At Maysles Cinema, we screen documentary, experimental (and occasionally narrative) films that amplify marginalized voices, shed light on injustices, highlight histories of collective struggle, take stylistic and genre-bending risks, and engage with both possibilities and limitations of of the form. Through new release and repertory screenings, series, and festivals, our programming team recognizes the power of documentary to disrupt normative/harmful narratives of history and visualize liberatory futures. We prioritize the work of emerging filmmakers of color, especially who may struggle to find distribution/exhibition in industry spaces. Through post-screening discussions, we aim to generate empathy, collective care, political education, critical dialogue, and mutual understanding.

We also recognize the material limits of documentary alone and partner with local grassroots organizations to create additional outlets for community engagement and political action. We compensate artists, speakers, panelists, and educators for their time and labor, and are committed to sharing space, resources, and platforms with other Black-led and Black-accountable organizations in our community.

Our 51-seat cinema is outfitted with Dolby Surround Sound and DCP. We also offer free documentary filmmaking classes for high school students and systems-impacted young people.

MDC can be rented for private screenings, premieres, Oscar qualifying runs, work-in-progress screenings, DCP tests, and week-long runs. 

See our Rental page for more information.

$15 General Admission (Suggested Donation)
$7 General Admission Reduced Rate (Suggested Donation)
*Please consider personal/generational wealth, employment status, consistency of income, personal/family debt, etc. when considering how much to pay for a ticket, as we rely on donations to keep our programming available for free and by suggested donation.
No one will be turned away due to inability to pay.
Maysles Cinema opens one hour before showtime.
All audience members must arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled showtime in order to be guaranteed a seat.
This includes online and advanced ticket holders.