About

In the late 1990s, when many said it couldn’t be done, that a nonprofit cinema dedicated to the art of film would never survive in the suburbs, a community believed otherwise. They imagined something bigger than a building. They envisioned a gathering place where the lights would dim, strangers would become neighbors, and the power of film would spark conversations that rippled far beyond the screen.

That audacious idea became the Jacob Burns Film Center.

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, that original vision continues to bring people together through shared film experiences, education, and community.

Since opening our doors in 2001, we’ve proven that people hunger for more than streaming algorithms and isolated viewing. They crave the electric experience of laughing together in the dark, of gasping in unison, of staying in their seats as the credits roll because they’re not ready for the spell to break. They want to look a filmmaker in the eye and ask, “How did you do that?” They want their children to discover that they, too, can tell stories that matter.

Today, the Jacob Burns Film Center stands as one of the most successful suburban art houses in the country, not because we defied the skeptics, but because we listened to what our community needed: a cultural and creative hub where film becomes a bridge between people, between ideas, between who we are and who we might become.

Five-Screen Theater Complex

Each year, nearly 200,000 people come through our doors to experience more than 400 films, from acclaimed new releases and international cinema to powerful documentaries and thoughtfully curated series. Our audiences also take part in over 100 special events annually, including conversations with filmmakers, actors, authors, and community voices, as well as live performances and gatherings that bring people together beyond the screen.

Over the years, the JBFC has welcomed cinematic luminaries such as Martin Scorsese, Kelly Reichardt, Steven Spielberg, Jafar Panahi, Greta Gerwig, Barry Jenkins, and Bong Joon-ho, just a few of the thousands of artists, storytellers, and creative voices who have shared their work with our community. Their presence underscores the JBFC’s role as a cultural home where film sparks curiosity, conversation, and connection across generations.

Check out our highlights of special guests we have welcomed over the years.

Located on the top floor of our Theater, the Take 3 Wine Bar & Café offers our guests an elevated entertainment experience by serving gourmet bites, fine wines, craft beers, non-alcoholic drinks, brewed beverages, and other locally sourced delectable treats against the backdrop of art exhibits.

JBFC Media Arts Lab

Just down the street from our cinema complex is the JBFC Media Arts Lab, a 27,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility that houses our education programs for students of all ages and adults. The Lab features a 60-seat screening room, a sound stage, sixteen editing suites, an animation studio, a recording studio, four small studios, and a large Center Studio.

Education and Community Impact

The JBFC’s education programs serve more than 5,000 students from over 60 schools and community organizations each year. Guided by our commitment to removing barriers to participation, 70% of these students come from under-resourced schools and attend free of charge. Our after-school programs further expand access by providing scholarships, financial aid, and stipends that help offset lost wages and transportation costs, ensuring that students who would otherwise be unable to participate can fully engage in the JBFC experience.

Artists-in-Residence

Since 2009, the JBFC has welcomed dozens of artists-in-residents from more than 20 countries—from emerging voices to internationally renowned filmmakers, including Academy Award winner Bong Joon-ho. The  Residence for Visiting Artists is located next door to the Media Arts Lab, offering an inspiring home for artists to develop new work.

Support and Community

The JBFC exists because of the generosity of our community. The support of our members, donors, and sponsors is essential to advancing our mission and sustaining our vibrant film, education, and artist programs.

Please consider joining as a member or making a fully tax-deductible donation to help us continue bringing film, education, and creative opportunity to the Hudson Valley and beyond.

Take a look at our 15th Anniversary Timeline, including video clips of special guests.

Want to stay up to date on what’s happening at the JBFC? Make sure to sign up for our ebulletin HERE.