Most New York City theaters show the same blockbusters in the same polished multiplex settings. But tucked downtown is a cinema that refuses to play by those rules. In the video This Movie Theater is Breaking All the Rules, creator Jack Coyne of Public Opinion takes us inside Film Forum — a repertory cinema that has become one of the city’s most beloved cultural institutions.

👉 Watch the full video here:

 

 

What Makes Film Forum Different

  • Repertory Cinema: Unlike AMC or Regal, Film Forum screens classic, foreign, and independent films.
  • Founded in 1970: Expanded in 1986 under programmer Bruce Goldstein, who turned it into the most famous revival theater in NYC.
  • Historic Posters & Aesthetic: Staff curate vintage and archival posters to set a unique tone in the lobby.
  • Community Spirit: The space feels more like a “church” for cinephiles than a business.

“It’s one of the only places where you can just disappear into classic cinema.”

Behind the Scenes

Coyne’s crew explored what keeps Film Forum running:

  • Projection Booth: Tim White, a veteran projectionist, runs 35mm and digital screenings simultaneously — sometimes juggling four screens at once.
  • The Poster Room: Susanna, the “poster wrangler,” digs through vintage collections to decorate the lobby.
  • The Office: Quirky, cramped, and packed with film history — from original 1930s artwork to imported 35mm reels.

Why Film Forum Still Matters

  • Survived VHS & Streaming: When repertory theaters closed in the 1980s, Film Forum convinced studios to make new 35mm prints of classics, keeping revival cinema alive.
  • Exclusive Screenings: From silent films with live accompaniment to international restorations, it shows films you can’t see anywhere else.
  • Cultural Landmark: For many, it’s the first stop after moving to New York. For others, it’s been a weekly ritual for decades.

“This is my church,” said one regular.

A Slice of New York

Film Forum is more than a theater — it’s a slice of New York culture. The mix of cinephiles, students, retirees, and curious newcomers creates a community as diverse as the city itself. It’s a place where film buffs trade stories, where posters spark conversations, and where movies become more than entertainment.

Bottom Line

While most theaters chase Hollywood trends, Film Forum is keeping the art of cinema alive in New York City. With rare screenings, archival prints, and a loyal community, it’s a place that feels both timeless and deeply New York.

👉 Credit: Public Opinion by Jack Coyne. Watch the full video here: This Movie Theater is Breaking All The Rules

 

Photo by Denise Jans on Unsplash