The shuttering of Lincoln Plaza Cinemas, a beloved destination for independent and foreign film aficionados, has led to a groundswell of public support for an alternative Upper West Side venue. Dedicated and passionate film fans have been working hard to create the New Plaza Cinema, which has partnered with the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan to host first run and independent films in its 250-seat auditorium throughout the summer.
The founder of the Coalition for the New Plaza Cinema, Norma Levy, is a long-time Lincoln Plaza Cinemas fan and Upper West Side resident. “We’re excited that the JCC has graciously agreed to screen these films with us this summer,” said Levy. “We’re working to find a more permanent venue which will offer first run and independent films.”
The film series will provide viewers the opportunity to enjoy the quality independent and foreign titles they have been missing since Lincoln Plaza Cinemas closed in January 2018. The theater was closed by landlord Milstein Properties.
Toby Talbot, who co-founded Lincoln Plaza Cinema with her late husband, Dan Talbot, is on board with the New Plaza Cinema’s goals. “Dan and I worked together for more than 30 years to develop a cinema devoted to the highest quality independent films in the U.S. and around the world,” said Talbot. “Although Dan is no longer with us, I’m sure he would have been heartened—as am I—that a band of devoted theater goers have taken upon themselves the arduous task of creating similar cinema anew,” she added. “I fully support their effort and look forward to their ultimate success.”
Together with the team of New Plaza Cinemas and the blessing of Toby Talbot, the partners have selected films that will satisfy as much as possible both the Lincoln Plaza filmgoers and the JCC community. “The moment we heard Lincoln Plaza Cinemas was closing, we knew we had to do something to support our community,” says Isaac Zablocki, Senior Director of the Carole Zabar Center for Film at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. “Despite the huge demand we have on our space for all the programs we run in the building, our administration and fellow programmers were happy to support this endeavor and offer any free time in the auditorium for these screenings.”
The event will have a soft kick off with an uptown run of the IFC release The Catcher is a Spy by Ben Lewin with multiple screenings on June 24, 25 and 27. The following week, the series will honor the passing of Philip Roth with a marathon of films based on his books.
The Carole Zabar Center for Film at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan is home to a thriving ongoing film program and three major film festivals throughout the year and will be offering its DCP equipped 250 seat theater.
The New Plaza Cinema has attracted the support of thousands, including City Council Member for the Sixth District, Helen Rosenthal. Its mission is to create and operate a new cinema dedicated to screening quality independent and foreign films on the Upper West Side. The Coalition is currently raising awareness and funds to ensure this goal succeeds.
Film dates and times:
June 24th
2pm: The Catcher was a Spy
4:30pm: The Catcher was a Spy
7pm: The Catcher was a Spy
June 25th
4:30pm: The Catcher was a Spy
7pm: The Catcher was a Spy
June 27th
4:30pm: The Catcher was a Spy
7pm: The Catcher was a Spy
July 2nd
4:30pm: Indignation
7pm: Goodbye Columbus
July 3rd
4pm: Elegy
7pm: American Pastoral
July 5th
4:30pm Elegy
7pm: Indignation
And here are some trailers.
The Catcher was a Spy
Indignation
Goodbye Columbus
Elegy
American Pastoral
https://youtu.be/F9ViEZtHso0
For more information, please visit:
www.newplazacinema.com
www.JCCFilm.org
