”

In terms of physical changes, Taylor said not much needs to be done.

“It’s got charm and warmth, and from the conversations I had with customers, it seems they feel that way, as well,” Taylor said.

The biggest goal for Taylor is keeping the Dragonfly a part of the Port Orchard community.

“When Griffin talked to me about the Dragonfly, he said he wanted the theater to be there for years to come. I want it to be a place where the community can come together and be exposed to films that they might not see anywhere,” he said.

“We show movies that are hard to find, and not just on the peninsula. Some of these aren’t even shown in Seattle.”

The Dragonfly is located at 822 Bay St. It offers moviegoers a schedule that includes one current movie and an old classic. Showtimes are available on the theater’s website (www.dragonflycinema.com) or by calling the theater at 360-519-4333.

“It’s really important to continue this thing. It’s something we want to be able to do for the community and we appreciate their support,” Taylor said.