Roxie Cinema

Founded in 1913, the Roxie is the oldest continually operating theater in San Francisco. Since incorporating as a cinema business in 1984, the Roxie has developed an international reputation for artistic excellence and fiercely independent programming. Aside from the Roxie's long-standing reputation as one of the most provocative and risk-taking theaters in the nation, it has also been one of the most diverse in its choice of programming. In addition to first-run independent films, films by promising first-time directors, foreign, pre-code and silent films, the Roxie shows more documentaries every year than any other theater in the country. In late 2005, the Roxie Cinema was acquired by New College of California and renamed Roxie Film Center. In addition to continuing its operations as an innovative cinema, the Roxie now doubles as a classroom for New College's Media Studies Department, as well as a place to hold special events. Through the relationship with New College, the Roxie is evolving into an educational institution for film-lovers and the film business, and will help perpetuate the future of independent film by nurturing film students. The theater's long-time programmer, Bill Banning, continues as artistic director and is working with the Center's Executive Director Allyce Bess and New College Media Studies Department Chair Mary Ellen Churchill to develop classes and special programs that best serve the diverse population of the San Francisco Bay Area and students at New College. The marriage of New College and the Roxie is a perfect match in terms of the institutions' rebellious artistic values and commitment to both stimulate and entertain.