Rockaways Build Future Cinemas From Scratch

The Rockaway Film Festival, founded in 2018, is working to re-establish cinema in a New York City area that has been without dedicated movie theaters since 1996. Initially launched as an experiment to address the "cinema desert" in the Rockaways, the festival has grown into a significant cultural force, operating a community-built open-air venue called Arverne Cinema.

This initiative moves beyond traditional film screenings, emphasizing the entire experience from approach to post-film discussions. The festival champions diverse storytelling, contrasting with the profit-driven, formulaic nature of many commercial films. It highlights the value of art and culture not solely as commercial enterprises but as enrichments to life.

Filmmaker Sam Fleischner, a co-founder, envisions a permanent, flexible cinema space in Rockaway. This future venue will accommodate various programming, from international films to live performances, and include community gathering areas. The project aims to serve as a model for independent cinemas across the U.S., fostering cooperation and artist support.

These community-focused cinemas are seen as vital public goods, strengthening local economies and nurturing future storytellers. By prioritizing collective imagination and shared experiences, such spaces are crucial for human connection in an increasingly individualized world, echoing cinema's original purpose of bringing people together.