Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller
With nearly 200,000 visitors, over 300 films and more than 100 special guests annually, Jacob Burns is more than just a film house, it’s a cultural center. Their rich array of programs includes in-depth conversations with filmmakers/actors/authors/scholars, live music performances, exhibitions, custom-crafted receptions and a variety of classes for children and adults. Plus, they are one of the few remaining movie houses that still screens some films in 35mm.
Over the past 23 years, they’ve welcomed numerous legendary guests, including Steven Spielberg, Martin Scorsese, Greta Gerwig, Ethan Hawke and Meryl Streep. They also feature several curated series throughout the year, such as the Jewish Film Festival, JBFC Kids, Community Matters, Noirvember and Restored & Rediscovered: A Film Preservation Festival. Specifically, their monthly Community Matters series partners with local nonprofits to raise awareness and drive change on critical issues. And their new Take 3 Wine Bar & Café has quickly become a place where patrons gather for a glass of wine and post-movie discussions.
Fun Facts
Renowned filmmaker and JBFC board member Ron Howard has worn their iconic black baseball hat on shows like Good Morning America, Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Today Show. When celebrating his birthday, the center once remarked, “While Ron has worn many hats in his storied career as an actor, filmmaker, and producer, we like the #JBFC one best.”
Runner-up: The Bedford Playhouse, Bedford
This article was published in the January/February 2025 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2025 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Gia Miller is an award-winning journalist and the editor-in-chief/co-publisher of Connect to Northern Westchester. She has a magazine journalism degree (yes, that's a real thing) from the University of Georgia and has written for countless national publications, ranging from SELF to The Washington Post. Gia desperately wishes schools still taught grammar. Also, she wants everyone to know they can delete the word "that" from about 90% of their sentences, and there's no such thing as "first annual." When she's not running her media empire, Gia enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, laughing at her crazy dog and listening to a good podcast. She thanks multiple alarms, fermented grapes and her amazing husband for helping her get through each day. Her love languages are food and humor.
Isabella Aranda is a designer, writer and social media specialist with an M.A. in emerging media from the New Media Institute at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Driven by curiosity and inspired by timeless modern design, she blends creativity and strategy to craft compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences.
Her expertise spans digital marketing, content creation and UX design, with notable achievements such as co-creating the Georgia On Your Mind podcast and leading digital campaigns that significantly boosted engagement. A Venezuelan immigrant, Isabella brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to connect with and inspire others.
