Leslye Headland on Directing Her First Movie Jacob Burns Film Center 2015-09-11 | Q&A with filmmaker Leslye Headland (Sleeping with Other People) at the Jacob Burns Film Center, September 2, 2015.
Andrzej Wajda Centennial — Series Trailer Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-09-15 | To honor the centennial of the great Polish filmmaker Andrzej Wajda, the Jacob Burns Film Center is pleased to present a weeklong series of eight of Wajda’s finest films, a number of which have been newly restored following years of their being unavailable to see in theaters. A cinematic trailblazer whose most enthusiastic admirers include Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, the latter of whom lauded Wajda as having “inspired audiences around the world, giving them an artist’s view of history, democracy and freedom,” Andrzej Wajda is a true master filmmaker whose work is begging for discovery, or rediscovery, on the big screen. Limited retrospective Andrzej Wajda Centennial runs Oct. 9–15, 2026 #AtTheJBFC—get tickets today: bit.ly/4xWaAvEPresented in Collaboration with Di Factory, The Polish Film Institute, and WFDiF.
Summer Camp Screening 2026 (Clip) Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-09-09 | The Burns is proud to be a place where filmmakers of all stripes can tap into their creativity, stretch their imaginations, and express themselves—which made this moment at last month's summer camp screening something special to behold💕This fall, connect the aspiring filmmaker in your life to a place where she can actually pursue her passions! Visit our Education page to learn more about after-school offerings at The Burns, from intro courses like Editing 101 and Screenwriting 101 to deep dives in Filmmaking with Minecraft, Frame by Frame: Exploring Film Through Horror, and more: bit.ly/4iGYpOx📹 by Roslyn Wertheimer
Mini-Print Vending Machine—Now at The Burns! Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-09-02 | ICYMI: The Burns now has a mini-print vending machine 🤩 In celebration of our 25th Anniversary, we commissioned an artist to create three custom designs based on The Burns—and now you can take a pint-sized piece of this artwork home with you! Simply add four quarters to the vending machine in the lobby, push the coins in, then pull to reveal your surprise print 🖼️Need small change? Our Box Office has you covered, so don’t delay—try it out and take home a mini masterpiece today!Video by Roslyn Wertheimer
Summer at the Burns 2026: Final Film Screening Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-09-01 | This summer at The Burns was nothing short of spectacular! As we close the book on another incredible year of camp, we're giving you a look behind the scenes at our final film screening of the season, where the creativity of our campers was on full display :movie_camera:We're endlessly grateful to the campers, counselors, instructors, mentors, and more who made this summer so memorable—but the fun doesn't have to end here! Registration is now open for our fall 2026 after-school courses, including new offerings like Filmmaking with Minecraft, Editing 101, Screenwriting 101, and more! Visit our Education page to learn more and save your seat today: bit.ly/4iGYpOxVideo by Roslyn Wertheimer
All Ages: Cinderella Meet & Greet Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-08-27 | Once upon a time #AtTheJBFC... Princess Cinderella granted us a royal audience following All Ages screenings of the 1950 Disney classic 👸They say a dream is a wish your heart makes—and based on the smiles we saw at this precious meet and greet with Power Princess Party, it seems our fairy godmother made all our wishes for new movie magic memories come true 🪄Missed out on this royal engagement? JBFC Series All Ages offers family-friendly screenings at just $5 a ticket—for kids and adults alike—every Saturday & Sunday at 11:00 AM. Plan your next family film outing: bit.ly/45RJgm4📹 by Roslyn WertheimerCINDERELLA screened as part of JBFC Series All Ages, which is presented in partnership with the Westchester Library System.
Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma: Next Gen Kickback Event Recap Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-08-26 | Last Thursday, we welcomed film fans ages 21-40 to the Take 3 Wine Bar & Café for our third official Next Gen Kickback :sparkles:Inspired by the evening’s preview screening of TEENAGE SEX AND DEATH AT CAMP MIASMA, this summer-camp-themed kickback featured free drinks, nostalgic summertime snack favorites, a “Little Death” photo op, campy crafts including friendship bracelet-making, live music by Christina Picciano, and so much more! Last but certainly not least, we raffled off a limited edition CAMP MIASMA prize pack from MUBI before heading into our screening!Couldn’t make it to our MIASMA movie party? Head to our Next Gen page to get the full scoop & stay in the loop on upcoming events: bit.ly/4y1feIv
The Odyssey: Q&A and Book Talk with Writer & Professor Emily Wilson Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-08-24 | Writer and Professor Emily Wilson—whose translation of THE ODYSSEY served as the source material for Christopher Nolan's 2026 film adaptation—joined us #AtTheJBFC on Sunday, Aug. 2 for a riveting book talk and Q&A following a special screening of the film.Missed out on this sold-out event? Catch up on the full Q&A here, then make time to see THE ODYSSEY on the big screen at The Burns! bit.ly/4wMUQK2
Framing our Future Spotlight: Mason Ember Avery Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-08-19 | This summer, the Jacob Burns Film Center is buzzing with young filmmakers and storytellers, as our campers build confidence, collaborate with peers, and discover new ways to express themselves through film and media arts.We’re also gearing up for the start of the new school year. In 2026–27, more than 7,000 students in Grades 3–12 will experience a wide range of programs that build media literacy skills and foster creativity, critical thinking, and empathy. And with your help, more than 70% of these students will be able to participate free of charge!With the JBFC's Framing Our Future initiative, your support for our education programs will go twice as far. In honor of our 25th Anniversary, the Jacob Burns Foundation will match all new and increased gifts received by September 30, up to a total of $125,000.Make your gift today and help us meet the match. Together, we can ensure that students continue to learn, create, and grow—this summer and throughout the year: bit.ly/4bY5YfG
Framing Our Future Spotlight: Brandon Shenkman Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-08-17 | Here #AtTheJBFC, education is core to our nonprofit mission. Inspired by our belief in the transformative power of film, the Burns engages with more than 7,000 students each year—over 70% of whom come from under-resourced school districts, and participate completely free of charge.As we observe #NationalNonprofitDay, the Burns remains eternally grateful for our community, whose support makes it possible for us to inspire dreams and transform lives through the power of film education. Help sustain the Burns' education programs with a donation by Sept. 30, and your gift will be matched, dollar-for-dollar! bit.ly/4ct9mzj
Framing Our Future: 25th Anniversary Gala - Actor Carrie Coon on Community (Clip) Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-07-30 | As The Burns celebrates Art House Theater Day this year, we’d like to take a moment to thank our community, whose year-round support makes everything that we do possible 💫Reveling in today’s celebration of art house cinema, we’re thinking back to Actor Carrie Coons’ comments at our 25th Anniversary Gala, which emphasized how community building and the arts aren’t just important for society—they’re central to our very survival.Happy Art House Theater Day 2026 to all our loyal patrons, members, donors, and audience members—thank you for making this cinematic community all that it is, and for helping The Burns become so much more than a movie theater 📽️Art House Theater Day is an annual program of Art House Convergence.
Framing Our Future: 25th Anniversary Gala - Hillary Clinton (Clip) Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-07-30 | As The Burns celebrates Art House Theater Day this year, we'd like to take a moment to thank our community, whose year-round support makes everything that we do possible 📽️If anyone understands the proverb "it takes a village," it's Hillary Clinton. As we revel in today's celebration of art house cinema, we're thinking back to Secretary Clinton's comments at our 25th Anniversary Gala, which highlighted how The Burns isn't just sharing stories with our audience—we're fostering connection and building community.Happy Art House Theater Day 2026 to all our loyal patrons, members, donors, and audience members—thank you for helping make us so much more than a movie theater 🥳
Marilyn Monroe at 100: Series Trailer Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-07-28 | One of the most iconic figures in Hollywood history, the iconography and mythos of Marilyn Monroe have often obscured the immense craft and artistry of the actor herself. From comedies like GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES, THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH, and SOME LIKE IT HOT, to dramatic turns in films like NIAGARA and THE MISFITS, Monroe was a performer as dynamic as she was versatile; an undeniable talent who, despite her tragic death at age 36, left behind a truly formidable body of work.In honor of Marilyn Monroe’s centennial, the Jacob Burns Film Center will present screenings of five of her finest performances, which will be complemented by Cinema Studies classes in collaboration with the Martin Scorsese Department of Cinema Studies at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.Limited retrospective series Marilyn Monroe at 100 hits the big screen #AtTheJBFC Aug 25-Sept. 27, 2026—save your seat with advance tickets today! bit.ly/4fKxuyt
2026 Out There: Pride Parking Lot Party - Event Recap Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-07-28 | Here's a throwback to our third annual Pride Parking Lot Party on Thursday, June 25🏳️🌈Sponsored by Human Rights Campaign and presented in partnership with The LOFT LGBTQ+, Community Center this beloved annual event boasted Taco Project and Penny Lick Ice Cream food trucks, refreshing brews from Soul Brewing Company, live music by WFUV DJs, a fabulous photo booth, dazzling drag queens, a swag-tastic prize wheel, and the chance to connect with members of our community!Following this free shindig, patrons made their way to the JBFC Theater for a 25th anniversary screening of the fiercely queer, glam-rock opera HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH 💃Missed out on this enchanted evening? JBFC Series Out There celebrates queer stories all year round—join us July 23 for Marlon T. Riggs’ seminal work TONGUES UNTIED, July 30 for A DEEPER LOVE: THE STORY OF MISS PEPPERMINT, or Aug. 5 for crowd-pleasing documentary HOT TO TROT!📹 by Roslyn Wertheimer
Framing Our Future Spotlight: Reece Boyle Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-07-23 | The JBFC's new Framing Our Future initiative is designed to expand access to our transformative education programs, which serve more than 7,000 students—including Reece Boyle—each year, over 70% of whom participate free of charge. In honor of our 25th Anniversary, the Jacob Burns Foundation will match all new and increased gifts received by September 30, up to a total of $125,000!Together, we can empower learners of all ages and backgrounds to navigate a complex world, discover their unique voice, and tell stories that matter. Help us meet the match and double your impact with a donation today: bit.ly/4pHHw88
2026 Gala Highlight Reel Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-07-16 | We're still coming down from the high of last month's Framing Our Future 25th Anniversary Gala 🎊Take a walk down memory lane with this lovely video recap, then check out our e-journal for photos, highlights, and more: tinyurl.com/3jhvfd24
Out There: Pride Edition - Hedwig and the Angry Inch Intro by Chris Holliday Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-07-10 | On June 25, we capped off a month of Pride programming with our annual Pride Parking Lot Party, followed by a 25th anniversary screening of the beloved musical HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH 🌈The screening was introduced by JBFC Director of Special Programs and Strategic Partnerships Chris Holliday, who also programs our year-round series Out There. As we carry the momentum of Pride into the rest of the year, we’re sharing Chris’ intro—because we couldn’t have said it better ourselves.In pride and love,🌈The Burns🌈Video by Roslyn Wertheimer
Framing Our Future Spotlight: Marissa Wiley Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-07-10 | The JBFC's new Framing Our Future initiative is designed to expand access to our transformative education programs for more than 7,000 students each year, over 70% of whom come from under-resourced schools and participate free of charge.In honor of our 25th Anniversary, the Jacob Burns Foundation will match all new and increased gifts received by September 30, up to a total of $125,000. Help us meet the match and double your impact with a donation today! bit.ly/4ffk1yp
The Greatest Showman Sing-Along: Family Fun Day Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-07-01 | What happens when you combine a beloved movie musical, a community of joyful moviegoers, and a little bit of circus magic? You get an unforgettable afternoon.As part of the Jacob Burns Film Center’s 25th Anniversary celebration, we welcomed audiences for a sing-along screening of THE GREATEST SHOWMAN, followed by our very first Family Fun Day Celebration of this scale.Designed as a thank-you to our community and a celebration of the families who have made the Burns a gathering place for generations, the event transformed Take 3 Wine Bar & Café into a lively festival filled with laughter, music, and connection. Check out this video recap highlighting how we turned The Burns into the big top for a day, then visit the JBFC Blog for more on this fabulous family event: tinyurl.com/5cexc27s
Ron Howard Retrospective, July 7-Sept. 7, 2026: Series Trailer Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-07-01 | No one has ever had a career quite like Ron Howard's. He began as a child actor, progressed to being a teenage film and TV heartthrob, then proceeded to become a successful and award-winning filmmaker whose work has spanned nearly 50 years, tackling dramas, comedies, romances, historical epics, family films, and documentaries.In honor of his singular body and character of work, and in recognition of his longtime support during the Burns’ 25th anniversary celebrations, we’re presenting the most comprehensive retrospective of his work ever mounted. Capable of mastering the small and big screens, independent and franchise films, Howard has long had a reputation for being a consummate professional, a beloved collaborator, and dedicated mentor for emerging talent.The series kicks off on July 7, opening with his headlining performances and first forays into directing in the 1970s, then continues with his breakout hits SPLASH, COCOON, and PARENTHOOD, before continuing with Hollywood blockbusters WILLOW, FAR AND AWAY, and BACKDRAFT, and on into Academy Award-winners APOLLO 13, A BEAUTIFUL MIND, and beyond. Ron Howard will be present for select screenings, so don't delay—get your tickets today! tinyurl.com/4t7bp4vn
Sounds of Summer 2026: Series Trailer Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-07-01 | Sounds of Summer returns, celebrating music in all its forms — the iconic and the intimate, the legendary and the live.We open with the greatest band in metal falling apart in real time in Joe Berlinger’s METALLICA: SOME KIND OF MONSTER. Other highlights include a fresh program of rare archival footage presented by the Bob Dylan Center; and a new installment in Scott Freiman’s acclaimed series, DECONSTRUCTING THE MUSIC, with a deep dive on the sixty-year-old Beatles album Revolver.From there, we’ll venture to a Baptist Church in California for Aretha Franklin in AMAZING GRACE, an Arkansas cotton farm with Johnny Cash in WALK THE LINE, Nick Cave at the Sydney Opera House in 20,000 DAYS ON EARTH, Woody Guthrie riding freight trains across Depression-era America in BOUND FOR GLORY, and a European Tour like no other with an intimate look at a fearless feminist and LGBTQ+ icon in TEACHES OF PEACHES. Sounds of Summer provides everyone with a soundtrack to listen to this summer.The excitement continues off screen: with an evening of live music with the incomparable John Pizzarelli (tickets on sale soon), and free live music every Thursday evening in Take 3 Wine Bar and Café from July 2 through Sept. 6. Be sure to check out our custom-crafted cocktail and mocktail, now pouring at Take 3 Wine Bar & Café (open Thur-Sun).Tickets for all series screenings and events are on sale now! tinyurl.com/36ae8ex7
Remembering Rob Reiner: July 1–29, 2026—Series Trailer Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-07-01 | The son of a comedy giant who forged his own path as an iconic actor, tireless activist, and one of the most versatile filmmakers of his generation, the great Rob Reiner was a singular figure who could—truly—do it all. With a filmography defined by his rich depth of empathy, his unmistakable sense of humor, and a peerless record for reshaping the contours of each genre he worked in, Reiner's body of work spans the full, kaleidoscopic diversity of the human experience.Following Rob Reiner’s tragic passing at the end of last year, the Burns invites you to join us on Wednesdays in July for "Remembering Rob Reiner," a limited retrospective celebrating the life and work of this tremendous artist with five of his finest films. Take a walk down memory lane with us: tinyurl.com/5dc95kbb
Framing Our Future: 25th Anniversary Gala Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-06-30 | On Friday, June 12, The Burns welcomed longtime supporters, members, and neighbors to our Theater for the Framing our Future 25th Anniversary Gala, a memorable celebration of our vibrant community and all that we have accomplished together over the past 25 years 🎊With all proceeds going to support our film and education programs, this exciting and inspiring event brought the entire JBFC campus to life, featuring tributes to Judy Exton, Steve Apkon, and Carrie Coon, along with our honored guest, Secretary Hillary Clinton.Here’s a look back at this fabulous fête, shared with our endless thanks and gratitude to all who joined us for this incredibly special evening—and especially to those who’ve supported us every step of the way over the past quarter of a century. We can’t wait to see what the next 25 years brings 🥳📹 by Roslyn Wertheimer
You Belong Here: 2026 Membership Drive Trailer Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-05-01 | There’s something about being here: from the programming you can't find anywhere else to conversations that continue long after the credits roll—that’s what makes The Burns different.Love film? You belong at The Burns—and now, it's time to make it official. Join the JBFC by May 31 and get two bonus months of membership FREE with our best offer of the year! You'll not only save on tickets, online fees, and concessions, but also support our nonprofit mission and help us continue to bring film, education, and artists to the community. Already a member? Upgrade to the Film Buff level or above, and you'll get two bonus months of membership free, PLUS a free hat! Make the most of your moviegoing this May: bit.ly/4eQQfkM
Steven Spielbergs Sci-Fi: May 9–June 21, 2026 Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-05-01 | A three-time Academy Award winner who is often credited with laying the foundation for the Hollywood blockbuster, director Steven Spielberg’s filmography is an eclectic one which frequently finds him bouncing between periods, styles, and genres with an unparalleled sense of ease. Still, for as versatile a filmmaker as Spielberg is, it’s impossible to deny that one of the most consistently vital, thrilling, and ambitious throughlines within his formidable oeuvre is the trailblazing work he has done within the science fiction genre. For Spielberg, a true artist whose mastery of spectacle is equaled by an aptitude for mining the rich, often thorny emotional depths of the stories he tells, science fiction provides a vast, malleable canvas upon which he can couple his fundamental strengths as a filmmaker with the peerless sense of imagination that makes him such a truly singular storyteller.To highlight our release of Steven Spielberg’s DISCLOSURE DAY, the newest science fiction film from one of cinema’s great pioneers of the genre, the Jacob Burns Film Center will present screenings of a Spielberg-directed sci-fi film every weekend from May 9 through June 21. Prepare for your close encounter: bit.ly/41ZrJX3
JBFC Spotlight: Jaden & Michelle Sturner Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-04-13 | As we proudly celebrate our 25th anniversary, we're also taking time to celebrate the members of our community who've supported and sustained us over the years.For Jaden Sturner, The Burns' after-school courses and camps helped foster, nurture, and cultivate a lifelong love of filmmaking — hear from the family how Jaden was able to grow, experiment, and learn here on our campus as he came of age, and what's next for this emerging artist.Your support has enabled us to inspire dreams and change lives over the past 25 years—now come build the future of film with us: bit.ly/4cHqWQA
A Three Course Meal: Jewish Film Festival 2026 Recap Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-03-31 | This past weekend, patrons enjoyed a feast for the eyes—and tastebuds 👅—at “A Three Course Meal,” a savory selection of short films presented as part of the 2026 Jewish Film Festival 🥤Following an introduction from series curator David Schwartz, patrons sunk their teeth into the short films EGG CREAM, DOUBLE HAPPINESS, and ORNA AND ELLA. Filmmakers Peter Miller and Nora Claire Miller joined our audience for a live Q&A about their film EGG CREAM, after which attendees headed upstairs to Take 3 Wine Bar & Café for a taste of the real thing: a classic, New-York-Style Egg Cream!Huge thanks to all who made this delicious event so divine! Couldn’t join us in person? Catch an encore screening of “A Three Course Meal” Saturday, April 4 at 11:00, or swing by Take 3 this Thursday through Sunday to try our limited-edition Egg Cream for yourself 🥛The Jewish Film Festival takes a brief break for Passover, before continuing through April 6: bit.ly/4chNIyk📹 by Roslyn WertheimerThe 2026 Jewish Film Festival is sponsored by:Anonymous (3)Joseph & Roberta RosenblumRebecca Colin & Michael BergenfeldDvora FieldsKauff McGuire & Margolis LLPCheryl Brandes & Lloyd PineNadia & Robert BernsteinSuli A. Fassler & Howard P. MagaliffBeverly FrankLouis & Jeannie Sorell(as of 3.19.2026)
Frame by Frame: Only Human — Spring 2026 Course for Grades 9-12 Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-03-31 | In this deeply personal exploration of modern cinema, Frame by Frame: Only Human invites students to discover how filmmakers capture the messy, beautiful complexity of being alive. Is it the story, the music, the acting, or the moment itself?Through eight unforgettable films, we’ll dive into what it truly means to feel in cinema. Spanning genres from coming-of-age and musicals to romance and even superhero epics, the course examines how filmmakers use performance, music, color, and narrative to connect with us on an emotional level. Through pre-screening lectures and open post-film discussions, students will learn and apply core cinema studies concepts to better understand how visual storytelling moves us.From the quiet resilience of FRUITVALE STATION to the dreamlike longing of LA LA LAND and PAST LIVES, each film asks us to see ourselves, and others, with empathy and honesty. Designed especially for high schoolers in Grades 9-12, new after-school cinema studies course Frame by Frame: Only Human celebrates the search for belonging, forgiveness, and the courage to be seen for who we truly are.Frame by Frame: Only Human kicks off eight weeks of entertainment on Friday, April 17. Spaces are filling fast—register to save your seat today! bit.ly/47yXY2A
Frame by Frame: Cult Classics — Spring 2026 Course for Grades 9-12 Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-03-31 | Get ready to dive into some of the most beloved unconventional films ever made. In Frame by Frame: Cult Classics, our newest after-school offering for high school students, we’ll explore movies that have gained dedicated followings over time, dissecting their cultural significance, unconventional storytelling, and the reasons they continue to resonate with audiences long after their initial release.From the comic book style editing of SCOTT PILGRIM VS THE WORLD, to the feminist edge of SUCKER PUNCH, to the dissection of identity in THE BREAKFAST CLUB, we’ll uncover what makes a film a “cult classic” while building introductory cinema studies knowledge. That’s so fetch. Frame by Frame: Cinema's Cult Classics kicks off on Monday, April 13—spaces are limited, so visit our Education site to learn more and register today: bit.ly/4tlT8hz
Sing Sing Classroom to Screening Room with Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-03-30 | Beyond our regular Classroom to Screening Room programming, we also occasionally schedule special, one-of-a-kind screenings as part of our Community Matters series. These FREE, unique experiences showcase films that tackle important, timely topics and help facilitate deeper classroom discussions.Earlier this month, we were honored to host over 200 students for a special screening of SING SING, followed by a live Q&A with two members of Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA): Charles Moore, Director of Programs and Operations, and Elisha Henry, an alumnus of their program.It was incredibly powerful to see students engage with our inspirational special guests on topics raised by the film, including incarceration, restorative justice, community support, and the power of art. In their post-screening reflections, students commented on how moved they were by the experience, with one noting: "The film was inspiring in a sense that there is life and hope in jail and that if you yourself put in the effort you can do anything;" while another added that "Art, community, and empathy can help someone find dignity and hope even in difficult circumstances."Transformative experiences like Classroom to Screening Room are made possible through the generous support of donors, members, and patrons like you—join the JBFC and see how your support can help sustain our education programs for years to come: bit.ly/3PEVidz📹 by Roslyn Wertheimer
Framing our Future: Community Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-03-18 | Since the JBFC's founding 25 years ago, one thing has remained constant: our community. Every person who comes through our doors—from members and filmmakers to students and donors—helps make the Burns a better place.We're so grateful for all the support we've received over the years, and look forward to community building for years to come. See how your support can help sustain us into the future: bit.ly/47IyRu7
Pompei: Below the Clouds Q&A with Filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-03-10 | From Oscar nominated filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi (Fire at Sea) comes POMPEI: BELOW THE CLOUDS, an exquisite and entirely fresh vision of a region that’s forever perched between the present day and the ancient past. Between Mount Vesuvius and the Gulf of Naples, the ground shakes periodically and the fumaroles of the Phlegraean Fields taint the air, while a lesser-known everyday Naples emerges with its poetry, personalities, and anxiety.Below the mountain clouds lies a territory crisscrossed by locals, worshippers, tourists, and archaeologists excavating a past that in museums will give new life and meaning to statues, fragments, and ruins. Meanwhile firemen in their command center calm the fears of locals, law enforcement tracks down tomb robbers, and in the port of Torre Annunziata, Syrian tankers unload Ukrainian grain. Shot by Rosi himself in incandescent and mysterious black and white, POMPEI: BELOW THE CLOUDS is cinema as living time machine, somehow always forever ago and precisely now.Filmmaker Gianfranco Rosi joined us #AtTheJBFC for live Q&A following a preview screening of POMPEI: BELOW THE CLOUDS on Wednesday, Feb. 25. Couldn't join us live? Catch up on their full conversation here, then snag tickets to see POMPEI: BELOW THE CLOUDS on the big screen starting Friday, March 13: bit.ly/40o8khS
Frederick Wisemans America: Apr. 8–May 3, 2026 — Series Trailer Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-03-06 | "When Frederick Wiseman passed away at the age of 96 in February of this year, America lost not only its greatest documentary filmmaker—it lost one of the greatest chroniclers in the country’s entire 250 year history. Cinema’s version of Mark Twain, Wiseman’s perceptive, majestic, and quietly comedic films have covered all corners of the country, from towns in Maine, Colorado, and Indiana, to seats of government, courts of law, welfare offices, high school auditoriums, even outposts on foreign soil.Although his purview extended beyond the United States, the majority of his nearly 50 films, completed over 56 years, were made in America. Perhaps best known for his focus on U.S. institutions, Wiseman was endlessly fascinated by how things work, an interest that was inseparable from an interest in how people work. How they labor together (or apart), how they study, play, and care, how they form communities, where they form communities, and how they articulate and represent themselves, their passions, and their convictions.While someone else filmed, Wiseman recorded sound, patiently listening for subtle moments of revelation that others would ignore, an ethos that allowed him to construct scenes that seemed so close to actual life that it was easy to overlook the myriad edits he made to compel you to think you were witnessing every moment.Wiseman claimed to not be a political filmmaker, which was true insofar as he never made a film for an overt cause or with an overt ideology, but if you pay attention to structure, to the overall composition of his epic canvases, and to his choices about who gets to be represented and how they’re represented, you’ll discover a filmmaker with immense respect for common people and their right to our respect, as well as to, well, truth, justice, and myriad American ways of life." —JBFC Director of Film Curation and Programming Eric HynesTickets are on sale now for all screenings in limited series Frederick Wiseman's America, running April 8-May 3 #AtTheJBFC: bit.ly/4soQBmcThis series is presented with generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
2026 Jewish Film Festival - Series Trailer Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-02-25 | “By its nature, a Jewish film festival is a celebration of resilience, tradition, community, and family bonds, and also an exploration of a long history that has been marked by conflict and trauma. The fiction films and documentaries in the 2026 edition of this festival capture specific moments in history, but always through the lens of personal perspectives.In our opening night film, My Underground Mother, director Marisa Fox discovers a long-hidden family secret that sheds unexpected light on an aspect of the Holocaust. A Letter to David views the nightmare of October 7 through the story of twin brothers who had acted together in a film ten years earlier that eerily foreshadowed the current crisis. The Last Spy views decades of 20th century history through the stranger-than-fiction story of Peter Sichert, who was born in Germany in 1922 and became a master spy for the United States. These are just a few examples of films that show us how history is indeed made up of personal stories. Nowhere is this more evident than in Claude Lanzmann’s epic Shoah, receiving a rare screening on the occasion of All I Had Was Nothingness, a revelatory new documentary about the making of Shoah.I hope that you will come away from the Festival with new insights into Jewish history, and also with memories of extraordinary people on screen, including Spanish villagers trying to rescue Jewish refugees in WWII (Frontier), an actress struggling with career and marital conflict (Fantasy Life), two Tel Aviv restaurant owners closing their beloved restaurant (Orna and Ella), an Argentine family whose planned wedding celebration is threatened by an unexpected funeral (Mazel Tov), a poor kid from Yonkers who became the country’s most beloved comedian (When Caesar was King), a restless Montreal teenager who wants to conquer the world (The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz), a mother who devotes her life to helping her son overcome a severe disability (Once Upon My Mother), a fictional teenager who brings to life the very real Jewish community of Amsterdam between the wars (Neshoma), a lawyer who took on the country’s most notorious anti-Semite (Sapiro vs. Ford: The Jew Who Sued Henry Ford), and more–the whole mishpacha.”–David Schwartz, Festival CuratorTickets for all screenings and special events in the 2026 Jewish Film Festival are on sale now—get yours today to avoid getting sold out! bit.ly/3ZX3V56The 2026 Jewish Film Festival is sponsored by:Anonymous (3)Joseph & Roberta RosenblumRebecca Colin & Michael BergenfeldDvora FieldsKauff Mcguire & Margolis LLPCheryl Brandes & Lloyd PineNadia & Robert BernsteinSuli A. Fassler & Howard P. MagaliffLouis & Jeannie Sorell
JBFC Film Programmer Ian LoCascio on NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-02-18 | Now playing #AtTheJBFC, NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE is “an early contender for the funniest film of 2026.”JBFC Film Programmer Ian LoCascio shot a little something to share his thoughts on this hilarious and brilliant work, so tune in for the inside scoop on this film with a big title—and even bigger laughs—then see it on the big screen: bit.ly/4aGgkiY
JBFC Spotlight: Chris Vaughan Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-02-12 | The theatrical landscape has changed dramatically over the past 25 years, but one thing has stayed the same: our members make the movie magic come alive 📽️JBFC Member Chris Vaughan has been a part of our community for over 11 years—and now, thanks to family-friendly offerings like our All Ages series and Sensory Friendly screenings, he's passing his love of cinema on to his son, Noah.25 years in, the Burns remains committed to inspiring audiences of all ages through the transformative power of film. Thanks to the support of members like Chris, we're able to continue igniting a lifelong love for film in the next generation—together.See how your support makes film come alive #AtTheJBFC: bit.ly/3ZzxLfW
Frame by Frame: The A24 Aesthetic—Spring 2026 Course Trailer Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-01-13 | Due to popular demand, the JBFC is thrilled to announce a new film studies course for adult students coming this spring—Frame by Frame: The A24 Aesthetic! Over the course of eight class sessions, students will survey a selection of A24’s most daring and influential films as they engage with advanced cinema studies concepts, including auteur theory, realism and stylization, spectatorship, and the phenomenology of film.Whether you’re a lifelong cinephile or simply curious about the cultural impact of A24, this course will offer a richer appreciation for the studio and the films that continue to reshape the art of cinema. It all starts Monday, Feb. 2—register today to save your seat: bit.ly/3NgVbUs📹 by JBFC Tech Specialist Marcus Johnson
JBFC Special Guests Trailer Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-01-12 | Each year, the JBFC works to elevate the moviegoing experience by presenting one-of-a-kind special events, including anniversary screenings, sneak-peek previews, live Q&As, and more—in 2025 alone, the JBFC was honored to welcome 178 special guests to Pleasantville!Check out this recent guests recap to see who's stopped by, or head to our Recent Events page to catch up on everything you might've missed: bit.ly/4jDnx7q
2025 Year-End-Appeal Trailer: Seans College Story Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-01-01 | Cinema is the gift that keeps on giving 🎁There's still time to donate‼️ All gifts received by Dec. 31 will be matched, dollar-for-dollar—double your impact today to end the year on a high note: bit.ly/4smWAZt
2025 Year-End-Appeal Trailer: Eric Hynes Jacob Burns Film Center 2026-01-01 | In anticipation of the JBFC's upcoming 25th anniversary, our Board of Directors has generously committed to match ALL contributions received by December 31, dollar-for-dollar, up to $150,000! When you make a tax-deductible gift this holiday season, your contribution will help us further our unwavering commitment to:📽️ Expanding access to media education programs for more than 6,000 students each year—the majority of whom come from under-resourced schools and participate free of charge.📽️ Igniting creativity, curiosity, and cross-cultural awareness through meaningful conversations and community-building experiences.📽️ Showcasing the best of independent, international, and documentary cinema that entertains, challenges, and invigorates audiences of all ages.Support the arts in your community with a gift today: bit.ly/3YXxEu1
Mistress Dispeller Q&A with Director Elizabeth Lo Jacob Burns Film Center 2025-12-18 | Filmmaker Elizabeth Lo joined us #AtTheJBFC on Tuesday, Nov. 25 for a preview screening of her new film MISTRESS DISPELLER, followed by a live Q&A with JBFC Director of Film Curation & Programming Eric Hynes.This preview screening of MISTRESS DISPELLER was presented as part of Docs Without Borders, the JBFC's series showcase for the most exciting new nonfiction films from around the world. Couldn't join us in person? Catch up on their full conversation here—then catch MISTRESS DISPELLER on the big screen starting Friday, Dec. 19 #AtTheJBFC: bit.ly/4sjAaIO
2025 Year-End Appeal: Mason Ember Avery Jacob Burns Film Center 2025-12-16 | The JBFC is so much more than a movie theater—it's a place where dreams are nurtured, curiosity is sparked, and audiences of all ages begin a lifelong love affair with film.As the JBFC builds towards our milestone 25th year, we need the support of our community more than ever—help us continue to inspire dreams and transform lives with a tax-deductible gift today. All donations received by Dec. 31 will be matched, dollar-for-dollar! bit.ly/4s0vvuV
2025 Year-End Appeal: JBFC By the Numbers Jacob Burns Film Center 2025-12-11 | 1️⃣8️⃣ original series. 1️⃣3️⃣0️⃣ special guests. 3️⃣9️⃣0️⃣ films. 3️⃣0️⃣ fellows. 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ schools & community partners. 6️⃣,0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ students. And only 🥇 theater that does it all, each and every year.The JBFC is a place where stories come to life and people come together—and this holiday season, we're giving you the chance to double your impact: ALL contributions received by Dec. 31 will be matched by the JBFC Board of Directors, dollar-for-dollar, up to $150,000! Give today, and your tax-deductible donation will go twice as far in helping us inspire dreams, spark dialogue, and change lives through the power of film: bit.ly/4pFxtiv
2025 Year-End Appeal: JBFC Director of Education Brandon Shenkman Jacob Burns Film Center 2025-12-04 | As a nonprofit, the JBFC knows firsthand the value of community—every movie ticket, every membership, and every donation helps us inspire dreams, spark dialogue, and change lives through the power of film 💝This giving season, we're thrilled to share that the JBFC Board of Directors will match ALL contributions received by Dec. 31, dollar-for-dollar! That means your tax-deductible gift will not only help us expand access to education programs for over 6,000 students a year—it'll go twice as far in enabling the JBFC to continue sharing and inspiring transformative stories for years to come.Give the gift of cinema today: bit.ly/4iIg2eW
2025 Year-End Appeal Trailer: Help Us Meet the Match! Jacob Burns Film Center 2025-12-01 | As we kick off the 2025 giving season, we're thrilled to share that the JBFC Board of Directors will match all donations received by Dec. 31, dollar-for-dollar, up to $150,000 🎉Every gift supports our vibrant home for film, creativity, and community, so don't delay—double your impact with a fully tax-deductible gift today: bit.ly/4pFxtiv
Docs Without Borders: Coexistence, My Ass! Jacob Burns Film Center 2025-11-05 | Shot over five tumultuous years, COEXISTENCE, MY ASS! follows Israeli activist-comedian Noam Shuster Eliassi as she creates a brazen and raucous comedy show by the same name. Raised in a bilingual Israeli-Palestinian village—the only intentionally integrated community in the country—Noam grows disillusioned with working as a traditional peace activist. She pivots to stand-up and quickly attracts attention across the Middle East. But as her star rises, everything around her falls apart. With biting satire, Noam pushes her audiences to face difficult truths that aren’t always funny but do remind us that another reality is possible.New JBFC Series Docs Without Borders continues with a one-night-only screening of COEXISTENCE, MY ASS! on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 7:00, followed by a live Q&A with director Amber Fares and editor Rabab Haj Yahya—snag advance tickets today: bit.ly/4nYQo6R
Eden Q&A with Director Ron Howard & Screenwriter Noah Pink Jacob Burns Film Center 2025-11-04 | On Aug. 22, 2025, Academy Award-winning Director (and proud JBFC Board Member) Ron Howard & Screenwriter Noah Pink joined us for a live Q&A following the premiere of Ron’s new film EDEN #AtTheJBFC, where they shared insights into the production process, the stranger-than-fiction true story behind the film, and more. Couldn't join us in person? Catch up on their full conversation here!
Apollo 13 with Director Ron Howard: Highlight Reel Jacob Burns Film Center 2025-11-04 | On June 17, 2025, we welcomed filmmaker and JBFC Board Member Ron Howard for a truly unforgettable evening #AtTheJBFC, as we celebrated the 30th anniversary of APOLLO 13 with two sold-out screenings: one introduced by Ron, and the other followed by a live discussion between the acclaimed filmmaker and JBFC Board President Janet Maslin.On top of the evening’s cinematic celebrations, Ron graciously made time to meet with high school students from our Spring 2025 Director’s Cut: Documentary Filmmaking Fellowship—which is presented in collaboration with Imagine Entertainment—following their end-of-semester screening. Joined by fellow JBFC Board Member and President of Imagine Documentaries Sara Bernstein, the two industry experts shared their insights with this group of aspiring filmmakers.Thank you to all who joined us for this spectacular evening—from our audience, who had the chance to revisit a beloved classic with the filmmaker present, to our students, who reveled in the chance to learn from an accomplished auteur. Most of all, we are endlessly grateful to Ron Howard and Imagine Entertainment, whose ardent support for independent cinema and the JBFC’s nonprofit mission helps make nights like these possible.
Apollo 13 Q&A with Director Ron Howard Jacob Burns Film Center 2025-11-04 | On June 17, 2025, we welcomed filmmaker and JBFC Board Member Ron Howard for a truly unforgettable evening #AtTheJBFC, as we celebrated the 30th anniversary of APOLLO 13 with two sold-out screenings: one introduced by Ron, and the other followed by a live discussion between the acclaimed filmmaker and JBFC Board President Janet Maslin.Thank you to all who joined us for this spectacular evening—it was a real treat to revisit a beloved classic with the filmmaker present. Most of all, we are endlessly grateful to Ron Howard and Imagine Entertainment, whose ardent support for independent cinema and the JBFC’s nonprofit mission helps make nights like these possible.
Docs Without Borders: Mistress Dispeller Jacob Burns Film Center 2025-10-30 | In China, a new industry has emerged devoted to helping couples stay married in the face of infidelity. Wang Zhenxi is part of this growing profession, a “mistress dispeller” who is hired to maintain the bonds of marriage—and break up affairs—by any means necessary. Offering astonishing access to private dramas usually hidden behind closed doors, MISTRESS DISPELLER follows a real, unfolding case of infidelity as Teacher Wang attempts to bring a couple back from the edge of crisis. Their story shifts our sympathies between husband, wife and mistress to explore the ways emotion, pragmatism and cultural norms collide to shape romantic relationships in contemporary China. The latest from Elizabeth Lo (Stray), one of the most talented and dexterous young filmmakers working today, raises the bar for observational filmmaking that’s both astonishingly candid and scrupulously respectful of her participants.Get the inside scoop from JBFC Director of Film Curation & Programming Eric Hynes, then join us Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 7:00 for a one-night-only screening of MISTRESS DISPELLER, followed by a live Q&A with director Elizabeth Lo: bit.ly/4oi2mJGMISTRESS DISPELLER screens as part of JBFC Series Docs Without Borders, a showcase for the most exciting new nonfiction films from around the world.
