The New Classics

The past two and a half decades have brought forth no shortage of seismic changes for cinema as an art form—both in the ways films are made and the ways they are seen. From the shift toward digital cinematography and projection, to the rise of streaming services and the shortening of theatrical windows, the 21st century has felt, more often than not, like a significant transitional period for this young medium.

And yet, despite this period of transition, if not in part because of it, the first quarter of the 21st century stands as one of the most dynamic, exciting chapters in the still-developing history of cinema. From around the world—across different styles, genres, and themes—there has been no shortage of exceptional films released in the new millennia, contemporary masterworks which have entered the steadily growing canon of classic films.

We are excited to highlight and celebrate these “New Classics,” many of which were released in the years since the Jacob Burns Film Center’s opening in 2001, with an ongoing, monthly series at the Burns.

—JBFC Film Programmer and Series Curator Ian LoCascio