Our Mission
A New Name, a New Vision:
Bringing arthouse cinema to Upper Manhattan
The Uptown Film Center is preparing to transform the former Metro, a historic theater built in 1933, into a vibrant cultural hub, bringing diverse communities together through independent cinema, education, and shared storytelling experiences.
We envision a future where the Uptown will be the premier independent film destination on the Upper West Side — the only full-time, nonprofit, arthouse cinema north of 72nd Street dedicated to repertory films, children’s programming, and film festivals; new independent, international and documentary films.
It will be a cultural anchor that revitalizes the neighborhood and ensures that film remains accessible, inclusive, and essential to community life. By creating equitable access to diverse films and fostering inclusive dialogue, the Uptown will strengthen community bonds and promote film literacy. An onsite, all-day cafe will invite the public as well as theater-goers to enjoy freshly prepared food and conversation.
Through curated screenings, educational programs, and neighborhood partnerships, the Uptown will create opportunities for connection across generations and backgrounds. Over time, these encounters will build a shared cultural foundation that revitalizes the community while broadening perspectives globally.
The Vision
The vision for the Uptown Film Center is a five-screen, state-of-the-art film and education facility with two large 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 will be a lobby lounge/cafe that will be open to the street and can be used for events.
About the Location
The Uptown Film Center is located on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, at 2626 Broadway, between West 99th & 100th Streets. The landmarked property, formerly called The Metro, was closed in 2005 and gutted some years later by the previous owner.
The property was successful purchased on April 4, 2025, by Upper West Side Cinema Center, a 501 (c)(3) corporate entity d/b/a/ Uptown Film Center.