New York City’s Landmarks for Independent Cinema: Theaters, Schools, and More
Everyone knows that New York City is packed with landmarks. It’s one of the reasons why tourists flock here. But whether you’re a New Yorker or a visitor, there are some true hidden gems when it comes to independent cinema.
Tucked into New York City’s schools, theaters, museums, and other establishments, you can find some of the best spots to see a film that is anything but mainstream. Arthouse films are an exemplary form of the arts in motion, and no one should go without having the chance to see films in one of these landmarks.
American Museum of the Moving Image
Also known as MoMi, this museum provides an educational opportunity for those who want to learn about the art, technique, history, and technology of film. There are exhibitions, film screenings, and other exciting opportunities to engage with independent cinema, perfect for all ages of filmgoers.
Brooklyn Academy of Music
The multi-arts center known as the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) has been around for over 150 years. It provides a place for artists and audiences that want to engage in theater, dance, opera, music, and film.
Anthology Film Archives
Jonas Mekas founded the Anthology Film Archives in 1970. It was meant to be a place to showcase a selection of films screening continuously.
Essentially, it was the first museum that sought to demonstrate film as an art form. Today, it provides film and video preservation along with the world’s largest collection of reading materials that relate to avant-garde cinema.
Film Society of Lincoln Center
The New York Film Festival is the most famed and prestigious in the entire country. You will not want to miss a stop here. You’ll have a chance to be among the elite if you get the chance to attend this festival.
Museum of Modern Art
With an abundance of museums in NYC, art lovers will want to make sure they stop by the Museum of Modern Art. In addition to having incredible art exhibits, MoMA shows a slice of the past through Hollywood classics. It also features documentaries, foreign films, and other avant-garde showings. As a bonus, you can wander the museum until it’s time for your show to start.
Angelika Film Center
The Angelika Film Center was first opened in 1989 and is still one of the best places in the city to see a film that isn’t your typical blockbuster. Visit the Angelika Film Center – Independent & International Cinema in the SoHo District to find the best lineup of independent, arthouse, and international films.
Additionally, the Angelika Film Center also offers a café in the theater lobby that is equally famed for its gourmet pastries and other delights. This theater is open to the public, which means you can grab something to eat or drink like wine and beer. However, you’ll probably decide to grab tickets to the next showing.
