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THE PICTURE HOUSE
In 2003, a group of citizens in Westchester County organized to save the historic 1921 Pelham Picture House from the wrecking ball. The group was motivated by the desire to preserve a local cultural icon near and dear to the hearts and minds of moviegoers, and to renew the space in order to entertain and educate current and future generations with independent and foreign films, classics, shorts, animated features and documentaries from around the world. Now a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization and listed on the NY State Register of Historic Places, the Picture House is ready to be restored, renovated, and transformed into a state-of-the-art film and education center, one that will make a significant and positive economic impact on Westchester County and the Bronx. The Picture House has a two-part mission…

GREAT FILMS
In the newly restored Picture House, audiences will see as well as independent films – domestic and foreign features and documentaries – produced and released by smaller companies or hot off the festival circuit. We will host themed film series consisting of new and classic films and invite known and emerging filmmakers to develop special programs. We will also present cult classics and revivals favored by baby boomers and retirees, select programming for families and teens, and bring in film critics, academics, and other expert lecturers and panelists for post-screening discussions and debates. Documentaries will be a regular part of film programming at the Picture House.

… AND FILM EDUCATION
At the Picture House, we believe in the power of movies to inspire, enrich and change peoples’ lives for the better. For that reason, a significant part of our mission is to provide underserved children in our region with the opportunity to experience the art of cinema in a whole new way. They will see and discuss great films in an educational context, with their teachers and classmates. They will get an inside look at the art, science and business of film from filmmakers and other industry professionals. Hosting school groups and youth groups from regional community centers, we’ll show films that these children won’t see at the local multiplex – commercial art films, documentaries, classics, independents, student films, new work by emerging filmmakers, series of films by seasoned filmmakers and much more. Equally important, we will provide a forum to learn and talk about film in ways I that illuminate all aspects of cinematic art – stories and larger cultural themes; technical and creative elements; the collaborative nature of film making. And our young visitors will get an education in the business of film, as well as the many exciting careers the film industry offers.