With streaming services keeping us glued to our couches, it’s more important than ever to appreciate the venues that have helped shape film into the cornerstone of pop culture: theaters.
Miami has been an integral part of the film industry since the 1940s, and supporting local, independent theaters over chains empowers the city’s artistic scene.
South Florida boasts one-of-a-kind, independent theaters that showcase films unavailable at chain-locations. One offers free premiere screenings. Some even call historic locations home—like a former church and Miami’s South Beach City Hall. Another theater even brings in plays from England!
Whether you’re a veteran cinephile or just looking for a unique movie night, these independent cinemas offer a refreshing alternative to the usual blockbuster experience.
The Bill Cosford Cinema
5030 Brunson Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146
305-284-9838
More than just a venue for a night out at the movies, the Bill Cosford Cinema is a non-profit located on the University of Miami campus that offers an experience filled with educational discovery. Films often feature introductions that highlight each film’s significance.
“My goal is with those introductions to make you understand why you’re seeing it, why I programmed it, and why it’s important,” says manager Rene Rodriguez, a former Miami Herald film critic. “It doesn’t mean you’re gonna love every movie, of course, but you always understand why.”
The Cosford is the longest running arthouse cinema in Miami, having opened its doors in the 1950s. In 1995, the theater was renamed to honor Bill Cosford, Rodriguez’s predecessor at the Herald and a professor of cinema at U.M.
The intimate single-screen theater offers a curated mix of indie films, cult classics, and blockbusters. Some notable past showings included Francis Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis,” Luca Guadagnino’s “I Am Love,” and Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing.”
A standout feature is its offering of free advanced screenings of movies before they hit major theaters. Some films offered for advanced screenings have included Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II” and Kyle Mooney’s “Y2K.”
They even host a series called “Watching Movies,” where community leaders select a film to watch with the audience, followed by a Q&A where they share their insight and stories. Past participants have included Gloria Estefan, who chose Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein,” and Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who chose Jonathan Lynn’s “My Cousin Vinny.”
If that doesn’t pique your interest, most screenings are free! For those that aren’t, tickets usually run about $5, though prices vary depending on the event.
Check out their calendar for your next watch.
O Cinema South Beach
1130 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Located in the historic Miami Beach City Hall, O Cinema is a non-profit arthouse theater that champions South Florida’s film community.
With an intimate auditorium and a lobby adorned with relics from Miami culture and film history, the team focuses on marginalized artists in the industry.
“Our mission is to empower, nurture and support the development of new arts and cultural work,” says Executive Development Assistant Amanda Linares Velazco. “We curate films that align with our goal of giving every community a voice.”
Their “Lift Every Voice” series, which runs occasionally, showcases films that reflect South Florida’s diverse culture, featuring work made by women, BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ filmmakers, who are often overlooked in the industry. Past screenings have included Pedro Almodóvar’s “Strange Way of Life,” Bethann Hardison’s “Invisible Beauty,” and Benjamin Millepied’s “Carmen.”
O Cinema also hosts special events that make it a staple in Miami’s cultural scene. The recent “An Evening with Bob Mackie,” for instance, featured the legendary fashion designer discussing his documentary, “Bob Mackie: Naked Illusion.”
Tickets are $14.50 for adults, $11.50 for students and teachers.
Check out their calendar for more.
Ocean Cinemas
782 NW 42nd Ave. #1
Miami, FL 33126
(305) 529-8883
Ocean Cinemas, formerly Le Jeune Cinemas 6, is a family-owned theater that’s been nestled on the bustling Le Jeune Road for over 35 years.
What makes this theater special is its friendly staff, who keep families coming back. Some patrons have been loyal since childhood. Manager Luis Ruiseco notes that working for a family-owned business, as opposed to a major chain, allows them to cater to the unique interests and needs of local guests, which they hold pride in achieving.
The theater honors Miami’s diverse audience with ‘TheaterEars,’ which offers real-time translations.
Ocean Cinemas offers mainstream film selections- from family-favorite blockbusters like “Mufasa: The Lion King” to studio comedies like “One of Them Days.”
Sharing Le Jeune Road with various local restaurants, Ocean Cinemas provides an opportunity to bring friends and family and hang out for a meal after the movie.
Tickets for features are $8 for all ages, with $6 on Tuesdays for all movies.
Savor Cinema
503 SE 6th St.
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
(954) 525-3456
Don’t let the church exterior fool you! Savor Cinema is, in fact, a theater with a rich history and dedication to sharing their passion for film with local audiences.
Originally built as the First Methodist Church of Fort Lauderdale, the building was transformed into the “Vinnette Carroll Theater” in the 1980s to honor the first African-American woman to direct a Broadway show. In the 1990s, when sales at the venue declined, Broward County Film
Society saved the location from closure, and still operates it to this date.
Savor Cinema is a non-profit that serves as the official host for the Fort Lauderdale Film Festival (FLIFF) and lends its theater to independent, foreign, and local filmmakers for premieres.
“We strive to give local filmmakers the opportunity to have their film shown and get their name out there,” says Managing Director Hal Axler, who aims to offer something different from chain theaters.
Savor Cinema also invites guests to gather at their patio bar before each showing to encourage a community based on the love of film.
Tickets sit at $9 for students and $12 for general admission.
Follow their Instagram to keep up with programming.
Coral Gables Art Cinema
260 Aragon Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(786) 472-2249
Just one street north of Miracle Mile, the Coral Gables Art Cinema has become a beloved gathering spot where locals come to support foreign, independent, and cult classic films.
Coral Gables Art Cinema came to life through a unique collaboration between the City of Coral Gables and the Coral Gables Cinematheque. This community driven project was launched in 2016 and has brought a cutting-edge theater to the community.
This non-profit theater hosts signature programs like “After Hours,” which screens late-night films, and “Family Day at Aragon,” featuring family-fun favorites.
“I often watch independent movies. Sometimes you get a performance from England, a theater performance,” says one frequent customer. “They’re just always intimate and convenient.”
Regular admission prices are $12.75 for adults, $11 for students, military, and seniors, and $8 for children. Prices may vary for live shows and special programs.
Check out the next movies to hit the big screen on their website.
