See you at THE UPTOWN!

We're excited to reveal our new vision and new name for the historic, 
former Metro theater at Broadway & 99th Street. 
 Introducing the 
UPTOWN FILM CENTER!

The announcement was made by Ira Deutchman, President of UWS Cinema Center, Inc, at a special BIG REVEAL event held at Villa Albertine on Oct. 27, before an audience of indie film industry execs, local government leaders, major donors and early founding supporters.

Deutchman was joined by guest speakers Tim Blake Nelson, Kyra Sedgwick, and Tony Kushner, as well as architects Voith & Mactavish and logo/branding designer Daymon Bruck, to celebrate the new name, reveal architectural renderings of the marquee and landmarked façade, and talk about what the theater will mean for the neighborhood, for the independent film community, and for the arts in New York City.

Deutchman emphasized that the new name is a reflection of an entirely new mission for the former Metro/Midtown theater, making a clear statement about its location within the city. “We wanted to give the theater a unique identity that instantly would conjure up its iconic Upper West Side locale,” said Deutchman. The Uptown Film Center, he noted, will be the only full-time, nonprofit arthouse theater north of Lincoln Center. "Unlike commercial theaters or streaming platforms," he said, "the Uptown will deliver an immersive, community-first film experience that blends the best of independent, international, documentary, repertory, and family cinema with educational programs and cultural partnerships. Visitors will come away not just entertained, but connected — to their neighbors, to global stories, and to the transformative power of film.”

Capital Campaign Launched

Deutchman also announced the launch of a $29 million capital campaign to build out the film center. The timeline for completion will depend largely on how quickly those funds can be raised, but the nonprofit group is hoping to break ground by early 2027 and open the film center’s doors sometime in 2028. Several Naming Opportunities are available, as well as a new NAME A SEAT campaign, noted Deutchman, who emphasized that contributions both large and small are critical to the success of the campaign. "The number of donors and the clear demonstration of support from our community, opens the doors to grants from the city and state as well as private foundations."

Read the full article

Press coverage:

NY TImes
Deadline

West Side Rag
I Love the Upper West Side


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