The Student News Site of Ithaca College

The Ithacan
77° Ithaca, NY
The Student News Site of Ithaca College

The Ithacan
The Student News Site of Ithaca College

The Ithacan
Cinemapolis has maintained an ongoing rent abatement deal with the Ithaca Urban Renewal Agency to combat the rising rent prices set by Cayuga Green, the landlords of the property.

Cinemapolis lands vital rent negotiation

By Nolan Sheehan, Staff Writer • October 30, 2024
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.
On Sept. 12, Cinemapolis hosted a screening and panel for "Divisible," a documentary focused on redlining in the U.S. The event, which discussed modern gentrification in Ithaca, was attended by 115 people.

‘Divisible’ film screening facilitates discussion of both local and nationwide gentrification

By Mariana Contreras, Newsletter 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
Cinemapolis hosted the second anuual Reproductive Rights Film Festival from Sept. 19 to 22, which featured five films across the three days and held two virtual panels earlier in the week.

Film Festival projects stories on reproductive rights and justice

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.
Joe Peeler, co-director of "Bad Press," and lead star and reporter, Angel Ellis, discuss the making of the film including the messaging and making.

Freedom of press shown taken for granted in ‘Bad Press’

By Matt Minton, Senior Writer • April 28, 2024
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.
Senior Matt Minton writes about the importance of local theaters, like Cinemapolis, in fostering a sense of community.

Commentary: Cinemapolis is a space for community

By Matt Minton • April 17, 2024
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.
Cinemapolis has five screens, whereas other independent movie theaters often have one or two screens, making it possible for them to host a great array of screenings.

Cinemapolis: Films educate community

By Mariana Contreras, Newsletter 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. 
Load More Stories
Donate to The Ithacan
$1648
$4000
Contributed
Our Goal