5 Must-Know Updates: The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) In Pleasantville, NY—What’s New For 2025

The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC), often referred to as the Jacob Burns Theater by long-time patrons, remains a cornerstone of cinematic culture in Pleasantville, New York, and the wider Westchester community. As of December 15, 2025, the center is not only fully operational but has recently completed a significant capital improvements project that has modernized its historic cinema complex while preserving its unique charm. This deep dive reveals the most crucial, up-to-the-minute details about the JBFC, from major structural overhauls to its exciting lineup of 2025 programming, ensuring you have the freshest information before your next visit.

The JBFC transcends the typical movie-going experience; it is a dynamic non-profit institution dedicated to presenting the best of independent, documentary, and world cinema, alongside robust educational programs. Recent years have brought substantial changes, including a major theater refurbishment and the renaming of its largest auditorium, cementing its status as a vital cultural hub. Whether you're interested in the new wine bar, the state-of-the-art Media Arts Lab, or the can't-miss 2025 Jewish Film Festival, the world-class facility is ready to welcome film lovers with a renewed energy and commitment to the art of film.

The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) Profile and Biography

The Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC) is a globally recognized non-profit film and education center located in Pleasantville, New York. It has evolved from a local cinema into a multi-faceted organization that celebrates film as an art form and a powerful educational tool.

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• Official Name: Jacob Burns Film Center (JBFC)
• Location: 364 Manville Road, Pleasantville, New York
• Establishment: The center opened in 2001, following the restoration of the historic Rome Theater, which dates back to 1925.
• Mission: To present the best of independent, documentary, and world cinema; to provide unique educational experiences in filmmaking and film literacy; and to serve as a cultural resource for the community.
• Key Facilities: Five state-of-the-art theaters, including the newly named David Swope Theater, the Jane Peck Gallery, and the Media Arts Lab.
• Educational Arm: The Media Arts Lab offers courses and workshops for all ages, focusing on film language, editing, sound, and cinematography.
• Chairman Emeritus: David Swope, in whose memory the largest theater was renamed.
• Focus: Independent Film, Foreign Film, Documentary, Film Education, and Community Programs.
• Recent Updates: Major theater refurbishment completed in 2023; new wine bar and cafe opened.
• Accessibility: All five theaters and the Jane Peck gallery space are wheelchair accessible, with ADA-compliant bathrooms and braille signage.

Update 1: Major Theater Refurbishment and Capital Improvements (2023)

The most significant recent development at the JBFC is the completion of its ambitious capital improvements project. This initiative was designed to enhance the patron experience while preserving the character of the historic cinema complex.

Three Original Auditoriums Get a State-of-the-Art Overhaul

In 2023, the JBFC successfully completed the refurbishment of its original three ground floor auditoriums. This was more than just a cosmetic refresh; the overhaul included installing new, comfortable seating and modernizing the viewing experience. The goal was to ensure the center's facilities remain world-class, capable of presenting the subtle nuances of independent and foreign films with impeccable clarity.

The improvements demonstrate the JBFC’s commitment to providing a premium environment for its diverse programming. Patrons can now enjoy a more comfortable and immersive cinematic experience, a crucial factor when viewing long-form documentaries or complex international features.

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Update 2: The Largest Theater Renamed the David Swope Theater

A poignant and important change occurred in May 2023 when the Jacob Burns Film Center renamed its largest auditorium, Theater One, to the David Swope Theater. This renaming honors the memory of David Swope, the JBFC's Chairman Emeritus and a founding leader whose vision and dedication were instrumental in the center's success.

David Swope’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of the JBFC. Renaming the largest theater is a permanent tribute to his commitment to the arts and the Pleasantville community. Visitors now enter the David Swope Theater, a space that represents both the center's history and its future commitment to cinematic excellence.

Update 3: Elevated Hospitality with a New Wine Bar and Cafe

Enhancing the social aspect of the film-going experience, the JBFC introduced a new wine bar and cafe. This addition was planned to open in late 2023, transforming the center into more than just a place to watch a movie—it’s now a genuine cultural gathering spot.

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The cafe and wine bar are open on select days, typically Thursday through Saturday, offering patrons a chance to discuss the new releases or special screenings before or after a show. This amenity elevates the overall experience, fostering a sense of community and encouraging deeper engagement with the films and the center’s mission. It’s a perfect spot to grab a glass of wine before a screening of a classic film or an exclusive JBFC Preview Club showing.

Update 4: The Dynamic 2025 Program Slate and Special Events

The JBFC’s programming for 2025 is already shaping up to be one of its most diverse and exciting yet, showcasing its commitment to a wide range of film genres and educational series. The center’s calendar is packed with new releases, original JBFC series, and special events.

Can't-Miss Film Series and Festivals in 2025

The upcoming year features several highly anticipated series that cater to various cinematic tastes, reinforcing the center's topical authority in film curation:

• Jewish Film Festival 2025: A key annual event, the 2025 festival will feature films such as Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire, Midas Man, and Of Dogs and Men, along with special presentations like Janis Ian: Breaking Silence.
• Cinema Studies: Billy Wilder (Feb 6–20, 2025): This series offers a deep dive into the work of legendary director Billy Wilder, providing a rich educational context for movie lovers and aspiring filmmakers alike.
• Courtroom Classics (July 16–Oct 8, 2025): A long-running series that explores the drama and moral complexity of legal thrillers and courtroom dramas throughout film history.
• Film to Table (Feb 3, 2025): This unique event features a screening of The Taste of Things, followed by a tasting reception in the Jane Peck Gallery, blending film appreciation with culinary arts.
• Connecting Our Community Celebration (August 2025): The JBFC’s highly anticipated annual celebration, inviting community members, arts patrons, and film lovers to support the center’s mission.

Update 5: The Media Arts Lab and Educational Outreach

Beyond the movie theater experience, the Jacob Burns Film Center is a robust educational institution, primarily through its Media Arts Lab (MAL). This facility is a vital part of the JBFC’s mission to teach film language and media literacy.

A Hub for Aspiring Filmmakers

The Media Arts Lab is not just a classroom; it is a fully equipped production facility designed for anyone curious about making media, regardless of their experience level. The lab features:

• 16 Editing Suites: Professional-grade workstations for post-production.
• Recording Studio: A dedicated space for sound design and audio capture.
• Specialized Courses: Offerings range from an "Intro to Film Language"—covering key elements like editing, sound, and cinematography—to advanced filmmaking courses.

This educational component solidifies the JBFC's role as a true film center, going beyond simply screening films to actively fostering the next generation of storytellers. The MAL ensures that the center remains a dynamic, forward-thinking institution that is constantly contributing to the art of cinema. The emphasis on both viewing and creating media is what truly sets the Jacob Burns Film Center apart from a standard commercial movie theater.

Planning Your Visit to the JBFC

The Jacob Burns Film Center in Pleasantville, New York, offers a cultural experience that is both deep and accessible. With the 2023 refurbishment complete, the David Swope Theater in full operation, and a packed 2025 calendar of new releases and special series, there has never been a better time to visit. The commitment to accessibility, from wheelchair access across all five theaters to the braille signage, ensures that the JBFC is a welcoming space for everyone. Be sure to check the official calendar for showtimes, special events, and the latest updates on the new wine bar and cafe hours before your next trip to this Westchester cinematic gem.