Amherst Cinema

Amherst Cinema is a non-profit, independent theater. Our mission is to inspire, inform and entertain through the universal language of cinema arts and to serve as a cultural and educational resource for all. The core of our programming at Amherst Cinema is first-run independent film and classic repertory. We show over 120 superb films each year - most are first-run gems not even considered by commercial cineplexes. Decisions about film selection are made by our programming experts who know film and who know our audiences, not - as with many multiplex theaters - by a central office in a distant location. HISTORY 1926: The Amherst Theater opened in a renovated livery building in downtown Amherst, MA. It screened many classic films and hosted occasional stage performances. 1955: the theater was sold to Samuel Goldstein and renamed Amherst Cinema. Through the 1990s, the building deteriorated due to a lack of basic maintenance. The theater closed in 1999. 2000: a group of local film buffs and arts lovers formed the nonprofit Amherst Cinema entity to save the historic structure from the auction block. With substantial help from hundreds of individuals, institutions and businesses, the group raised funds and developed plans for a cinema center. 2006: With help from hundreds of supporters, we raised nearly $3,000,000 for the Amherst Cinema's home. In May 2006, our nonprofit organization broke ground to build a new, state-of-the-art, three-screen cinema. The Amherst Cinema opened November 22, 2006. 2013: A new studio theater was opened adjacent to the main building.