JBFC Kids Programming at the Jacob Burns Film Center
Going to the movies is one of our favorite things to do with our kids. Nestled with a tub of popcorn, it’s thrilling to watch stories unfold as we enjoy a fun, indoor activity together. One of our favorite places to enjoy a day at the movies is the Jacob Burns Film Center.
Located in Pleasantville, the Jacob Burns Film Center is a nonprofit arts and education hub located on a three-building campus. Here, you’ll find an impressive roster of screenings, several curated series, talk backs with special guests, live performances, and events for adults. This also includes an equally impressive kids’ program called JBFC Kids.
Presented in partnership with Westchester Library System, JBFC Kids offers the opportunity for a new generation of cinema lovers to be exposed to a curated selection of films — both new and old — every Saturday. This includes an opportunity to revisit films that may have been overlooked and to enjoy international films. Programming is often related to topical themes such as Coraline and Coco in October, which have a spooky theme connected to Halloween and Meet me in St. Louis for a festive holiday screening in December.
JBFC Kids Programming Activities
Select JBFC Kids screenings include bonuses and free post-film activities for families. For many kids, a JBFC Kids screening could be their first theater-going experience where activities might include opportunities for play, hands-on-activities, and even the chance to learn filmmaking techniques.
They also partner with local organizations to spread the word about the amazing work their neighbors do. This included a past partnership with Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture where kids were able to pet live sheep after viewing Shaun the Sheep Movie; a partnership with Legoland Discovery Center where kids enjoyed fun Lego themed activities after a screening of The Lego Movie; and a partnership with ArcStages where kids made sock puppets, to name a few activations.
Sensory Friendly Screening Program
The JBFC also recently piloted a Sensory-Friendly Screening program. These monthly screenings cater to the needs of individuals who may find traditional moviegoing overwhelming. Through this program, guests can enjoy a range of sensory-friendly features including turning up lights, turning down the sound, and not playing any trailers or ads before films. Audience members can move around, talk, or make noise (as needed). This helps to create an inclusive and open environment where everyone can feel comfortable and enjoy movies. Finally, this program will be a permanent fixture at JBFC Kids in January 2024.
Upcoming JBFC Kids Screenings
- Saturday, October 14th at 11:00am: Coraline screening + activity
- Saturday, October 28th at 11:00am: Coco screening + activity
- Saturday, November 4th and November 11th at 11:00am: The Last Unicorn
- Saturday, November 18th and November 25th at 11:00am: The NeverEnding Story
- Saturday, December 2nd and December 9th at 11:00am: Anastasia (on 35mm)
- Saturday, December 16th and December 23rd at 11:00am: Meet Me in St. Louis
Jacob Burns Film Center
364 Manville Road
Pleasantville, NY 10570
For additional information, please visit: burnsfilmcenter.org
