Friends,

Here are a few things we’ve been missing lately:

  • Italian soda and popcorn with nutritional yeast
  • That feeling as the lights lower before the feature film plays
  • That moment while walking out of the dark theater, realizing we are in some way different than before.
  • And most of all, having these experiences with you!

We sincerely hope our reunion comes soon. There’s nothing we want more than to share the transformational magic of cinema-going with you again. We are taking every measure we can to ensure a celebratory reopening. And until that time comes, there are ways you can help too.

During our temporary closure we are without the ticket and concession sales that make up 70% of our operating budget. Like many nonprofits, we are applying for various relief funds, but the results of these are uncertain and none are immediate. Our biggest source of support during this time has come from you! We have raised $20,000 since the announcement of our closure and it is these funds that are getting us through this difficult period. THANK YOU for showing us such incredible support when we need it most.

Your Memberships and tax-deductible donations ensure that quality film programming has a future in our corner of the world.
And while we’re closed, your help also allows us to continue offering newly released films not available anywhere else , Cinema Selections from our staff and volunteers (see below) , and brand new interviews with filmmakers and industry insiders . We’ve got more of everything coming your way soon!

We are here for you because you are here for us. Each Membership and donation is appreciated deeply. Your generosity makes all the difference in this challenging period.

With all our heart, we thank you, and look forward to being back at the Cinema with you soon.

Stay well,
Your friends at Amherst Cinema
Opening today in Virtual Cinema : the genre-defying BACURAU, fan favorite BEST OF CATVIDEOFEST, and illuminating doc THE TIMES OF BILL CUNNINGHAM.

Virtual Cinema allows you to stream great new titles and support your favorite nonprofit, independent cinema! Feel free to share our e-newsletters with loved ones near and far so that they too can enjoy exciting new releases while helping out Amherst Cinema.
Now playing via Virtual Cinema

through 4/23
After the residents of a small village in Brazil (among them Sônia Braga) notice that their village has vanished from online maps, violent mercenaries (led by Udo Kier) begin attacking inhabitants in the shadows. The townspeople must band together to protect their remote community. A New York Times Critic's Pick!
through 4/23
The world is stuck inside staring out, like a cat on a windowsill. To raise everyone's spirits, l ongtime CatVideoFest curator extraordinaire, Will Braden, has crafted a 45-minute "treat" of a reel that includes the very best videos from CVF history.
through 4/23
This documentary, narrated by Sarah Jessica Parker, features incredible photographs chosen from over three million previously unpublished images and documents from iconic street photographer and fashion historian Bill Cunningham.
through 4/23
Flailing thirty-four-year-old Bridget finally catches a break when she meets a nice guy and lands a much-needed job nannying six-year-old Frances. But an unwanted pregnancy introduces an unexpected complication.
through 4/23
A new restoration of one of the most successful films in Brazilian history, this erotic comedy follows the strange events that befall Dona Flor (S ô nia Braga) after she is left a widow by the death of her wild, irresponsible husband.
through 4/16
A passionate tale of love and liberation set amidst the conservative confines of modern Georgian society.
through 4/16
A hard-up delivery driver and his wife look to the gig economy in this touching, timely drama from Ken Loach. A New York Times Critic's Pick!
through 4/16
Pedro Costa’s acclaimed new drama stars a nonprofessional actor in an extraordinary performance based on her own life. "Essential cinema," says the New York Times of this Critic's Pick!
through 4/16
In this hit documentary, take a vivid journey into the mysterious subterranean world of mycelium and its fruit—the mushroom.
Amherst Cinema Board President Salman Hameed recently spoke to The River's Monte Belmonte about Virtual Cinema and At-Home Cinema Selections. Listen to the interview here.
Our spring semester of See-Hear-Feel-Film was cut short and we're missing our third grade friends and beloved volunteers. For a guaranteed smile, watch our video to learn more about this incredible education program.
Calling all National Theatre Live fans: NT Live's production of JANE EYRE is streaming for free on YouTube until April 16! Click here to watch this beautiful, dynamic production filmed at London's National Theatre.
Start the weekend off right with At-Home Cinema Selections from Volunteer Ira Bryck and Creative Manager Alex Hornbeck. Let us know on social media which #AmherstCinemaAtHome picks you're enjoying!
Ira Bryck, See-Hear-Feel-Film Volunteer, recommends:
THE ENIGMA OF KASPAR HAUSER
dir. Werner Herzog, 1974
I first saw this in my early twenties. It was moving to see this true story of a person who’d been cruelly hidden away from society, how that total ignorance was seen as profundity in modern society, and how people’s reactions to him were so much about their own ignorance. It's a great movie to share with teens in your life and an excellent conversation starter.

Alex Hornbeck, Creative Manager, recommends:
JOHN MCENROE: IN THE REALM OF PERFECTION
dir. Julien Faraut, 2018
I love this quirky, fun, deep documentary, ostensibly about John McEnroe's appearances at the French Open in the early '80s, but touching on so much more. Director Julian Faraut works with footage shot by Gil de Kermadec, who obsessively documented tennis in France for decades. You can watch it as a psychological study of McEnroe, one of sport's biggest personalities at the height of his notoriety; as a fascinating document of both film technology and sport history; as a meta-commentary on the very meaning of documentary; or just to enjoy the soothing, jovial narration of Mathieu Amalric.

Available for streaming on Amazon Prime and Kanopy
Past At-Home Cinema Selections:

Look for more recommendations soon! We'll send At-Home Cinema Selections in our e-newsletters on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout our temporary closure.
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