General FAQ

New to the JBFC? View our Visit page or check out our newcomers guide

What is the Jacob Burns Film Center?

The JBFC is a dynamic nonprofit cultural and education organization based in Pleasantville, NY. It’s one of the most successful suburban art house film theaters in the country, with five screens and state-of-the-art technology screening independent film, foreign film, and documentaries. Our original three ground floor theaters were renovated in 2023 and a wine bar and cafe, open Thursday through Saturday, will open in late 2023. Visit our film page to see what’s playing!

We also offer pioneering 21st-century education programs, professional development for teachers and classes for all ages. Over 70% of students who take advantage of our programs each year are from underserved schools and community organizations who participate absolutely free of charge. It’s a resource for local and international mediamakers. It all started when Pleasantville resident Steve Apkon had a vision of a cultural arts and education center inspired by the power of film. This led to the 1998 purchase of what the New York Times called “The Show Place of Westchester County,” the 1925 Rome Theater, one of the first movie theaters in the area. The doors opened in June 2001 as the Jacob Burns Film Center, and the rest is history.

Where are you located?

364 Manville Road, Pleasantville, NY, just 30 miles north of Manhattan. Directions.

What are your ticket prices?

For in-theater Regular screenings: $11 JBFC Members, $16 General public, $13 Senior-Nonmembers (62+, Mon.-Thurs. only), $9 Children (13 and under), $11 Students (14-22 with valid ID). Prices vary for special events and may be higher. Members get the member price every day of the week (individual memberships on one ticket per screening and dual memberships on up to two tickets per screening).
Join us today online or at the theater before your show!

How do I buy movie tickets for screenings or see account info?

Purchase tickets online or at the box office, open 7 days a week, beginning 45 minutes before the first screening of the day. Please check our film page and calendar for showtime hours. Members pay no online ticket fees while nonmembers pay $1.75 plus per ticket, depending on ticket price. To purchase online, click the link for the time of your selected screening, then follow the prompts to select number, type of tickets, and either Login or Register to complete the purchase. You must log in to your account to access member-priced tickets. For more information regarding purchasing tickets online, see “How do I purchase tickets online?” in the Member Ticket Sales or the Nonmember Ticket Sales FAQs.

Ticket Policy: Tickets are non-refundable and there are no ticket exchanges.

You can log in to your own account online to access a range of information including your upcoming purchased screenings, membership level and expiration date, and your recent giving history. Simply use the login button at the top right of every page on the JBFC website, then log in using your account email and password. You can always select Set My Password after accessing the login button if you don’t recall your password, and a password link will be emailed to you.

Once you’re logged in using the login icon, you will see your account menu screen. You can view the options on the left-hand side of the menu screen and navigate to various pages for your account. You’ll have the option to edit account info including email address, telephone number, name, and password – or just see what films you have coming up. When logged in for ticket purchasing using a showtime link, you can always click on your email address or the login icon at the top right of your screen to navigate to the account menu page.

Beginning two hours prior to your event, you can view and access your print-at-home tickets. You will still receive your order confirmation and PDF tickets via email after placing an order, but if you misplace the email or prefer to access tickets from your account, within two hours of your screening, you can log in to view and access your tickets, and show them on your phone to be scanned into your theater. You can always request that your ticket/s be printed at the box office when you arrive.

How do I set my password in your ticketing system?

To access the Set Password function on our website, you can either click the LOGIN link on the upper right of every webpage, or click a showtime, click the LOGIN button, then select the SET PASSWORD button. Enter your email address. A Set Password email will be sent to you. Use the link in that email to proceed to the Set Password page where you will type in a new password, confirm it and save it in the system. If you are a member, you must login first to access member-priced tickets.

If you do not see the Set Password email immediately, please check your spam folder. If you get an error when you type in your email address, we may not have that email address on record with your membership – please try another email or contact us to add that new email to your record.

How do I access my online ticketing, membership account and tickets?

You can log in to your own account online to access a range of information including your upcoming purchased screenings, membership level and expiration date, and your recent giving history. Simply use the LOGIN link found at the top right of every page on the JBFC website, then log in using your account email and password. You can always select Set My Password after accessing the LOGIN link if you don’t recall your password, and a password link will be emailed to you.

Once you’re logged in using the LOGIN icon, you will see your account menu screen. You can view the options on the lefthand side of the menu screen and navigate to various pages for your account. You’ll have the option to edit account info including email, telephone number, name, and password – or just see what films you have coming up. When logged in for ticket purchasing using a showtime link, you can always click on your email address or the login icon at the top right of your screen to navigate to the account menu page.

Beginning two hours prior to your event, you can view and access your print-at-home tickets. You will still receive your order confirmation and PDF tickets via email after placing an order, but if you misplace the email or prefer to access from your account, within two hours of your screening, you can log in to view and access your tickets, and show them on your phone to be scanned into your theater. You can always request to have your tickets printed at the Box Office.

For dual household accounts, note that the name displayed may be the primary name on the account. If you need to make any changes to a secondary name or email and do not see it here, please contact us at support@burnsfilmcenter.org

Check it out the next time you’re logging in!

What are your Theater and Executive Office hours?

Our Theater is open 7 days a week during showtime hours. Visit our film page for the current schedule. The JBFC Theater box office opens 45 minutes before the first screening and closes 15 minutes after the start of the last scheduled film. The Info-line is 914.747.5555 and our Executive Offices are open Mon.-Fri., 9:30-5:30.

Where’s the best place to park?

There are seven municipal lots within four blocks of the JBFC Theater and the Media Arts Lab, as well as metered street parking. One nearby metered lot available throughout the day (check signs for time limits, currently 3 hours) is on Manville Road behind Dunkin’ Donuts across from the Theater. Some lots are commuter-permit only until 3:00 pm and are available after 3:00 pm for free during the week and all day on weekends. Metered street parking is available throughout the village (meters do not require payment after 6 pm Monday-Saturday or all day Sunday). View the Pleasantville parking map for full details, click here.. Please note all signs and meters for time limits when parking.

How do I find out about accessible seating?

The JBFC offers accessible seating to patrons who require additional assistance at the theater. We provide wheelchair spaces, companion seats, and designated accessible seats for those with limited physical mobility and/or vision loss. To request accessible seating in any of our five theaters, please call 914.747.5555, ext. 3, to speak with a manager on the day of the screening for which you have purchased tickets. Only valid ticket holders may request seating accommodations. Learn more about accessibility at the JBFC.

What assistive listening technology do you offer?

All theaters are equipped with a hearing loop system, which works with an individual’s own T-coil enabled hearing aid or cochlear implant to enhance audio during films and post-screening discussions. Moviegoers who do not use hearing instruments can also enjoy better sound with a loop receiver. This device is also equipped to function during both screenings and post-screening Q&As.

Closed Captioning Glasses receive captions via infrared energy and project both film captions and descriptive text (if available) directly onto the lenses, allowing patrons to simultaneously watch the film and follow along with the dialogue. Closed captions are provided by the film studio, and are subject to availability. Not all film titles will have closed captions available.

Our headphone receivers provide both HI (Hearing Impaired) and VI-N (Visually Impaired Narrative, otherwise known as “audio description”) audio. Two volume controls allow the user to mix HI and VI-N audio as needed. This device is equipped to function during both screenings and post-screening Q&As. Headphone receivers can be used in conjunction with the Closed Captioning Glasses, in the event that a film title has descriptive audio available, but not in conjunction with descriptive text.

We offer Open Captioned film screenings as the first show of the day on Wednesdays and Sundays, when captions are available. Look for the “OC” marked next to films to find Open Captioned Screenings on our film calendar. Learn more about accessibility at the JBFC. Visit our accessiblity page for full details.

Do you offer a group rate on tickets?

Discounted tickets are available at a group rate for groups of 10 or more. The group rate is the member price of $11 for regular screenings, while special events have higher ticket pricing. Group sales must be booked in advance by calling 914.773.7663, ext. 6 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:30–5:30). A minimum of 10 tickets is required for a group sale, with some flexibility depending upon the event. Please note that that the group rate may not be available for all special events and that group tickets are based upon availability.

What's the best way to find showtimes and what's playing or coming up at the theater?

Please visit our film page to check schedules and showtimes. Other sites may list some of our showtimes, but do not always have correct information and may not update to reflect in our calendar. Our film page page lists all in-theater screenings and events, as well as upcoming films.

Are there any rules or guidelines I should abide by while at the JBFC?

Thank you for asking! We encourage you to read up on the JBFC Community Code of Conduct to better understand our policies, values, and community expectations.

Will you make a donation for our fundraiser?

The JBFC is pleased to support other local nonprofit organizations by donating a Dual Membership ($155 value) for their primary annual fundraising event or packets for “an outing at the Burns!”.

Please submit your request, including the following information, at least one month before your event:
• Name of organization and mission (We prefer an official request letter from the organization itself.), and contact information for primary contact person
• Date of event and date when donation is needed
• Beneficiary of fundraiser
• Proof of public charity status

Send your letter and backup info to membership@burnsfilmcenter.org(sending via email is preferred method), fax it to 914.773.0762, or mail it at least 3 weeks prior to your event to:
Jacob Burns Film Center Membership Dept./Donations
405 Manville Rd.
Pleasantville, NY 10570

We will contact you to confirm and arrange for donation pickup or mailing. Also please note that we may not be able to accommodate all requests.

What’s the Jacob Burns Film Center Curated DVD Collection?

Back in 2009, we partnered with the Mount Pleasant Public Library to create this permanent collection of DVDs. This carefully selected group of high-quality films includes more than 600 titles and grows by almost 50 every year, based on the recommendations from JBFC film programmers. The collection includes new releases and old favorites, masterpieces of world cinema, and great selections for the whole family. Visit the library’s website to see the full list.

The collection is housed at the main branch of the Mount Pleasant Public Library (350 Bedford Rd., Pleasantville) and is available to all Westchester Library System cardholders.

The Mount Pleasant Public Library serves a community of 33,000 in the Town of Mount Pleasant and Village of Pleasantville, NY. The library’s lending collection includes books, audiobooks, DVDs, CDs, and periodicals. Services include storytimes for children, lectures and author series for adults, and PCs and wireless internet access for the public.

Membership FAQ

How do I contact the membership department?

We are happy to help you! During office hours, please call 914.773.7663, ext. 6 (Mon.–Fri., 9:30–5:30), or email membership@burnsfilmcenter.org. After hours or on weekends, email support@burnsfilmcenter.org.

How do I receive the member discount on tickets?

Join to receive a discount on tickets and concessions, waived online ticket fees, members-only comp offers, special invitations, and more! Then just show your membership card at the box office or use your member account login (email and password) to purchase member-priced tickets online with your email and password and enjoy waived online ticket fees. Member tickets are currently $11 and nonmember tickets are currently $16. The Ticket Sales FAQ has more information.

How many member-priced tickets may I buy per screening?

It depends on the kind of screening and your membership level.

Regular screenings
Individual and Senior members: One ticket.
Dual, Dual Senior, Film Buff, and Film Sponsor members: Two tickets.
Film Enthusiast and Silver Screen Circle members: Four tickets.

Special Events
Individual and Senior members: One ticket.
Dual, Dual Senior, Film Buff, Film Sponsor, Film Enthusiast, and Director members: Two tickets.
Producer and Executive Producer members: Four tickets.

Members may also buy additional tickets at the nonmember price in the same order, pending availability. Only two tickets may be purchased during Priority Purchase for selected events by eligible members.

How can I access my online ticketing and membership account and tickets?

You can log in to your own account online to access a range of information including your upcoming purchased screenings, membership level and expiration date, and your recent giving history. Use the LOGIN link at the upper righthand side of every webpage, or access it when buying tickets online by clicking a showtime and then LOGIN.

Simply use the login button now found at the top right of every page on the JBFC website, then log in using your account email and password. You can always select Set My Password after accessing the login button if you don’t recall your password, and a password link will be emailed to you.

Once you’re logged in using the login icon, you will see your account menu screen. You can view the options on the lefthand side of the menu screen and navigate to various pages for your account. You’ll have the option to edit account info including email address, telephone number, name, and password – or just see what films you have coming up. When logged in for ticket purchasing using a showtime link, you can always click on your email address or the login icon at the top right of your screen to navigate to the account menu page.

Beginning two hours prior to your event, you can view and access your print-at-home tickets. You will still receive your order confirmation and PDF tickets via email after placing an order, but if you misplace the email or prefer to access from your account, within two hours of your screening, you can log in to view and access your tickets, and show them on your phone to be scanned into your theater.

Contact us at support@burnsfilmcenter.org for any assistance.

How do I renew my membership?

Online: You can renew online. Please be sure to log in first before purchasing your renewal, so that your renewal is associated with your current membership. Select the Join/Renew button of your preferred category, and then use the LOGIN button to log in with your email and password.
By phone: Call 914.773.7663, ext. 6 (Mon.–Fri., 9:30–5:30)
At the Theater: Stop by the desk to fill out a renewal form.
By mail: Starting three months before the membership expiration date, you’ll receive monthly renewal notices by mail. Simply fill it out and mail it in.

You can also find a form to print and mail on the Membership page (no credit card purchases by mail; online, phone, or theater only). If you must purchase nonmember tickets online over the weekend before your renewal can be completed, ask for an exchange at the box office, or contact us at 914.773.7663, ext. 6 so that we may compensate you for the price difference.

If I renew early, do I lose the time remaining on my membership?

No. When you renew early, your membership extends from its current expiration date forward. We appreciate your early renewal as it saves us the cost of additional mailings and helps to give us year-round support! You’ll never miss out on a special member offer or the member ticket discount and waived fees!

How can I avoid being shut out of sold-out screenings?

We recommend that you purchase tickets online in advance, particularly for weekend evenings and special events. Members pay no online ticket fees! Join today! You can also purchase tickets in advance at the box office for any scheduled screening. We cannot take ticket reservations by phone. Although one-time special events do sell out quickly, many screenings do not sell out until shortly before showtime. Members at the Film Buff level and above have early access to Priority Purchase events, which sell out quickly. Consider an upgrade to Film Buff – a level with benefits for two, Priority Purchase access and special preview invitations, and access to the popular JBFC Preview Club!

What is the advantage of a two-year membership?

It’s a good deal for you, for us, and for the planet. If you join or renew for two years, we’ll give you two extra months free—that’s 26 months of benefits! We appreciate the extra show of support, and it enables us to skip a year’s worth of membership renewal mailings. Two-year memberships are available by phone, at the Theater, by mail with check only, or online.

What do I do if I’ve lost my membership card?

Please call us at 914.773.7663, ext. 6 (Mon.–Fri., 9:30–5:30) or email support@burnsfilmcenter.org to request a replacement card. For online ticket purchasing, you simply need your email address and password and can then show your ticket to be scanned into the theater, and our box office can always look you up until you get your replacement card.

How do I update my membership information (address, email, etc.)?

Please contact us at membership@burnsfilmcenter.org or email support@burnsfilmcenter.org evenings and weekends. You may also update address, phone, password and interests info after logging into your account online. To access your member account, use the LOGIN link at the top right of every website page. You can change some of your contact info there. For any further updates, or to change your email address or add an additional email, please contact us at support@burnsfilmcenter.org.

How do I receive special member announcements, invitations, and complimentary ticket offers?

We send these out via email, separately from the weekly e-bulletin. To be sure we have your correct email information for all notices, please email us at membership@burnsfilmcenter.org to verify details. Please also check your spam folder for any invitations and move them into your inbox so future invitations won’t get blocked. You can add membership@burnsfilmcenter.org, ebulletin@burnsfilmcenter.org, and support@burnsfilmcenter.org to your email contact list or address book.

How do I learn about your most up-to-date schedule?

New films and events are added to our schedule all the time! Stay up-to-date by signing up for our e-bulletins. Our weekly e-bulletin goes out every Thursday with our weekly schedule, and special e-bulletins are sent out throughout the week with announcements of new films, events, and other exciting JBFC news and updates about our schedule. Find the link at the bottom of every page!

I have given you my email address but don’t receive weekly e-bulletins or special announcements. What can I do?

Check your spam folder or Promotions folder in Gmail. They may be there. To be sure that your Internet service provider is not blocking messages from us, add these addresses to your address book, contacts, or safe list: membership@burnsfilmcenter.org (for member news, promotions, invitations, and renewal information), ebulletin@burnsfilmcenter.org (for weekly e-bulletins), and support@burnsfilmcenter.org (for ticket purchase confirmations).

What are Member Thank You Screenings?

Members receive periodic invitations for free member Thank You Screenings. This is one way we say thank you for all your year-round support. More history.

What is the Priority Purchase benefit?

Members at the Film Buff level and above periodically receive opportunities to purchase tickets before they go on sale to other members and the general public. These events typically sell out during the Priority period, so it is best to purchase tickets as soon as the event is announced, online if possible. The popular JBFC Preview Club is also sold twice per year with a Priority Purchase period and it usually sells out during that time. Join online or upgrade your current membership to Film Buff to be eligible for these opportunities by contacting Membership at 914.773.7663, ext 6 and gain other valuable benefits like invitation to a couple of free previews each year and more!

I’ve heard about a Preview Club – what is it and how can I join?

The JBFC Preview Club is our very popular subscription series, in which subscribers see monthly sneak previews of new films and have the opportunity to learn more about each one from the series host. A fun element of this club is that the film is announced the night of each screening as a surprise. It’s available in two six-month seasons (Jan-Jun and July-Dec), with three-month or six-month options, and is initially offered as a Priority Purchase opportunity to members at the Film Buff level and higher as a special benefit. It typically sells out quickly. Learn more and upgrade before the next series goes on sale! Typically sales begin in May and November for each new season.

What are Donor Screenings?

Donor Screenings are free preview screenings offered as a benefit to members at the Film Buff level and above. Film Buff members receive two, Film Sponsors receive four and Film Enthusiasts receive all invitations each year. Donor Levels in the Silver Screen Circle receive other exclusive benefits throughout the year. Invitations are sent by email throughout the year. Join online or upgrade your current membership by contacting membership at membership@burnsfilmcenter.org, or 914.773.7663, ext. 6 to begin receiving this benefit along with other great benefits like Priority Priority access.

What are Filmmaker Events?

Filmmaker Events are selected events with special guests offered free to members at the Film Enthusiast level and above. Invitations are sent by email throughout the year. Join or upgrade by contacting membership at membership@burnsfilmcenter.org, or 914.773.7663, ext. 6 to begin receiving this benefit now, along with other premium benefits!

How do I opt out of your printed mailings? I prefer to receive information electronically.

Please email us at membership@burnsfilmcenter.org and we’ll adjust your records. If you change your mind, you can always let us know.

How do I unsubscribe from your email list?

If you no longer wish to receive the JBFC E-bulletin, click UNSUBSCRIBE at the bottom of any e-bulletin. If you unsubscribe to the weekly JBFC E-bulletin, you will no longer receive announcements regarding the current schedule.

If you no longer wish to receive emails regarding your membership, contact us at membership@burnsfilmcenter.org or 914.773.7663, ext. 6. If you discontinue membership emails, you may miss out on some benefits of membership including periodic complimentary ticket offers and special announcements.

Member Ticket Sales FAQ

Tickets are available online and at the box office, which opens 45 minutes before the first screening of the day. Members pay no online ticket fees! Join today.

How do I purchase tickets online?

To purchase member-priced tickets, select a date, film, and screening time. After you click the showtime, please log in using the LOGIN button upper right or Login link upper left. To log in, you need your email address and password. If you can’t remember your password, click the Set Password button after clicking Login. An email will be sent to you with a link to set your password. Members pay no online ticket fees! Join today. Nonmembers pay ticket fees beginning at $1.75 per ticket depending on ticket price. For ticketing support Mon.-Fri., 9:30-5:30, call 914.773.7663, ext. 6. Evenings and weekends, contact us at support@burnsfilmcenter.org.

Learn more, join us and save!

How many member-priced tickets may I buy per screening?

It depends on the kind of screening and your membership level.

Regular screenings
Individual and Senior members: One ticket.
Dual, Dual Senior, Film Buff, and Film Sponsor members: Two tickets.
Film Enthusiast and Silver Screen Circle members: Four tickets.

Special Events
Individual and Senior members: One ticket.
Dual, Dual Senior, Film Buff, Film Sponsor, Film Enthusiast, and Director members: Two tickets.
Producer and Executive Producer members: Four tickets.

Members may also buy additional tickets at the nonmember price in the same order, pending availability (not during a Priority Purchase).

I forgot my password. Help!

If you are registered, click the Set Password button. Submit the email address that we have on file and an email with a link to set your password will be sent to you. If you receive an error message saying that your email address could not be found, please try again with another email address. (We may have a different email on record). If you don’t see the email immediately, please check your spam folder. If you need to change the email on record for you, please contact us.

Still having trouble? Contact Membership/Customer Service at membership@burnsfilmcenter.org or 914.773.7663, ext. 6 (Mon.–Fri., 9:30–5:30). After hours and on weekends, use support@burnsfilmcenter.org.

How do I buy tickets online for another member?

You’ll need to use the other member’s login information (email address and password) and purchase each member’s tickets in a separate transaction. If you’d prefer to make the purchase at the box office, you’ll just need to provide the member’s name.

My membership expired and I’m in the process of renewing. Can I buy member-priced tickets anyway?

Renew at the theater, by phone at 914.773.7663, ext. 6, Mon.–Fri., 9:30–5:30, or online. You will not be able to purchase member-priced tickets online until you have completed your renewal. Please be sure to log in first so that your renewal is associated with your current membership. (You will have to log out and log back in after renewing to buy member tickets; it cannot be done in the same transaction.) If you renew at the theater, you can buy member-priced tickets right away at the box office. Please let us know if you purchased tickets online at the nonmember price before completing your renewal, or exchange those tickets at the theater.

How does Print-at-Home/E-Ticket work?

Once you complete your purchase, you will receive an email order confirmation and a separate ticket email. You can simply show your ticket/s on your mobile device or print the ticket/s and show them to the usher at the entrance to your screening and skip the box office completely! You can also give the box office your order number and they will print your ticket/s, if you need to re-print the ticket/s or don’t receive your ticket email. If you don’t see the second ticket email after several minutes, check your spam folder or just come to the box office with your order number to pick up your tickets. You can also log in two hours before showtime to access the tickets directly in your account and then show them on your phone to be scanned in to your film.

Nonmember Ticket Sales FAQ

Tickets screenings and events are available online and at the box office, which opens 45 minutes before the first screening of the day. Join now to receive ticket discounts, waived online ticket fees, 10% off concessions, and more!

How do I purchase tickets online?

Go to the film or date you want and select your desired showtime. Select the number and type of tickets you wish to purchase, and click NEXT. If you have previously registered, log in using the LOGIN button upper right right or link upper left and then enter your email and password and follow the prompts to complete your purchase. If you have not yet registered, click the REGISTER button, fill in the required fields including your credit card information. You must create a password and enter it again to confirm it. Once your order is placed, an email confirmation is sent as well as a separate ticket email. You can show your ticket/s on your mobile device for admittance to the theater. You may also print your tickets at home or pick them up at the box office, or log in to your account two hours before showtime to view and access your tickets to be scanned into your theater. Please check your spam folder if you do not see your email confirmation and ticket email. You can ask the Box Office to print your tickets for any reason.

Members pay no ticket fees. Nonmembers pay a sliding scale of ticket fees based on ticket price beginning at $1.75 per ticket. Join today or learn more, join us and save!

I forgot my password!

That’s easy to resolve! Use the Set Password option; access this either by clicking the LOGIN link at the upper right of each webpage, or clicking on a showtime, then LOGIN, then SET PASSWORD. Enter your email address and a Set Password email will be sent to you. Please use the link in that email to set your password. If you receive an error message that your email address could not be found, please try again with a different email, or contact us to add your new email to your account.

Still having trouble? Contact Membership/Customer Service at membership@burnsfilmcenter.org or 914.773.7663, ext. 6, Mon.–Fri., 9:30–5:30. After hours and on weekends, use support@burnsfilmcenter.org.

When is the box office open?

The box office opens 45 minutes before the first screening and closes 15 minutes after the start of the last scheduled film. Please see the film calendar for scheduled showtimes.

How early should I plan to arrive at the theater?

Whether you are purchasing tickets or redeeming tickets that you purchased online, please plan to arrive at the theater at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled showtime. Since seats are not reserved, you may want to arrive even earlier for the best selection. We will allow patrons into the theaters 30 minute prior to showtime. Please do not arrive prior to 30 minutes before your screening as you must wait outside until 30 minutes prior to your screening, in an effort to limit lobby crowding.

Do you offer a group rate on tickets?

Discounted tickets are available at a group rate for groups of 10 or more. The group rate is the member ticket price. Group sales must be booked in advance by calling 914.773.7663, ext. 6 during business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:30–5:30). A minimum of 10 tickets is required for a group sale, with some flexibility depending upon the event. The contact for the group will receive a free popcorn and soda coupon when the group tickets are processed!

Other questions?

We are here to help! Contact Membership/Customer Service at support@burnsfilmcenter.org. Our office is open Mon.–Fri., 9:30–5:30, but Support is also monitored evenings and weekends. You may also call 914.773.7663, ext. 6 during office hours.

Film FAQ

How do you choose the movies you show?

We show a great mix of the best of independent, documentary, and world cinema reviewed and selected by our talented programming team. You’ll find a wide range of films on our five screens: new releases and classics, as well as lesser-known or rarely-seen films.

Does the JBFC offer any virtual programming?

We are not currently offering any virtual programming, although we offered some virtual screenings and series from 2020 through early 2022. Visit our film page to see what’s currently playing in-theater.

What are you playing this weekend?

We announce our updated schedule for the upcoming week every Thursday morning. Sign up for our e-bulletins for the latest. Another way to make sure you’re up to date is to check the film calendar page or call the Info-Line at 914.747.5555.

Do the schedules ever change after they’re announced?

Yes, they do. We frequently add events as they become available. Sometimes a fascinating speaker agrees to come for a Q&A at the last minute. And once in a while we’re forced to postpone or even cancel a screening due to weather or other circumstances beyond our control. Please check the website if you have any questions.

The weather looks iffy. How do I know if you’re open?

Check the website or call the Info-Line at 914.747.5555.

I miss movies shot on real film. Have you gone all-digital?

Absolutely not! Unlike many other cinemas, we have preserved and enhanced our ability to show movies in practically every format that exists, including 35mm and 3D—and yes, DCP. Learn more about 35mm projection at the JBFC.

I know you have a blog. How do I subscribe?

Sign up for the RSS feed at blog.burnsfilmcenter.org. The blog often provides an insider’s view of scheduled programs and behind-the-scenes looks at what’s going on at the JBFC. Click here to take a look at the JBFC blog.

What are Reel Talks?

Reel Talks are opportunities for moviegoers to enjoy informal, thought-provoking postscreening discussions facilitated by an outside guest or a JBFC staff member for the price of a regular screening. These are scheduled periodically throughout the year and noted on the film page for the associated film.

How can I get tickets to a sold-out event?

Some events have stand-by lines. Stop by the Theater an hour before showtime and put your name on the waiting list. We make unused seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.

How do I know which of your five theaters will be showing the film I’m coming to see?

Check the big board at the box office—it’ll tell you where you need to go. The David Swope Theater, Theater 2, and Theater 3 are on the main floor, while Theater 4 and the Adam R. Rose and Peter R. McQuillan Theater are upstairs.

Are all the theaters wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The three original theaters are on the ground floor, and the two smaller theaters upstairs can be reached via the elevator.

Is it better to buy tickets online or at the box office?

Avoid being sold out by buying in advance, either online or at the box office.

My neighbor gets to see a lot of previews. How do I get to see them, too?

Join the JBFC Preview Club! Members at the Film Buff level and above are also invited to free Donor Screening film previews and Filmmaker Events as a special member benefit. Join or upgrade for this extra benefit of membership! Be sure to sign up for ebulletins to hear about exciting new films and events added to our calendar.

Do you show special movies for seniors?

We screen matinees for seniors several times per year. Watch our film page or Senior Afternoon Cinema series page for upcoming screenings and announcements.

Do you show movies for families?

We screen movies for families and kids of all ages throughout the year. Visit our film page or JBFC Kids series page for updates on films for kids and families, and make sure to sign up for our ebulletins!

What kind of snacks do you sell?

For starters: the best movie popcorn around, bar none. We’ve also got an array of healthy snacks and sweets, from locally baked cookies to free-trade chocolate to your favorite guilty pleasure. And coffee, tea, and soda, of course. We also offer wine and beer at the concessions stand! Enjoy!

Schools and Teachers FAQ

How can the students at my school or organization participate in your classes?

The JBFC offers exceptional programs for school and community organizations. Through film screenings just for students, residencies, educator professional development, and Common Core-aligned curricula, students and teachers learn to view, analyze, and create media with JBFC’s stellar faculty of media makers, storytellers, and educators. Visit our Schools & Community Organizations page to learn more and explore available programs.

What if we can’t afford to send our students?

We waive the participation fee and reimburse all transportation costs for schools in which a minimum of 35% of students qualify for a free or reduced lunch through the National School Lunch Program (according to the New York State Department of Education). We encourage all schools, regardless of financial circumstances, to participate in our programs and we will do our best to meet your needs. Over 70% of the students who take advantage of our programs each year are from under-resourced schools and community organizations and participate absolutely free of charge.

Can you help me figure out how to integrate media into my classroom?

Absolutely! Through our Image, Sound, and Story program, and our Short Film Library, teachers learn how to introduce the viewing and creating of media into their classroom culture and literacy instruction. We also offer professional development opportunities for educators to engage with our team for skill-building, resources, and ideas on integrating media literacy into the classroom. Visit our Professional Development page for more information.

I teach out of state, how can I bring your programs to my school?

Educators all over the world now have access to our Image, Sound, and Story program, which is a searchable library of media literacy lessons for teachers building filmmaking and storytelling fundamentals. Our Short Film Library is a curated library of short films with accompanying filmmaker backgrounds and discussion questions. Both are on the Teachable platform. Educators can also access our Virtual Classroom to Screening Room program where students watch a film as a class or on their own and then join us for a live post-screening discussion with our JBFC Education Team.

Course Registration FAQ

How do I learn about your programs for kids, teens, and adults?

The Jacob Burns Film Center offers programs in new media, documentary and fiction film production, screenwriting, animation, and much more. All current and upcoming programs are listed on our Education home page.

How do I register?

Visit our Education home page and select the category you would like to explore for registration details on each available program.

Are scholarships available?

Yes! Spaces are reserved in every course for students who demonstrate financial need. Email registrar@burnsfilmcenter.org for more information or complete our Scholarship Application form for your desired course.

The Jacob Burns Film Center is proud to receive generous support from:

Email Sign Up

Get updates on screenings at the JBFC Theater, upcoming events, and more!