In a world full of reclining, heated seats and IMAX premium screens, the Cinemapolis movie theater experience is anything but. Nestled in the heart of The Ithaca Commons, Cinemapolis feels less like a commercial multiplex and more like stepping into a warm, inviting home theater. The moment you walk through its doors, the difference is noticeable: the smell of fresh popcorn mingles with hints of home-baked cookies and brownies, the soft lighting sets a cozy tone and the lobby hums with quiet, friendly chatter.
After buying your ticket, the concessions experience offers a truly personal touch. The popcorn is tossed in any flavor of butter or cheese you can imagine, along with a limited but curated selection of candy and home-baked goods that make the theater feel more like a living room than an establishment. Unlike the mass-market experience of chain theaters, Cinemapolis’s charm lies in its small scale. With only five theaters, and some having as few as four rows of seats, moviegoers are able to settle in close to the screen and, together, create a sense of community rather than feeling separated or lost in a sea of strangers. It’s a space where young Cornell students, Ithaca couples and local film buffs alike can gather in a communal appreciation of cinema.
What truly sets Cinemapolis apart, however, is its programming. Here, it’s not about the big blockbuster films; the theater is a haven for smaller, independent films and local productions. The screenings are more than simple entertainment, they’re an invitation to engage, discuss and discover films that might otherwise go unseen. The intimacy of the space encourages conversation; there’s a sense that moviegoers are participating in something more than mere viewing. Cinemapolis provides a space where a sense of community comes alive, brought together by a love of film.
This small, yet vibrant hub of cinema has deep roots in Ithaca. Founded in 1986 by Lynne Cohen and Rich Szanyi, the original Cinemapolis was a single-screen arthouse tucked into the basement of Center Ithaca. From the start, it was clear that this was no ordinary movie theater: Its mission was to bring films like Kurosawa’s Ran to local audiences, cultivating a taste for movies that might otherwise never reach the Finger Lakes region.
Over the years, Cinemapolis evolved to meet the needs of its growing community. A second screen was added, and by the 2000s, it became part of the nonprofit Seventh Art Corporation, shifting to a membership-supported model that cemented its role as a cultural institution. In 2009, the theater moved to its current Green Street location, a five-screen facility that allowed for more screenings, expanded programming and continued accessibility for all patrons. However, even with these changes, the theater has never lost its intimate, small-town feel. The move and expansion have only allowed it to foster even stronger connections among local Ithacans and students alike.
Today, Cinemapolis remains one of the few independent cinemas in upstate New York, a counterpoint to the dominance of national chains. It hosts film festivals, director Q&As and community events that transform moviegoing from a solitary pastime into a shared cultural experience. The theater has weathered challenges and competition, from a global pandemic to the opening of Ithaca’s Regal cinemas, and has still maintained its commitment to independent storytelling and community engagement.
So if anyone ever asks me, “Regal Cinemas or Cinemapolis?” you know what my answer will always be. Stepping into Cinemapolis, you can’t help but feel you’ve walked into something special. The fresh popcorn, warmth of home-baked cookies, quiet buzz of patrons settling down, it all contributes to this special sense of belonging you won’t get at a larger, corporate chain theater. Cinemapolis isn’t just a place to sit and watch a movie, it's a space to connect and enter into Ithaca’s vibrant community. Even if you miss your heated, reclining seats and massive TV screen, this home-style, intimate Ithaca theater is something you won’t want to miss.
Layla Copen is a member of the Class of 2028 in the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a contributor for the Arts & Culture department and can be reached at lmc374@cornell.edu.
