The vision for the Metro Cinema Center is a five-screen theater, with two larger auditoriums, two smaller ones and a fifth room that has flexible seating and can be used as a screening room, a classroom, a meeting room or as a small reception space. Additionally, there would be a lobby lounge/cafe that would be open to the street and can be used for events. The architects have come up with the concept drawings below.
Booking Policy
- One of the five screens would be used for first-run art films, many of which would be playing simultaneously downtown or in Brooklyn. There would be a new release every two weeks.
- One screen would be dedicated to festivals and repertory bookings.
- Two additional screens would be used for move-overs of successful releases, either from the first-run screen or from other Manhattan venues.
- The fifth screen (Educational Center) would be for private events, community events, educational use and other specialized screenings. It will have flexible seating so it can accommodate classroom setups and other configurations.
Existing Program Augmentation
Examples of programming that could use additional venues:
- Film at Lincoln Center: Annual programs such as “Rendezvous With French Cinema,” “Open Roads: New Italian Cinema,” “The Jewish Film Festival” and others.
- The Upper West Side JCC has only one auditorium for their large, internationally recognized festivals, such as “The Other Israel” and “Reel Abilities.” The programs could easily support more showtimes and larger capacities.
- Uptown Flicks, currently housed at the tiny Maysles Cinema in Harlem, could expand its programming.
- The Children’s International Film Festival could expand its programming year-round with screenings and festivals targeting families kids and teens.
- The Latin American Film Institute has year-round screenings at various venues and could use a more consistent home.
Education and Community Use
- The plan includes NYC’s ONLY comprehensive Education and Community program (see details here)