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, U.S. |
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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. It is a non-profit organization, which means it uses its money to help the community, not to make a profit. This theater is located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, a town near Philadelphia.
BMFI reopened in March 2005. The famous actor Ben Kingsley was there for the opening. Today, over 9,100 people support BMFI as members. The theater shows many different kinds of movies. These include films from other countries, independent movies, and art house films.
A big part of BMFI's goal is to teach people about movies. They work with local schools. They also offer film studies classes for adults. BMFI hosts movie discussions and special "open screen Mondays." These events show films made by local filmmakers. The institute also works with other community groups.
Contents
History of the Movie Theater
The building where BMFI is now started as the Seville Theater. It was designed by William Harold Lee. He was a Philadelphia architect who designed over 200 theaters. The Seville was built in 1926. It was one of six theaters built in the Main Line area during the 1920s.
The Seville Theater first had only one movie screen. In the 1980s, it was divided into two screens. In 2002, the national company that owned the Seville Theater went out of business. Juliet Goodfriend then led a group to save the theater. She became the first president and executive director.
After many events to raise money and get special permissions, the theater was bought in 2004. The group that bought it was the Bryn Mawr Film Institute. This group was started in 2002 by leaders from schools, businesses, and the community.
Theater Restoration and Upgrades
Soon after BMFI bought the theater, a big project began. This project was a three-part plan to restore the theater.
Phase 1 Improvements
The first part of the restoration included several important changes. The lobby was made new and beautiful. New equipment for showing movies and better sound systems were put in. The electrical and heating systems were updated. A new café was also built. Phase 1 was finished in March 2006. This is when the new marquee (the sign outside with movie titles) was put up. About $9 million was raised to complete this first part of the theater's transformation.
Phase 2 and 3 Enhancements
During Phase II, the Institute finished restoring the skylit atrium. This is a large, open area with a glass roof. It was brought back to its original look. This part of the project cost $2 million and was completed in March 2009. Other improvements included new classroom spaces and an elevator.
Phase III added two more modern movie theaters. The two theaters that were already there were also made new and improved. On April 27, 2014, the completion of the entire $10 million renovation project was celebrated.
Leadership at BMFI
Juliet Goodfriend, who founded BMFI, led the organization until April 2017. At that time, she stepped down from her role as president. She then became the Chair of the Board. Samuel Scott, who was the Chairman before, became the Executive Director. He is still in that role today, and he is also the CEO.
The Board of Directors at BMFI is made up of many different people. These include movie experts, important community members, leaders, and people who donate money.
Board Leadership
- Lyn Wiesinger, Board Chair
- Samuel R. Scott, Executive Director/CEO
- Christopher Carey, Vice Chair
- Michael W. Harrington, Treasurer
- David B. Pudlin, Secretary
Directors
- Jane Corrigan
- Scott Fisher
- Harry Groome
- Joanne Harmelin
- Martha Morse
- Ted Peters
- Hon. Gene E.K. Pratter
- Faézé Woodville
- Bernadette Wheeler
Special Representatives and Ex Officio Members
These are people who are part of the board because of their other important jobs in the community or government.
- Hon. Amanda M. Cappelletti, Pennsylvania State Senator
- Hon. Greg Vitali, Ex Officio, Pennsylvania State Representative
- Hon. V. Scott Zelov, Ex Officio, Lower Merion Township Commissioner
Honorary Members
These are people who are honored for their special connection to BMFI.
- Juliet J. Goodfriend, Founder and Chair Emerita
- Sir Ben Kingsley, Actor
- Robert Osborne, Film historian and host of Turner Classic Movies (Deceased)
