cinematheque

American  

[sin-uh-muh-tek] / ˌsɪn ə məˈtɛk /

French cinémathèque

noun

1. a movie theater, often part of a university or private archive, showing experimental or historically important films.

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cinematheque British  

/ ˌsɪnɪməˈtɛk /

noun

1. a small intimate cinema

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Etymology

Origin of cinematheque

First recorded in 1965–70; from French cinémathèque “film archive,” equivalent to cinéma- prefixal use of cinéma “films” + -thèque “things collected,” as in bibliothèque “library,” discothèque “collection of phonograph records”; cinema, theca

Example Sentences

On Tuesday, director Jason Reitman and a coalition of more than 30 filmmakers announced that the American Cinematheque will operate and program the Village Theater in Westwood as it undergoes a $25-million restoration aimed at a 2027 reopening.

From Los Angeles Times

“We often like to think of movie theaters as churches. If so, the Village is a cathedral and with the American Cinematheque, we found our congregation.”

From Los Angeles Times

Under the new agreement, the American Cinematheque will manage daily operations and lead programming at the theater, with “active participation from the filmmakers,” according to the announcement.

From Los Angeles Times

The remodeled venue is expected to host special screenings with in-person conversations, premieres, awards-season events, new releases, repertory titles and an expanded slate of AC’s signature festivals, including Beyond Fest, Bleak Week, This Is Not a Fiction and Ultra Cinematheque 70 Fest.

From Los Angeles Times

Founded in 1984, the Cinematheque is a member-supported nonprofit dedicated to fostering a diverse and engaged film community through immersive programming, conversation and presentation, staging more than 1,600 screenings a year across formats ranging from 35mm and 70mm to digital and rare nitrate.

From Los Angeles Times