fILM FORUM

Founded in 1970, Film Forum (FF) is a 4-screen, independent, nonprofit arthouse cinema in downtown Manhattan. Its mission is to present the NYC theatrical premieres of a rich array of new independent documentaries and narrative features, programmed by Mike Maggiore, Premieres Artistic Director.  The theater’s ambitious repertory program was started in 1986 by Bruce Goldstein, Founding Repertory Artistic Director, who continues to produce and program the theater’s classic restorations, festivals and special events, along with the popular Film Forum Jr. series for children. Now in its 56th year, FF presents 400-500 movies each year, both domestic and international, and 200+ live events. In fulfilling its nonprofit mission, FF takes risks on debut and little-known filmmakers, challenging subject matter, and underrecognized classics—offering this programming at the scope, pace, and volume of commercial theaters and contributing to the vitality of arthouse cinema.

  • Film Forum has a long history of being ahead of the curve, giving many iconic films their New York screening debut. In 1991, Film Forum opened Paris Is Burning to a sold out crowd for six months before Miramax acquired it for wider theatrical release. Film Forum has debuted many legendary filmmakers to the New York public. Our current home on Houston Street is actually our 4th location. The previous iteration, a twin cinema on Watts Street, was razed to make way for an office building, and the Houston Street location opened just one year to the day after the previous location closed. 

  • Our popcorn is famous! Made very simply in peanut oil with no additional flavorings and DIY La Baleine sea salt - AND our banana bread is the subject of 20 years of loving debate.