Bryn Mawr Film Institute is a non profit, community owned theater organized to:
To bring the best in independent, experimental, documentary, and vintage film to Philadelphia's Main Line;
To provide a facility with premier projection and comfort;
To promote film appreciation through educational programs for viewers of all ages;
To support school film studies programs and help teachers use film to meet mandated educational standards in effective new ways; and
To provide a place for our community to meet, share ideas, have fun, and develop talents through the catalyst of film.
Imagine the experience...
You park your car in a convenient, designated lot and make the short walk to the theater on a pavement studded with stars and sprinkled with lights from the recreated historic marquee. The former ticket booth is lit like a beacon with informative flat screen displays. The arcade leading to the theater is once again topped by its original, two-story glass vault, revealing the evening stars or the afternoon sunlight.Programs for film lovers of all ages
You pass a group of elementary school children filing out of the theater’s Community Room with their teacher. They’ve just attended the program teaching visual literacy, critical viewing, and reading skills. Last week you were here with a Life-Long Learning group for a course exploring the imagery of the cross, the ark, the star, the prayer rug, and the mandala in film.A revitalized building
On one side of the arcade is a new coffee lounge, and on the other, a video workshop where young and old can play creative games in movie-making and movie karaoke.Great films and snacks at low prices
Now, which film to see: there’s that new documentary just reviewed in The New York Times, or a vintage romantic comedy. Whichever you choose, you just show your membership card to enjoy discounted admission.
In the lobby, you see the concession stand features new signature candies as well as old favorites, and there are thematic snacks from the neighboring restaurants. Seeing an Italian film? Enjoy mini cannoli! A Greek movie? Baklava!A CineCommentator to enhance your viewing
You enter the auditorium and find a seat with near perfect sight lines. Hearing Impaired? There are hearing assists for you. Certain shows will have verbal commentary available, too. If you’re physically disabled, there are many choices of seating for you and your party.
But, look... you see a CineCommentator coming to the front of the theater. She’s a graduate student in film studies and she’s there to introduce the film.
The lights dim and you see a trailer about the theater and its amenities. When the trailer credits roll, you notice that it was made by your neighbor’s son. He’s a member of one of the local high school film clubs that meet at the theater. These clubs vie to make the most original trailers and be assigned to make the neighborhood business commercials screened before each show to help support the theater. They also work with inner city film clubs on joint projects supervised by the Bryn Mawr Film Institute’s Academic Consortium.Extra amenities
When the film concludes, you’re invited to join the CineCommentator in a discussion. A film professor in the audience gets involved in the conversation, and you all decide to grab a decaf latte and go upstairs to one of the community spaces to continue the debate.
Leaving, you decide to see more films of this genre and punch in a few of those recommended on the TLA kiosk in the lobby. By the time you walk over to TLA your selections are ready. Next time, you might place your order early, for delivery to the theater.
You plan to come back next weekend with the whole family to enjoy a Saturday matinee of special children’s programming.
We’ll see you then!
Join us!
Become a member today at special introductory rates.
