About

In the late 1990s, when many said it couldn’t be done—that a nonprofit cinema dedicated to the art of film would never survive in the suburbs—a community believed otherwise. They imagined something bigger than a building. They envisioned a gathering place where the lights would dim, strangers would become neighbors, and the power of film would spark conversations that rippled far beyond the screen.

That audacious idea became the Jacob Burns Film Center.

Since opening our doors in 2001, we’ve proven that people hunger for more than streaming algorithms and isolated viewing. They crave the electric experience of laughing together in the dark, of gasping in unison, of staying in their seats as the credits roll because they’re not ready for the spell to break. They want to look a filmmaker in the eye and ask, “How did you do that?” They want their children to discover that they, too, can tell stories that matter.

Today, the Jacob Burns Film Center stands as one of the most successful suburban art houses in the country—not because we defied the skeptics, but because we listened to what our community needed: a cultural and creative hub where film becomes a bridge between people, between ideas, between who we are and who we might become.

Each year, nearly 200,000 people come through our doors to see more than 400 films from current releases to foreign cinema, documentaries to curated series. Our audiences experience over 100 special events every year featuring in-depth conversations with filmmakers, actors, authors, and activists to live music performances and custom-crafted receptions with local chefs. Check out our highlights of special guests we have welcomed over the years.

Located on the top floor of our Theater, the Take 3 Wine Bar & Café offers our guests a new elevated entertainment experience by serving gourmet bites, fine wines, craft beers, non-alcoholic drinks, brewed beverages, and other locally sourced delectable treats against the backdrop of art exhibits.

Just down the street from our cinema complex is the JBFC Media Arts Lab, a 27,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility that houses our education programs for students of all ages and adults. The Lab features a 60-seat screening room, a sound stage, sixteen editing suites, an animation studio, a recording studio, four small studios, and a large Center Studio.

The JBFC’s programs serve  education programs more than 5,000 students from over 60 schools and community organizations each year. Through our commitment to removing barriers to entry, 70% of these students come from under-resourced schools and participate free of charge.  Our after-school programs provide scholarships, financial aid, and stipends to offset lost wages and transportation costs to and from the JBFC campus.

Since 2009, the JBFC has hosted dozens of artists-in-residents from more than 20 countries, ranging from breakout artists to renowned filmmakers including Academy Award winner Bong Joon-ho. The Residence for Visiting Artists is conveniently located next door to the Media Arts Lab.

The JBFC exists because of our community’s generosity. The invaluable support of our members, donors, and sponsors is vital to advancing our mission.

Please consider joining as a member or making a fully tax-deductible donation to further the JBFC’s vibrant film, education, and artist programs.

Take a look at our 15th Anniversary Timeline, including video clips of special guests.

Want to stay up to date on what’s happening at the JBFC? Make sure to sign up for our ebulletin HERE.