Small theaters are gasping for life nationwide, but not in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Fueled by the area’s creative class and surge of younger professionals, a fistful of movie houses, including a grass roots screening room with anarchist leanings and a hulking multiplex, have opened in recent years.

“It really is the place to make and see art now,” said Noah Baumbach, the Park Slope-born director of “Francis Ha.” “Manhattan is so tailored. It’s driven by appealing to the very wealthy and tourists.”

Even as North Brooklyn exploded with restaurants and night life, local movie buffs not long ago had to jump on the L train into Manhattan, or settle for barroom viewings, rooftop screenings and aspirational film festivals.

The difference is now pronounced: in December, Williamsburg Cinemas, a suburban-style multiplex, opened on Grand Street beside an antiques shop.