film-forum-upgrade

Film Forum undergoing renovations in 2018 (additional screen, more leg room)

Here’s some good movie theater news: Film Forum, one of NYC’s longest-running and beloved arthouse and repertory movie houses is getting some renovations, including an additional screen being built in the space next to their current W. Houston location (where its been since 1990). More excitingly, the existing theaters are also getting an upgrade, with new seats, more legroom and more of a slope to improve sightlines (including stadium seating in the rear of the theaters). Film Forum director Karen Cooper said in a statement:

Too often, New York landmarks disappear, only to be replaced by nail salons and chain drug stores. Happily, New Yorkers are committed to seeing films that take risks and break the mold, as well as discovering movie history.

Just don’t change the popcorn, please.

The NY Times reports the renovations, which will cost about $5 million, will happen in 2018 with the theater closing in May and a planned reopening on July 4. Film Forum will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2020.

Lower East Side’s Sunshine Cinema closes in January, and Nitehawk has had to postpone the opening date of its Park Slope location (in the old Pavilion Theater space) until early 2018.