About
Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) is a nonprofit five-screen cinema and education center located in Pleasantville, NY. One of the most successful suburban art houses in the country, we celebrate film as a vehicle for entertainment, education, and inspiration. Our mission is to gather audiences, students, and filmmakers to experience the joy of film and learn about the craft, ourselves, and each other.
With our films, events, community screenings, visiting artists, and special guests, we strive to further our nonprofit mission, spark dialogue and encourage an acceptance of a diversity of perspectives among our theatergoers and the community—something we started when we opened our doors in 2001.
Each year, over 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.
Across the street, our Media Arts Lab is the home of our education programs. At the core of our mission is the belief that viewing and creating media is an essential component to 21st century literacy. Our space is truly a laboratory, where we develop, implement, and refine visual media curricula that craft students and teachers into inspired creators, critical thinkers, and effective communicators.
Fulfilling a need in the Hudson Valley Region, we developed our artist service programs as a resource for emerging makers, offering fellowships, mentorship, and skill-sharing opportunities. We also welcome established filmmakers from across the country and around the world to live, work, and teach on the JBFC campus.
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.
