Cornell Cinema has been cited as one of the best campus film exhibition programs in the country, screening close to 150 different films/videos each year, five nights a week in the beautiful Willard Straight Theatre. Each calendar includes an array of classic Hollywood and foreign films, independent titles, documentaries, experimental work, recent international cinema, silent films with live musical accompaniment, cult classics and recent Hollywood and arthouse hits, in addition to guest appearances by visiting film and videomakers.
Cornell Cinema began in 1970 as a university film society, but has evolved into a media arts center with a national reputation. Cornell Cinema’s primary purpose is to expose Ithaca and regional audiences to alternative forms of cinema (such as documentary, classic, and experimental films) as well as alternative voices not usually heard through the mass media. Its secondary purpose is to provide affordable, second-run commercial entertainment for the Cornell community. In fulfillment of its educational goals, Cornell Cinema encourages audiences to reflect critically on commercial and other media by supplementing its over 300 annual screenings with occasional faculty introductions, guest filmmakers, panel discussions, and more.
The Willard Straight Theatre is equipped with Dolby Digital Surround Sound, DCP, 35mm reel-to-reel (w/silent speed option), Blu-ray and DVD projection facilities. 16mm can also be accommodated with portable projectors. A concession stand in the lobby sells reasonably priced popcorn, beverages, candy and organic snacks from the Greenstar Cooperative Market. Seating capacity is 340.
104 Willard Straight Hall
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-3522