Bryn Mawr Film Institute facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Seville Theatre
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 Location in Pennsylvania
Location in the United States
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| Location | 822-826 W. Lancaster Ave., Lower Merion Township, Pennsylvania |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1926 |
| Architect | Lee, William H. |
| Architectural style | Beaux Arts |
| NRHP reference No. | 05001491 |
| Added to NRHP | December 28, 2005 |
The Bryn Mawr Film Institute (BMFI) is a special movie theater in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. It's a non-profit place, which means it uses its money to help the community, not to make a profit. Many people in the community support it, and it has over 9,100 members!
BMFI shows all kinds of movies, including films from other countries, independent movies, and artistic films. A big part of what they do is teach people about movies. They work with local schools and even offer film classes for adults. You can also join film discussions or watch movies made by local filmmakers on "Open Screen Mondays."
The Story of the Theater Building
The building where BMFI is located started as the Seville Theater. It was designed by a famous architect named William Harold Lee. He designed over 200 theaters! The Seville Theater was built in 1926. It was one of six theaters built in the area during the 1920s. At first, it had just one big screen. Later, in the 1980s, it was split into two smaller theaters.
In 2002, the company that owned the Seville Theater went out of business. A person named Juliet Goodfriend decided to try and save the theater. She became the first president and executive director of the group. After lots of fundraising and planning, the Bryn Mawr Film Institute bought the theater in 2004. This group was started by local leaders and business people in 2002.
Making the Theater Even Better
After BMFI bought the theater, they started a big project to make it even better. This project had three main parts. The first part included fixing up the lobby and putting in new sound and movie equipment. They also updated the heating and electrical systems. A new café was built too! This first phase was finished in March 2006 when a new marquee (the big sign outside) was put up. About $9 million was raised to complete these first improvements.
The second part of the project finished restoring the beautiful skylit atrium. This part cost $2 million and was completed in March 2009. They also added classroom spaces and an elevator. In the third part, two brand-new, modern theaters were added. The two older theaters were also updated and improved.
On April 27, 2014, everyone celebrated the completion of the entire $10 million renovation project. The theater was now fully transformed!
Who Leads the Bryn Mawr Film Institute?
Juliet Goodfriend, who helped save the theater, led BMFI until April 2017. Then, she became the Chair of the Board. Samuel Scott, who was the Chairman before, became the Executive Director and CEO.
The Board of Directors for BMFI includes people who know a lot about movies. It also has important community members, leaders, and people who help by donating money.
Board Leadership:
- Juliet J. Goodfriend · Founder and Board Chair
- Samuel R. Scott · Executive Director/CEO
- Anmiryam Budner · Vice-Chair
- John Hersker · Vice-Chair
- Marsha Perelman · Treasurer
- Alice Affleck Bullitt · Secretary
Directors:
- Christopher Carey
- Jane Corrigan
- Joanne Harmelin
- Frances Ingersoll
- Francis J. Leto
- Ted Peters
- Steve Piltch
- David B. Pudlin
- Tim Rubin
- Allen C. Sabinson
- Michael A. Stein
- Lyn Wiesinger
Special Representatives and Ex Officio Members:
- Hon. Daylin Leach, Pennsylvania State Senator
- Hon. Greg Vitali, Pennsylvania State Representative
- Hon. V. Scott Zelov, Lower Merion Township Commissioner
Honorary Members:
- Sir Ben Kingsley, Actor
- Robert Osborne, Film historian and host of Turner Classic Movies (Deceased)
