Cinema Detroit, a non-profit community-based cinema arts organization founded by Tim and Paula Guthat, exists to provide access to a curated selection of a wide variety of films, including commercial/first-run, independent, documentary, classic, and cult films. Films for and by those historically marginalized in the film industry are regularly featured in our programming. Formerly Metro Detroit’s only independent art house theater, Cinema Detroit presents creative cinematic events where members of the Detroit and Metro area populace can feel comfortable and engage with a broad range of worthwhile filmed art experiences. For programming inquiries, email info[at]cinemadetroit.org.
As of July 2023, Cinema Detroit is no longer screening films at our previous Third Street location. We have moved to a pop-up model while seeking another permanent space. We no longer have space to rent for premières or private shows. We remain dedicated to providing access to a wide variety of quality films, from commercial to indie to local interest and everything in between.
- Check out the Films page for upcoming shows
- Subscribe to our email list here.
- Contact us at info[at]cinemadetroit.org.
- Learn more about us on the Media page.
- We regularly update our Previous Films page.
- Donate now to help us continue our screenings.
Cinema Detroit Origins, 2013-2023
Cinema Detroit was founded in 2013 by Tim and Paula Guthat to serve the City of Detroit, an area that had been underserved for film and film-related events for decades, while those in Detroit’s suburbs had (and continue to have) multiple options to see films on a big screen. As the only independent 7-day-a-week movie theatre in the Metro Detroit area and the only independent art house, Cinema Detroit offered access to both first-run and specialty films that Detroit residents otherwise would have to go to the suburbs to see. We also offered films that otherwise would not have been seen in the Metro Detroit area and the Southeastern Michigan region. To this day, Cinema Detroit programming continues to emphasize films for and by those who have been historically excluded from the film industry — including but not limited to people of color, women, LGBTQIA individuals, people with disabilities, and those who are economically disadvantaged. We regularly hosted various community groups, centering their voices in the talkbacks and panel discussions we organized after screenings, which we also continue to do. Filmmaker Q&As, whether virtual or in-person, were, and continue to be, a regular feature. Cinema Detroit also served as the only affordable venue in the area for local filmmakers, student filmmakers, film festivals, and other film-related events.
Cinema Detroit’s brick-and-mortar operation ended in July 2023, when our landlord decided to put the building we were leasing on the market for $2 million, a sum we could not begin to cover.
Our final screening on Third Street was Savanah Leaf’s Earth Mama on July 23, 2023. Our initial pop-up screenings included Guatemalan crime drama Cadejo Blanco, gay coming-of-age comedy Big Boys, documentary Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes, and classic film noir Hollow Triumph at U of M-Dearborn; 10 Things I Hate About You, Moonstruck (with Nicolas Uncaged), Moonrise Kingdom, and PeeWee’s Big Adventure at New Center Park; documentary Make Me Famous plus a Q & A with producer Heather Spore, and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari and Nosferatu with live music by Invincible Czars, just to name a few.
What is an Art House?
An art house is an independent movie theater that presents a curated selection of films of all eras, genres, and budgets and is not concerned solely with commercial popularity. Films from various makers are selected for artistic merit, cultural significance, or both. While not currently attached to a physical space, Cinema Detroit preserves the art house’s essence by creating curated screenings and events with a welcoming atmosphere.
Cinema Detroit has earned a Gold Transparency rating from Guidestar / Candid. Click the image or here to see our complete profile.
Cinema Detroit is a member of Share Detroit, the community engagement hub! Check out our profile here.
Cinema Detroit is listed in the recent Rent. article, 6 Unique Things to Do in Detroit | Rent.