Cornell Cinema

Cornell Cinema is a public film screening venue housed in the historic Willard Straight Theatre on the lower level of Willard Straight Hall at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. It offers a diverse selection of films from around the world and is open to the general public for a low price, with undergraduate all-access passes available for $30 for the 2026-27 academic year. The organization is part of Cornell University's College of Arts & Sciences and focuses on curating artistic programs and engaging diverse audiences.

The cinema is located at 104 Willard Straight Hall in Ithaca, NY 14853, with offices on the lower level across from the box office window. Visitors can enter from the Willard Straight Hall parking lot or via the Ho Plaza Level by taking stairs or an elevator down to the ground level. The building has two entrances, and directions to parking are available on their Visit page.

Cornell Cinema is led by Director Molly Ryan, who started in September 2022, and Manager Aaron Rovitz, who began in April 2023. The team includes Cinema Assistant Teresa Alvis, who joined in July 2014. They manage the entire operation, including artistic programming, fundraising, and audience engagement.

The cinema offers freshly popped popcorn and an evolving selection of candy, sodas, seltzers, and iced teas at the Concessions Stand in the lobby. These snacks are available for sale at most screenings, providing a convenient option for moviegoers.

Accessibility features include wheelchair and companion seating inside the theatre, a lift from the outer to the inner lobby, and an accessible gender-neutral washroom. Assistive listening headsets and closed caption readers are also available for checkout at the Box Office.

The cinema has a lost and found policy where items valued at $20 or more are sent to CUPD’s Lost & Found Office in Barton Hall. Less valuable items like water bottles and umbrellas are typically held in the office until the end of the semester.

As of April 2022, masks and proof of COVID-19 vaccination are no longer required at Cornell University, though up-to-date guidance is available at covid.cornell.edu/events. This policy allows for a more relaxed entry environment for visitors.

The cinema has a 3.8 out of 5 rating from 12 reviews on Trustburn, with the most recent reviews dating back to October 2023. Reviewers consistently praise the diverse and interesting film selection, comfortable seating, and friendly, helpful staff.

Some users on Reddit mention that the crowd can sometimes be thin, while others highlight the unique opportunity to see films like Fellini's 8 1/2 on a brand new 35mm print. The cinema also hosts special events like the Ithaca Experimental Film Festival and Free Movie Thursday.

The cinema offers an All-Access Pass for $30 that provides prepaid access to all regular film screenings for the 2026-27 academic year. This pass is designed for those who want to attend multiple screenings throughout the year at a low price.

The cinema accepts film suggestions via a suggestion box in the lobby and encourages student involvement in brainstorming programming ideas. This community input helps shape the diverse and thought-provoking lineup of films.

The cinema operates on a semester basis, with screenings scheduled throughout the academic year. It is part of Cornell University's Department of Film Studies within the College of Arts & Sciences.

The cinema is located in the historic Willard Straight Theatre, which adds to the cozy atmosphere and well-maintained theater experience praised by reviewers. The location in Ithaca, NY, makes it a central hub for film enthusiasts in the region.

The cinema's programming includes a mix of classic films, international cinema, and special events like the Three by Mel Brooks showcase. It aims to revitalize the program in the post-pandemic world by engaging new, diverse audiences.

You can reach Cornell Cinema by phone at 16072553522.