At least two companies are interested in opening a movie theater in Vicksburg, Mayor Laurence Leyens said.

&#8220There are two different theater groups postured,” he said. &#8220One at the mall, and one’s looking at another location.”

Vicksburg has been without a theater since the Pemberton Square 4 closed in December.

Leyens referred questions to Christy Kilroy, executive director of the Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce.

&#8220The only thing I can say is that when we were in Las Vegas at the International Convention of Shopping Centers we had a meeting with a movie theater; the mayor and Wayne Mansfield (city planner) sat in on one with Warren Theatres,” Kilroy said.

Representatives for Warren Theatres in Wichita, Kansas, were unavailable for comment.

Opening a theater at Vicksburg Factory Outlets is a regular topic at monthly leasing meetings, general manager Margaret Gilmer said.

Craig Realties, one of the shopping center’s parent companies, has been negotiating with theater groups.

&#8220I do know that they have been in conversation with two different theater operators,” Gilmer said.

Meanwhile, Pemberton Square mall managers are seeking to reopen the space left vacant by Pemberton Square 4.

&#8220We are having ongoing discussions with prospects for that space,” said mall manager Renee Williams. &#8220I really can’t say more.”

The theater closed on the heels of a stabbing and several fights in the mall that led to arrests. It was also reported that the theater’s managers could not pay the rent.

Since, Clinton, 30 miles east on Interstate 20, has been the nearest place to catch a flick.

&#8220We always talk about going to see something, but we never get to,” said Caitlyn Bell, 18, sitting on an indoor bench with four of her friends a few hundred feet from the husk of the movie theater.

&#8220What kind of town doesn’t have a movie theater?” asked Rebecca Traylor, 15.