Burns Film Center

The Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, N.Y., is the place to see the unusual — this is not the typical multiplex showing blockbusters or blockbuster-wannabes. Here film buffs can see films that don’t make an appearance anywhere else in the ’burbs. The Burns Center, which opened in 2001 in the renovated Rome Theater, a 1925 Spanish Mission building, presents films that range from independent, documentary and world cinema to children’s films and old-fashioned musicals. Special events include guest speakers and series such as Fridays After Dark, The Collaborative Art, and Jonathan Demme's Rarely Seen Cinema. On Sept. 17, the center will present a Tribute to Steven Spielberg as part of its 10th anniversary celebration. Offering "the best movie theater popcorn around," the snack stand also has an outstanding selection of other treats.

The center’s Media Arts Lab offers classes in making films, for ages 5 to adults, including special family classes in animation and digital storytelling. Center memberships start at $75 single ($40/youth; $50/seniors) and include $5 off the price of all regular screenings. At higher membership levels, there are private screenings and other special events.

Details

The Jacob Burns Film Center is at 364 Manville Road in Pleasantville, N.Y.; take Saw Mill River Pkwy. to Exit 29, right on Manville Road, through 3rd light; Center is on right. For more information, call 914-747-5555 or visit www.burnsfilmcenter.org.