The Downing Film Center Set to Close After Almost 17-Year Run on the Newburgh Waterfront
Since July 2006, the Downing Film Center has provided quality film programming and worked with community groups to enhance their programs through film. For two retired teachers, Brian and Sharon Burke, it has been a dream come true.
Loyal patrons have supported us from the beginning and were crucial to our memorable fundraising effort in 2012 (Drive to Digital) and during the Covid-19 pandemic. We are fortunate to have made so many friends through a shared passion for cinema and to have enjoyed such extraordinary support through the years from our devoted employees, generous volunteers, donors, members, and fans.
Regrettably, changes of all kinds brought about through the passage of time have now made our operational model unsustainable. We will be turning our projector off and closing our doors for the last time at the conclusion of our showings on Thursday, April 27, 2023. We wish all of our friends the enjoyment of quality films in the future and wonderful venues in which to experience them. We are grateful to have been part of your lives.
Any fans who have purchased memberships from January 1, 2023, through our closing date will be able to request a refund if they wish to do so. Please send your request with your name and email address to us at downingfilmcenter@gmail.com.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR PAST SUPPORT!
Ticket Prices
Adults, $10
Military and students, $9
Seniors (62+), $8
Children, $7
Downing members (with member card), $6
Tickets can be purchased at the theater box office or here on our website. Patrons must now select seats when purchasing a ticket.
FRI, MARCH 31 – THU, APRIL 6
MOVING ON
Rated R | 1h 25m | In English | Comedy | Watch Trailer Here | Starring Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Malcolm McDowell, and Richard Roundtree
Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin star as estranged friends who reunite to seek revenge on the petulant widower (Malcolm McDowell) of their recently deceased best friend. Along the way, Fonda’s character reunites with her great love (Richard Roundtree) as each woman learns to make peace with the past and each other.
-Roadside Attractions
We’ve been spoiled this past decade, discovering what Fonda and Tomlin can do together. Why didn’t Hollywood see the potential of this pairing half a century earlier?
-Peter DeBruge, Variety
This is the kind of movie I love, independently made, using great actors in unexpected kinds of roles, running a tight no-fat 85 minutes, and being thoroughly entertaining with something to say as well.
-Pete Hammond, Deadline Hollywood Daily
SHOWTIMES:
FRI, MARCH 31 – THU, APRIL 5
Fri 7:30, Sat 3:00 5:15 7:30, Sun 2:00 4:15
Tue 1:30 (CC), Wed 7:30, Thu 1:30
ALSO SHOWING
WED, APR 5 – THU, APR 13
AIR
Courting a Legend
Rated PG-13 (Language) | 1h 52m | Drama | In English Directed by Ben Affleck | Starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Marlon Waylans, Chris Messina Chris Tucker and Viola Davis | Watch Trailer Here
From award-winning director Ben Affleck, AIR reveals the unbelievable game-changing partnership between a then-rookie Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgling basketball division which revolutionized the world of sports and contemporary culture with the Air Jordan brand. This moving story follows the career-defining gamble of an unconventional team with everything on the line, the uncompromising vision of a mother who knows the worth of her son’s immense talent, and the basketball phenom who would become the greatest of all time.
In his fifth feature film, Ben Affleck’s talents exceed expectations. He’s grown as an actor and director but is best when doing both.
-Valerie Complex, Deadline Hollywood Daily
AIR is a slam dunk and ultimately one of the best sports movies ever made.
-Marisa Mirabal, Indiewire
Air proves itself to be a thunderous slam dunk and an absolute winner.
-Ryan McQuade, Awards Watch
SHOWTIMES:
Wed, Apr 5 – Thu, Apr 13
Wed 1:30, Thu 7:30, Fri 7:30, Sat 2:00 4:45 7:30, Sun 4:45 (Easter), Tue 1:30 (CC), Wed 7:30 Thu 1:30 7:30
COVID Protocols
Updated March 25, 2022
- Proof of vaccination is no longer required.
- Masks are no longer required but are encouraged.
- 100% of our seating is on sale.
- Tickets will continue to be reserved seating, online and at the box office.
- Our air filtration machines and increased attention to cleanliness will, of course, remain in place.
- We suggest that you arrive at least 20 minutes before showtime to avoid lines and delays.
Who We Are
The Downing Film Center is 501(c)(3) member-supported nonprofit arts organization dedicated to presenting quality films, not always available locally, and providing cinematic programming from around the world in collaboration with and for the benefit of the Hudson Valley’s diverse communities. The Downing is a free-speech theater that neither censors nor endorses.
Where We’re Located
The Downing is located at 19 Front Street in Newburgh, New York, on the bottom floor of the former Yellow Bird Gallery building. Our entrance is directly across Front Street from Billy Joe’s Ribworks. Free parking is available in the Newburgh–Beacon Ferry lot, on Water Street, and in the lot behind the theater (access via Carpenter Street).
Seating
When you purchase a ticket at the box office or an advance ticket online, you must select a seat. The Downing has only 56 seats, so please purchase an advance ticket if you have strong preferences regarding seating. The screening room opens 30 minutes before showtime. You may not save seats for members of your party who have not yet purchased a ticket.
Accessibility
The Downing Film Center is handicapped accessible. If you need our lift and elevator, please let us know in advance. We also ask that you arrive 35–40 minutes before showtime so that we can assist you before the theater gets busy.
We also have assistive listening technology (headphones and closed captioning glasses).