New York's New Indie Movie Theater is Teaming Up With the Criterion Collection

READ MORE: New York’s New Indie Movie Theater Unveils Stellar First Season of Programming

If you thought Metrograph’s first season of programming was an epic slice of cinephile heaven, just wait until you see the new additions to its spring special events.

The theater, a small two-screen cinema house located in the Lower East Side, will be opening next month and has just announced an extensive collaboration with the Criterion Collection, which will kick off on April 6. Titled The Criterion Collection Live!, these events, hosted by Criterion staff members, will feature special guests, screenings and audience prizes, while offering unique insight into the company’s process and the stories behind the films they release on Blu-rays and DVDs.

“We’re proud to be joining forces with Metrograph to be kicking off Criterion’s first ever live event,” said Criterion president Peter Becker in an official statement. “This is an exciting opportunity to expand our relationship with our audience in what we think is going to be a really lively and exciting night. We know Metrograph is going to be a vital part of New York film culture, and we’re so pleased to be a part of it as it makes its debut.”

Metrograph is also adding special Todd Haynes and Noah Baumbach events to its calendar, with more likely to follow as they find their footing in the dedicated world of independent film exhibition. All of the theater’s new additions can be found below. Information and blurbs provided by Metrograph.

One Night Only: Noah Baumbach’s Dream Double Feature (March 5)

Noah Baumbach prefaced his bizarre, yet wildly intelligent selection by explaining, “When Jake [Perlin] asked me if there was a double feature I’d like to present at his new theater, I said, ‘That’s easy, ‘Eyes Wide Shut’ (1999) and ‘Babe: Pig in the City’…Both movies take place in strange alternate cities. Part storybook, part nightmare. I’ve never been to these places, but I know what they are. One has a disturbing and harrowing chase scene that concludes with a pig rescuing a deranged, drowning dog hanging upside down by a chain. The other has a disturbing and harrowing pot-induced marital argument in a bedroom. All I know is, I get a similar hit off these two movies.

Ultimate IB: Three Technicolor Classics (March 19)

The wildly vivid colors of technicolor is a thing of the past, but that doesn’t mean we still can’t enjoy them today. With films such as “Singin’ in the Rain” (1952), “Hatari!” (1962), and “Vertigo” (1958) scheduled to be screened all on the same day, prepare yourself to be transferred back to a day of dancing, elaborate sets, and eye-dazzling colorful visuals. All films will be screened in 35mm.



“Carol” on 35mm (March 26)

For one night only, catch Todd Haynes’ critically acclaimed film grace the screen in all of its 35mm glory, along with wildly talented cinematographer Ed Lachman. Haynes’ pastiche to film coloring of yesteryear will only be more exacerbated by the wonderful grainy, flickering charm of a 35mm cut.



Henry Street Settlement Presents “Sidewalk Stories” (April 5)

Catch the harrowing black-and-white silent film as it retells a more contemporary version of Charlie Chaplin’s “The Kid.” While showcasing New York’s issues with homelessness, poverty, social unrest, and a slew of other issues that were plaguing the city in the late 80s, the film still retains Chaplin’s sense of humor, albeit in a much darker and grittier tone. The screening will include a Q&A from filmmaker Charles Lane.

The Criterion Collection Live!: Robert Drew and the Art of Politics (April 6)

Criterion will be kicking of their live events by hosting an advanced screening of their soon-to-be released set, “The Kennedy Films of Robert Drew & Associates.” The special event will be joined by Criterion president Peter Becker and pioneering documentarian, D.A Pennebaker, along with Robert Drew’s daughter-in-law Jill Drew. Included with the admission is a free advanced copy of the DVD or Blu-Ray which includes an alternate cut by Richard Leacock for “Primary” (1960), “Crisis” (1963), and “Faces of November” (1964).

6th Annual Old School Kung Fu Fest (April 8-10)

Subway Cinema is teaming up with Metrograph to bring you the 6th edition of the Old School Kung Fu Fest (OSKFF), celebrating the wildest, most outrageous and eye-darting martial arts and action cinema from the 1960s till the 1990s. This year’s OSKFF will be celebrating the films of Golden Harvest, Hong Kong’s leading studio in the second half of the century. Screenings will include “Pedicab Driver” (1989), “The Man from Hong Kong” (1975), “Rumble in the Bronx” (1995), “Enter the Dragon” (1973), “The Prodigal Son” (1981), “The Terra-Cotta Warrior” (1990), “The Blade” (1995), and “Big Bullet” (1996). Most, if not all, of the titles will be shown in archival 35mm film.

READ MORE: New York City is Getting Its First Independent Cinema Theater in 10 Years

Sign Up: Stay on top of the latest breaking film and TV news! Sign up for our Email Newsletters here.