BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE

Follow Message Edit

BMFI is a nonprofit, member-supported motion picture theater and film education center. Bryn Mawr Film Institute (BMFI) is a nonprofit, member-supported motion picture theater and film education center located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, in the western suburbs of Philadelphia. BMFI is dedicated to promoting shared experiences that entertain, engage, and educate audiences through a diverse range of independent-minded films, a full curriculum of courses, and an extensive program of special events. BMFI builds community through film culture, while maintaining strong connections to its historic venue's cinematic past.

Bryn Mawr Film Institute

Bryn Mawr Film Institute (BMFI) is a nonprofit, community-supported movie theater and film education center located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, a suburb west of Philadelphia. Founded in 2002, BMFI was established through a community-driven effort to preserve and revitalize the historic Bryn Mawr Theater originally opened in 1926. The institute serves as a premier cultural institution dedicated to enriching, educating, and entertaining audiences through a diverse range of films and educational programs.

History

The origins of BMFI trace back to the desire of local community members, including successful business owner and Bryn Mawr College alumna Juliet Goodfriend, to save local historic cinemas and foster appreciation for film as an art form. Goodfriend, along with collaborators such as Patricia Wesley, a design expert who helped develop the institute’s communications and development strategies, spearheaded efforts to create a robust film institution. BMFI opened in the historic Seville Theatre, a 1926 Beaux Arts style building on Lancaster Avenue.

With guidance from cinema restoration experts like John Toner of Renew Theaters, BMFI became a fully self-sustaining nonprofit cinema within five years of its founding. The facility now draws nearly 200,000 patrons annually and boasts over 9,000 members.

Mission and Programming

BMFI’s mission centers on promoting shared experiences that entertain, engage, and educate. Its film programming is notable for its diversity, including independent, international, documentary, alternative, classic, and new release films. The institute regularly screens films in multiple formats, including digital, 35mm, and 70mm, offering a boutique movie-going experience that blends classic art house style with modern projection and sound technology.

Beyond screenings, BMFI hosts special events, such as filmmaker discussions, scholarly talks, and community film forums. It frequently features “Open Screen Mondays,” highlighting films from regional filmmakers and fosters connections through community partnerships.

Education

A cornerstone of BMFI is its robust educational programming. From its inception, the institute invested in original film studies curricula to deepen film literacy and appreciation. Its educational offerings include a full curriculum of film courses for all age groups, ranging from introductory classes like "The Language of Film" to advanced seminars on cinema classics. Instruction is provided by knowledgeable educators, aiming to cultivate a vibrant film culture and encourage critical engagement with cinema as both art and communication.

Facilities

BMFI occupies the historic Seville Theatre, a venue listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The theater features four screens equipped with state-of-the-art digital and analog projection systems and comfortable seating, providing an optimal environment for film viewing year-round.


By preserving a historic cinematic landmark and cultivating a dynamic cultural hub, Bryn Mawr Film Institute stands as a key institution in the Philadelphia region for film exhibition, education, and community engagement.

Edit Wiki

Founded

2002

Facebook

10000

Web

Sign in to see organisation website

Traffic

859987

Address: P O Box 1058, Bryn MawrWeb: Sign in to see organisation websiteFacebook: brynmawrfilmEmployees: 59Volunteers: 30Revenue: 3034362ICO: 43682610

Bryn Mawr Film Institute

News & Updates XX

From Social media

News about from their social media (Facebook and X).

Rachel

What strategies can the BMFI implement to attract younger audiences to classic films and discussions within the Film History Discussion Series?

Like Comment
Renee

How can the Bryn Mawr Film Institute enhance community engagement through its film education programs while also promoting diverse voices in cinema?

Like Comment
Lena

Love the variety of films you're showcasing today! Excited to join the conversation at the Film History Discussion Series! 🎬❤️

Like Comment
Hannah

BMFI always brings such creativity and insight to the community! Looking forward to seeing the Oscar-nominated shorts! 🌟🍿

Like Comment
Collected information

Data about organisation

Arts Education/Schools Category

Organisations with similar rank to BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE in category Arts Education/Schools

324. Art Center Sarasota

Arts Education for Adults and Youth / Juried & Curated Art Exhibitions/ Cultural Programs.

325. The Vail Jazz Foundation, Inc.

We are a non-profit jazz organization in Vail, CO perpetuating jazz through performances & education.

326. BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE

BMFI is a nonprofit, member-supported motion picture theater and film education center.

327. L A S BEST

LA's BEST is an afterschool education, enrichment and recreation program serving 25,000 children.

328. Zora Neale Hurston Richard Wright Foundation

The Hurston/Wright Foundation is a literary arts nonprofit organization serving Black writers.

More from Arts Education/Schools

Film, Video Category

Organisations with similar rank to BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE in category Film, Video

163. LifeChronicles, Inc.

My Life Chronicles.

164. Les Film Festival Inc

The 15th Annual LESFF will be held May 2025 at the historic Village East Cinema.

165. BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE

BMFI is a nonprofit, member-supported motion picture theater and film education center.

166. KEY WEST FILM SOCIETY INC

A non-profit organization dedicated to bringing our Key West community the best in New, Independent, and Classic movies.

167. Mendocino Film Festival

The Mendocino Film Festival brings independent film to a gorgeous location.

More from Film, Video

Other Art, Culture, Humanities Organizations/Services N.E.C. Category

Organisations with similar rank to BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE in category Other Art, Culture, Humanities Organizations/Services N.E.C.

153. Federation of Zacatecan Intl Benefit Organizations Inc

Una organización sin fines de lucro.

154. United States Artists Inc

We are a funder that believes in artists.

155. BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE

BMFI is a nonprofit, member-supported motion picture theater and film education center.

156. EVERY CHILD A READER INC

Every Child a Reader is a 501(c)(3) literacy organization dedicated to inspiring a lifelong love of r.

157. Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen

Celebrating the best of the visual and performing arts.

More from Other Art, Culture, Humanities Organizations/Services N.E.C.

Bryn Mawr

Organisations from BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE

More from Bryn Mawr

Similar organisations

Similar organisations to BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE based on mission, location, activites.

Crandell Theatre Inc.

Built in 1926, the nonprofit Crandell Theatre is the area's oldest and largest single-screen movie theater.

Brooklyn Film Society Inc

Brooklyn Film Festival (BFF) is an international-competitive annual event.

Big Art Group, Inc.

Big Art Group is a New York based performance and media ensemble.

Film Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania

Our mission is to Elevate Erie’s film industry, Empower regional filmmakers and Foster patronage for the art of film.

Campus Theatre Limited

The Campus Theatre, Ltd.

More Similar Organisations

Similar Organisations Worldwide

Organisations in the world similar to BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE.

BLOOR WEST VILLAGE PLAYERS THEATRE COMPANY INC. (ca)

The Village Players is a community theatre in Bloor West Village, entertaining you since 1974.

BRITISH AMERICAN DRAMA ACADEMY (uk)

The British American Drama Academy (BADA) was founded in 1984 to enable students from around the world to study classical theatre with leading actors and directors of the British stage.

THE MARKET HALL CINEMA AND ARTS TRUST (uk)

Market Hall Cinema is situated in Brynmawr, Blaenau Gwent www.

LEIGH FILM SOCIETY C.I.O. (uk)

A society for people in and around Leigh to meet and celebrate film.

THEATRE B.T.W. INC. (ca)

Founded in 1971 the Black Theatre Workshop is the longest running Black Theatre Company in Canada.

More Similar Organisations Worldwide

Interesting nearby

Interesting organisations close by to residence of BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE

ELDERNET OF LOWER MERION AND NARBERTH

ElderNet provides a safety net for older and disabled adults to help them remain in their homes with dignity.

BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE

BMFI is a nonprofit, member-supported motion picture theater and film education center.

Harcum College

Philadelphia region's oldest independent, associate degree-granting institution.

Acting Without Boundaries

Acting Without Boundaries is a year round theater program for children, teens ,and young adults with.

Storyshares

We've created decodable and high/low books for developing readers in third grade and beyond.

More Interesting nearby

Similar social media (10000)

Organisations with similar social media impact to BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE

57599. Center for Contemplative Mind in Society

We envision post-secondary education as an opportunity to cultivate deep personal and social awarenes.

57600. Signal 51 Group

Signal 51 Group is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer organization that supports the Shreveport Fire Department and the surrounding Caddo Parish Fire Districts.

57601. BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE

BMFI is a nonprofit, member-supported motion picture theater and film education center.

57602. VALHALLA CANINE RESCUE

501(c)3 26-4189898 helping all breed's specializing in medical needs and helping all in times of crisis.

57603. Alumni Association of the Bronx High School of Science

This is the official Bronx Science Alumni Foundation Facebook page.

Similar social media

Similar traffic

Organisations with similar web traffic to BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE

67782. Teamsters for A Democratic Union

Teamsters for a Democratic Union is a grassroots organization of thousands of members.

67784. BRYN MAWR FILM INSTITUTE

BMFI is a nonprofit, member-supported motion picture theater and film education center.

Similar traffic
Join us

Join us and make a difference for the future!

Eduo is where compassion meets clarity.

Brooklyn Simmons
Brian

I work in a nonprofit and listing our organization on Eduo.org helped us reach new audiences and even new volunteers. It’s easy to use and feels built with love.

Brooklyn Simmons
Catherine

Clean, community-driven, and full of heart — love it.

Brooklyn Simmons
Joanna

Transparent, useful, and beautifully designed.

Brooklyn Simmons
Joanna

I found my favorite volunteer opportunity thanks to Eduo!

Brooklyn Simmons
Pamela

As a teacher, I use Eduo in class to show students how civic engagement works. It’s inspiring and educational. Highly recommend for schools and community groups.

Brooklyn Simmons
Paul
Sign Up

Please fill in your information. Everything is free, we might contact you with updates (but cancel any time!)

Sign in with Google
Or
Collected information

Good News

Eric 2025-10-23

Senior Security Officer - Ukraine

ReliefWeb

Like Comment
Jessica 2025-10-23

🌍✨ Excited to see collaboration in action! The Durable Solutions Consortium, featuring @DRC_refugees, @SavetheChildren, and @MercyCorps, is making strides to build resilience and support solutions for displaced families in Central Darfur. Together, we can make a difference! #GoodNews #HumanitarianEfforts

Durable Solutions Consortium Manager

ReliefWeb

Like Comment
Matuš 2025-10-23

Exciting news! 🎉 ADARx Pharmaceuticals has just dosed the first participant in a Phase III trial for ADX-324, a promising treatment for hereditary angioedema! This innovative therapy shows great potential in improving lives. Let’s celebrate advancements in healthcare! #GoodNews #HealthcareInnovation

ADARx doses first subject in Phase III trial of ADX-324 for HAE

Yahoo

Like Comment