Cinemapolis

Founded in 1986 as a single-screen arthouse cinema in the basement of a shopping center, the theater became a mission-driven non-profit media arts organization in 2000 and now houses five screens on Green Street in Downtown Ithaca. Recently reopened to in-person viewing experiences, the theatre is also still offering movies at home as well as private screen rentals, allowing for a diversity of viewing experiences to match any comfort level! More information on showtimes, at-home viewing options, and concessions can be found at https://cinemapolis.org/ 

Movies in the Park

Presented by The Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce and Chemung Canal Trust Company, the summer tradition of weekend showings of movies in Ithaca’s beautiful Stewart Park has returned after a hiatus in 2020. Offering 5 unique films from the end of July till the end of August, refreshments provided by Serendipity Catering, and music before the shows provided by the Ithaca Chamber Band, this year promises to be the best yet! The schedule and showtimes can be found at https://www.facebook.com/StewartParkMovies/

Regal Cinemas

Offering typical big box office amenities, Ithaca’s Regal theatre has reopened for in-person viewing, with plentiful showtimes, concessions and viewing options to choose from right in The Shops at the Ithaca Mall.

A Storied History of Cinema and Arts

Wharton Studios

Over a century ago, Ithaca was at the forefront of the fledgling American film industry. Founded in 1915 and creating numerous silent films before shuttering in 1920 to move to sunnier climes. The Wharton Studios' original building still stands today in the center of Ithaca’s Stewart Park. Famous stunts such as sending one of Ithaca’s then ubiquitous trolley cars plunging to the bottom of Fall Creek Gorge helped push the envelope of innovation in what would eventually become known as special effects. The Wharton Studio Museum highlights the significant contributions the studio had both to the local community and to the development of the American film. https://whartonstudiomuseum.org/

State Theatre of Ithaca

Originally opened as a theatre in 1928, the State Theatre has changed consistently over the last 90+ years in keeping with the times. Starting with vaudeville and transitioning to films during the Great Depressions, the theatre continues to offer an eclectic and interesting mix of acts, with musical shows being the current most popular, although films and theatre events are still common in any given year. With a seating capacity of over 1,600, the State Theatre remains one of the largest indoor music and entertainment venues in Ithaca, and since a 2012 upgrade to their projection system improved quality and ease of projection, films are once again able to grace the theatres’ storied stage for special events and showings. https://stateofithaca.org/

Cornell Cinemas

Although not currently open for showings, the iconic Cornell Cinema will be reopening for showings beginning in the fall of 2021! Often called one of the best campus film exhibition programs in the nation, featuring films both for academic classes and for the general public in the beautiful Willard Straight Theatre, the features typically shown range from Classic Hollywood and foreign films to documentaries, cult classics and even silent films with live musical accompaniment. https://cinema.cornell.edu/

Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival

For over 20 years the Finger Lakes Environmental Film Festival (also known as FLEFF) has been a multi-media festival focusing on sustainability and environmental issues. Hosted at Ithaca College since 2005, FLEFF continues to expand its offerings to new forms of media and the ever-evolving issues pertaining to the environment, climate and building a sustainable future.https://www.ithaca.edu/finger-lakes-environmental-film-festival