About The Barrymore

Our Mission

The Barrymore Film Center is a not-for-profit educational and cultural institution dedicated to presenting classic repertory films, documentaries, independent movies and world-wide cinema promoting 21st Century filmmaking through the prism of Fort Lee's role as the Birthplace of the American Motion Picture Industry.

Fort Lee: The Foundation of American Cinema

Fort Lee, New Jersey holds a foundational place in the history of American cinema. As one of the earliest hubs of motion picture production, it helped shape the language, techniques, and industry structure of early filmmaking in the United States.

This legacy remains a defining part of the region’s cultural identity and serves as the historical foundation for the Barrymore Film Center.

A Cultural Institution Built on Film History

The Barrymore Film Center stands at the intersection of historical preservation and contemporary cultural engagement. While rooted in film, it functions today as a multidisciplinary cultural space dedicated to storytelling, education, and community connection.

In addition to film exhibition, the Barrymore’s programming includes live events, educational workshops, family and senior programming, accessible and sensory-friendly screenings, and community-based partnerships that expand participation in the arts across generations and audiences.

Film remains our foundation, but our work now extends across a broader cultural landscape.

Community Engagement and Access

Since opening in 2022, the Barrymore Film Center has built a broad network of community partnerships and public programs that extend across education, accessibility, workforce exposure, and cultural collaboration.

These include ongoing partnerships with a wide variety of community organizations, supporting student engagement through arts-based learning experiences and school-based programming.

The Barrymore also offers a range of accessibility-focused initiatives, including sensory-friendly and inclusive programming designed for neurodiverse audiences and community members with varying needs.

In addition, the Barrymore provides hands-on learning and professional exposure opportunities through its broader operational environment, supporting individuals gaining experience in a working cultural institution.

Across all programming, the Barrymore collaborates with local and regional partners to expand access to film, education, and the arts.

Present Day

Today, the Barrymore Film Center serves as Fort Lee’s living cultural institution, honoring the birthplace of American cinema while actively expanding how people experience film, the arts, education, and community programming.

It is a place where history provides context, but not limitation; and where storytelling continues to evolve through film and beyond.