New York City’s Legendary Paris Theater Reopens: What Film Lovers Can Expect

The first movie I ever saw at The Paris Theater was the French romantic comedy Get Out Your Handkerchiefs. I was in my first year at college, in 1979, becoming a cinephile, spending all my free time going to see movies at repertory theaters and arthouses. 

Ever since opening in New York City in 1948, The Paris has been a premier venue for the best films from around the world. It’s revered for playing foreign language and acclaimed independent films, and has allowed New Yorkers and visitors alike to come together to celebrate cinema. 

In 2019, the lights dimmed on the city’s longest-running arthouse cinema and the last single-screen theater when The Paris suddenly closed. As a New Yorker, I was thrilled to read that Netflix had stepped in to save the theater.

The question became what would now show at The Paris? I felt it was important that The Paris continue to fit into the culture of New York and to offer a rich repertoire of both new and old programming, as well as filmmaker series, retrospectives, and discussions. I was thrilled to learn that Netflix agreed. I joined as the programmer for The Paris last year, and we have since celebrated cinema of all kinds - screening films in 35mm, 70mm film, and digital. 

Over this past year, we made some improvements to enhance the moviegoing experience, like new seats and a new concession stand featuring local favorites such as Le Fournil baked goods, Integral Coffee Roasters, and Bushwick Tea. 

Now that we’re getting ready to officially reopen on August 6, what I’m most excited to unveil is our opening slate. 

First, breakthrough director Radha Blank will program repertory films to screen alongside an engagement of her movie The Forty Year-Old Version, from August 6th through the 12th. Radha’s movie is not only a great New York story but the way it was shot and constructed - in black and white - shows her love of film. As a true cinephile, she’s put together a diverse and entertaining lineup of films that mean something to her. (Read more from Radha about her selections on the Paris website.) 

The following week, we’ll host the retrospective “The Paris Is For Lovers,” a selection of films about love and romance that have previously played at the theater. Inspired by my first experience at The Paris and so many other iconic films from the 50’s and 60’s that opened here, I wanted to remind people of the history of the theater and hopefully introduce new audiences to these impactful films. It felt only natural to end the series with Marriage Story, the first Netflix film to play there, and another film about love and relationships.

So get ready to fall in love with The Paris all over again. 

For tickets and more information, please visit https://www.paristheaternyc.com/ and sign up for the newsletter to be the first to hear about upcoming programs!