Jacob Burns Film Center Connects with Community

Jacob Burns Film Center Connects with Community through Virtual Screenings, Curated Film Lists, and Exclusive Digital Content

 Film Center Working to Produce Content, Activities, and Opportunities for Engagement with Movie Lovers, Teachers, and Parents Alike

Pleasantville, NY – April 1, 2020 — The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC), a nonprofit cultural arts center, will remain closed to the public until further notice as JBFC administrative staff works from home to engage and connect with people of all ages. As the JBFC works to fill the void created by the closure of arts and cultural organizations around the country, the organization’s “JBFC at Home” page serves as a one-stop-shop for new content to watch, read, play, listen to, and enjoy.

The JBFC has moved swiftly to find alternative ways to share stories from around the world. In partnership with a variety of distributors, the JBFC is thrilled to offer a number of curated new releases to patrons via digital release. The JBFC opened its first-ever virtual new release, Bacurau, in collaboration with distributor Kino Lorber, followed by Oscilloscope’s Saint Frances and Film Movement’s Oscar nominee Corpus Christi; additional titles including Music Box’s And Then We Danced will open in the coming weeks.  A portion of the proceeds from the JBFC’s Virtual Screening Room will provide much-needed support to the JBFC during this challenging and uncertain time.

JBFC programmers and series curators have compiled a wide range of streaming recommendations to screen from home.  JBFC Senior Programmer Andrew Jupin’s eclectic Social Distance 100, Westchester Jewish Film Festival Programmer Bruni Burres’ list of 10 Hit Films from Past WJFFs, JBFC Kids Curator Emily Ohara’s JBFC Kids at Home Viewing, Adapted: Page to Screen Series Curator Sarah Soliman’s 15 Great Film & TV Adaptations to Read and Watch all offer something different for the discerning viewer.

Meanwhile the JBFC Education team—committed as always to teaching media literacy through film—is curating activities and resources the whole family can enjoy. Families looking for ways to stay busy at home can check out the JBFC Education blog for animation activities, how-to videos teaching film techniques, suggested streaming content, and more. Recent offerings include a “Time Twister” experiment, a hand-drawn animation activity, and an adorable coloring activity inspired by The Red Balloon (Albert Lamorisse, 1956).

While the JBFC’s physical campus is temporarily closed, the JBFC’s YouTube Channel is open 24/7, offering patrons the chance to catch up on past Q&As, view behind-the-scenes footage, and more. Additionally, Season One of the Jacob Burns FIlmCast—our podcast for film lovers, by film lovers—is available to stream on the JBFC website or wherever you get your podcasts. Additional content and activities are posted regularly on the JBFC’s social media accounts, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

The JBFC recommends subscribing to its ebulletin to stay up to date on new virtual releases, hands-on activities, watch lists, resources, and more in the coming weeks. Those interested in aiding the JBFC during this unprecedented time are encouraged to consider a tax-deductible gift in support of the JBFC’s vibrant programs to ensure the organization is able to return stronger than ever. The JBFC believes strongly in the value of shared experiences, and looks forward to learning, laughing, discovering, creating, and dreaming—together—upon their re-opening.

Jacob Burns Film Center is a nonprofit arts and education hub located on a three-building campus in the New York Metro area. The JBFC brings the transformative power of film to the surrounding community through unique programming and discussions, shared experiences, and educational initiatives. Since opening in 2001, over 3,000,000 people have enjoyed the best of current American and foreign cinema, unique film series, and special events at the five-screen theater complex. A pioneer in visual literacy education, the JBFC offers courses for students of all ages at our state-of-the-art Media Arts Lab, and develops media literacy curricula for schools throughout the region.

Contact: Paige Grand Pré, pgrandpre@burnsfilmcenter.org, 914.773.7663, ext. 485
Sarah Soliman, ssoliman@burnsfilmcenter.org, 914.773.7663, ext. 448

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