Tag: indiefilm

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A NEW NAME IS COMING!

The original theater, built in 1933,  was called The Midtown.

First it was the Midtown in 1933, then the Metro in 1982 and the Metro Twin in the 1990s…

Now, UWS Cinema Center (our nonprofit entity) is getting ready to announce our NEW FILM CENTER NAME on October 28th!

Why a new name? While we want to embrace the historic nature of our past, we want to better reflect our far-reaching mission–to be a destination on the Upper West Side for quality independent, documentary and international films, film festivals, repertory (classic) films and children’s programming; and to become a multigenerational, community-centered, affordable destination for culture and conversation, inspired by talk-backs and educational programming for all ages. We also want to distinguish ourselves from New York City’s other “Metro” cinemas–the downtown Metrograph and the recently opened Metro Private Dining in Chelsea.

Keep your eyes and ears open for the big announcement!

(Our website and social media will still be accessible through the current urls, but will appear with the new name during the last few days in October!

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Architects HIRED! We’re on our Way!

We’re thrilled to announce that after interviewing several candidates, we have hired Voith & Mactavish Architects to commence with the plans for our five-screen film and education center, and an owner’s rep firm, B&F, to help oversee the project from planning through construction phases.

Voith & Mactavish has extensive experience in designing and restoring historic movie theaters, including the Bryn Mawr, the County and the Ambler Theaters in Pennsylvania. They’ve also worked on several performing arts theaters.

Of course, to do it right will take time. We’re now in Phase 1, with the architects preparing the plans. Once approved, contractors and subcontractors will need to be hired, and permits will need to be secured. Fortunately, our city electeds have been extremely helpful at every turn, expediting our conversations with the Dept of Buildings and directing us to possible grants. We’ve also received early support from the Landmarks folks, who are as eager to see us preserve the gorgeous theater facade as we are.

In preparation for the design of the theaters as well as operation and program planning, the UWSCC admin team attended the recent Art House Convergence conference (a consortium of 800 independent cinemas from across the country) and we continue to take every opportunity to tour model art houses–most recently, the Music Box and Gene Siskel Film Center in Chicago and the Coolidge Corner Theater in Brookline, Mass.

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Brick by Brick, Help Us Bring the Dream to Life!

People ask how long construction will take. We are tempted to say, “as long as a piece of string…”  The truth is, the time frame will depend on the strength of our fundraising–which is and will continue to be a major focus. We hope to begin the staged work with the money in hand—right now approximately $2M.

We have had several leadership donations come in since the announcement of our successful purchase on April 6, as well as many smaller donations  Gifts at any level are critical to our success; so far, they have enabled us to invest in professional software for managing our donations, accounts and mailing list; paying for insurance on the property; and, we hope, installing some lighting under the marquee for safety purposes. We’ll be paying the architects for their work, expeditors to help cut through city red tape, and a super to watch the property, So, your cash donations are critical. Our admin team is still 100% volunteer, so your donations go directly toward setting up systems, maintaining and building out the property.  Because we are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your gift is 100% tax deductible.

Granted, fundraising is a bit challenging in this political climate, but we are energized by the number of people who say that giving to a local initiative like this makes them feel empowered—to be supporting both the neighborhood, and the arts.

Make a donation and encourage friends/neighbors to join the effort too!