Surviving through the pandemic, Cinemapolis has stood as a town staple rooted in Ithaca’s rich film heritage. Despite the theater’s resilience, it became increasingly difficult for the theater to maintain its business as its space’s rent continuously increased. As of Oct. 1, Cinemapolis was at risk of shutting down completely because of rising rent. In order to preserve its existence, the theater took the step of buying up the space.
As of Sept. 15, the 10th edition of Cine con Cultura began its premiere with screenings at viewing locations all over Ithaca. From Ithaca College’s very own Textor 102 to the big screens at Cinemapolis, the annual film festival screened just over a dozen new films from aspiring Latinx directors and screenwriters.
By Mariana Contreras, Co Life and Culture Editor
• September 29, 2024
As the nation faces a housing crisis with some of the highest 30-year mortgage rates in decades and with elections right around the corner, Elizabeth Barrett’s documentary “Divisible” reminds audiences of a major housing factor: redlining. Redlining refers to the practice in which residents of different areas are denied access to services such as mortgages, insurance and other financial resources, primarily based on the residency of people in minority neighborhoods. In the 1920s, the government developed color-coded maps — such as one used in Syracuse — depicting the loan-worthiness of neighborhoods
Sophomore host Kaeleigh Banda breaks down the top stories in News, Sports and Life and Culture at The Ithacan. This week, Banda spoke with senior Tess Ferguson, juniors Gianna Izzo and Sebastian Pickford and sophomore Brady Dumas. Edited by Mei Dennison.
By Gianna Izzo, Contributing Writer
• September 25, 2024
The second annual Reproductive Rights Film Festival opened to an enthusiastic crowd, uniting students, activists and community members eager to delve into pressing issues surrounding reproductive justice. The festival aimed to use film as a medium for critical dialogue about reproductive justice, setting the stage for meaningful conversations on a topic that has become increasingly central in national discourse. Attendees were drawn in by the stories showcased on the screen, reflecting the complexity of reproductive rights in today’s society.
Freedom of the press is an essential part of the U.S. Constitution and of any newsroom, allowing journalists to freely critique institutions and expose important issues to keep the world at large informed. However, the 2023 Sundance U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award Winner for Freedom of Expression provides a gateway to understanding how easily people can take that right for granted.
When I first stepped foot into Cinemapolis as an introverted first-year student struggling to find my place, I immediately felt a sense of belonging within Ithaca’s independent film scene. From greeting the smiling, dedicated faces at the box office to deciding what seasoning I wanted on my popcorn, I knew it would be just the first trip of many throughout my college years.
By Mariana Contreras, Assistant Life and Culture Editor
• April 3, 2024
Beyond just films, Cinemapolis is a theater that uses art as a medium to enrich Ithaca residents' lives. Through the theater’s screenings, it exposes the community to independent and international films that might otherwise not reach such an extensive audience.
When people picture a small city in upstate New York, it’s likely that very few envision a thriving hub of art, music, film and other cultures — unless that city is Ithaca.