JBFC Announces Ticket Price Reduction For Family Programs

All JBFC Kids screenings at $5 per ticket across the board
The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) is thrilled to announce a major change to its beloved JBFC Kids series: Starting April 1, all JBFC Kids screenings will now be just $5 for everyone. This new, lower ticket price makes it easier than ever for families, friends, and film lovers of all ages to experience the joy of cinema together.

JBFC Kids offers a diverse selection of family-friendly films from around the world, including animated classics, international gems, musicals, and silent comedies. Previously priced at up to $16, the new flat rate of $5 significantly lowers the cost of attendance. JBFC Kids screenings will continue to take place every Saturday at 11:00 AM, with select screenings featuring free post-screening activities. Monthly sensory-friendly screenings, designed for those who may find the traditional moviegoing experience overwhelming, will also continue one Sunday a month.

“In 2024, we introduced a member-priced ticket discount for EBT cardholders as a first step in expanding access. This year, we are taking our commitment to affordability and inclusion even further by lowering all JBFC Kids tickets to just $5 for everyone,” said Mary Jo Ziesel, JBFC Executive Director. “Cinema is for everyone, and we want to ensure that families in our community can experience the magic of the big screen without barriers. As a nonprofit, we rely on the generous support of our community to make our film and education programs possible, including the inclusive and affordable JBFC Kids series.”

“When programming JBFC Kids, I strive to thoughtfully curate films that allow audiences to explore different worlds while seated in our theater in Pleasantville,” said Monica Castillo, JBFC Senior Film Programmer. “We don’t take for granted that this could be someone’s first theater experience or even their first movie. We are honored to be included in a family’s special moments, and our monthly programming themes are designed to create meaningful experiences that spark joy, encourage curiosity, and create lasting memories.”

Each month of JBFC Kids programming is themed; upcoming series titles include:

April: 3D Films

• Despicable Me (in 3D) on Saturday, April 5 & 12 at 11:00 and Sunday, April 6 at 11:00 (Sensory Friendly Screening)
• Raya and the Last Dragon (in 3D) on Saturday, April 19 & 26 at 11:00

May: Robots and Restoration (to coincide with the JBFC’s upcoming Restored and Rediscovered series about film preservation)

• WALL-E on Saturday, May 3 & 10* at 11:00 and Sunday, May 4 at 11:00 (Sensory Friendly Screening). The May 10 screening will be followed by an art activity with Super Awesome Artland!
• Fleischer Shorts Collection on Saturday, May 17 at 11:00
• Ron’s Gone Wrong on Saturday, May 24 & 31 at 11:00

June: Summer Reading (Book One)

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh on Saturday, June 7 & 14 at 11:00 and Sunday, June 8 at 11:00 (Sensory Friendly Screening)
• The Secret Garden on Saturday, June 21 & 28 at 11:00

July: Summer Reading (Book Two)

• Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory on Saturday, July 5 & 12 at 11:00 and Sunday, July 6 at 11:00 (Sensory Friendly Screening)
• Little Women (1994) on Saturday, July 19 & 26 at 11:00

Anyone with an EBT card is eligible for a member-priced ticket discount for all regular-priced screenings at JBFC. Implemented in September 2024, this initiative was the first step in expanding access to cinema. The JBFC Kids ticket reduction is the next step in this ongoing effort, further ensuring that families can experience the joy of film at an affordable price.

JBFC’s Sensory Friendly Screening program, piloted two years ago, became a permanent fixture in January 2024, with monthly screenings on select Sundays. Select JBFC Kids screenings include complimentary activities in partnership with local organizations, such as art activities with our neighbors at Super Awesome Artland!, or a meet & greet with real-life bugs thanks to our friends at the Greenburgh Nature Center. Additionally, all JBFC Kids screenings are presented in partnership with the Westchester Library System. Families can also celebrate milestones with keepsake “My First Movie” stickers and certificates, available at every JBFC Kids screening.

Inclusive and affordable family programs are made possible thanks to the JBFC’s Connecting Our Community Fund. Please contact Judy Exton, JBFC Director of Development at jexton@burnsfilmcenter.org, for information on the Connecting Our Community Fund.