Miami has more independent movie theaters than most big cities. Find them here.
Not every city has a place where you can catch screenings of foreign films, 35-mm throwback classics, independent sleeper hits, experimental films from up-and-coming filmmakers and film festivals that bring stars and celebrated directors together. Miami has almost a dozen.
The Coral Gables Art Cinema
This Coral Gables gem is open nightly on weekdays and throughout the day on weekends. Director Nat Chediak serves up a mix of independent and foreign-language films from U.S. distributors, along with movies with no U.S. release plans.
www.gablescinema.com or call 786-385-9689
260 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134
Miami Beach Cinematheque
The Miami Beach Cinematheque features an eclectic array of film series and helps host several regional film festivals. Located in the heart of Miami Beach on Española Way, the Cinematheque also boasts a coffee bar and an impressive collection of books that can be perused before and after screenings. Founder and film aficionado Dana Keith hosts many of the Cinematheque’s events and can often be found behind the coffee bar concocting delicious, caffeinated beverages.
mbcinema.com or call 305-673-4567
1130 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Bill Cosford Cinema
Located at the University of Miami’s Coral Gables campus, the Cosford features first run screenings of foreign and independent films, special programs and student film festivals. Students can view many of the films for free.
www.cosfordcinema.com or call 305-284-4861
5030 Brunson Dr, Coral Gables, FL 33146
Tower Theater
Located on Calle Ocho, the Tower is a Miami cultural landmark that opened in 1926 as a silent movie theater. Since then, the Tower has gone through several renovations, including the addition of an Art Deco exterior, and provided Cuban refugees with an introduction to American culture through film.
Currently under the management of Miami Dade College, the Tower promotes the arts in all their forms by providing special film screenings, lectures and other events.
www.towertheatermiami.com or call 305-642-1264
1508 SW 8th St, Miami, FL 33135
O Cinema
O Cinema screens a mixture of first-run independent, foreign-language and niche films. With two locations – the funky, artsy coffee house vibe of O Cinema Wynwood and the ornate refurbished movie palace in Miami Beach – the theaters show a combination of mainstream arthouse and retro movies that would not otherwise be shown in South Florida. The venue in Miami Shores is open for the occasional special screening.
Locations:
- O Cinema Wynwood — 90 NW 29th Street, Miami 305- 571-9970
- O Cinema Miami Beach — 500 71st St, Miami Beach 786-207-1919
- O Cinema Miami Shores — 9806 NE 2nd Ave, Miami Shores 786-565-3456
Olympia Theater at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts
The Olympia Theater, also known as the Gusman Theater, opened in 1926 as downtown Miami’s silent movie palace. It currently functions as a venue for live theater, but the Gusman also plays host to film screenings from time to time. Its beautiful interior, balcony seating and large screen make the Gusman the best place to see a film in Miami. It is one of less than 20 Florida buildings of entertainment that bear a historic designation. Two others — The Ace Theater in Coconut Grove and the Lyric Theater in Overtown — highlight the rich history of Miami’s popular night life scene during the Jim Crow era.
www.olympiatheater.org or call 305-374-2444.
174 E Flagler St, Miami, FL 33131
Colony Theater
You can’t walk down Lincoln Road without spotting this magnificent landmark that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Colony primarily hosts live theater but occasionally screens film. Its prime location makes it worth visiting on those few occasions.
www.colonymb.org or call 305-674-1040
1040 Lincoln Rd, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Wolfsonian-FIU
Part art museum and occasional theater, the Wolfsonian-FIU hosts free film screenings that vary in genre and focus.
www.wolfsonian.org or call 305-535-4600
1001 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
Cinema Paradiso
Cinema Paradiso features first-run screenings of foreign and independent cinema and special events that highlights an eclectic mix of films.
www.fliff.com or call 954-525-3456.
503 SE 6th St. Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301
This story was originally published May 9, 2017 at 5:05 AM.