Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia
What’s one thing your customers don’t know you do behind the scenes?
We “tech” every single film before you ever see it.
Whether it’s a one-night screening or a film we’re showing 15 times, our booth team runs a full technical review—picture, sound, and projection—before it ever reaches an audience. That’s more than 400 films a year we screen in advance to make sure everything looks and sounds absolutely perfect. It’s an incredible amount of behind-the-scenes work, and it’s all done to give our audiences the best possible moviegoing experience.
If there were an award for your daily routine, what would it be called?
The Bringing People Together Award.
What’s something your business does differently than anyone else?
We combine film exhibitions with thriving education programs. On any given day you might see a new release in our theaters, a filmmaker talk in one of our auditoriums, and students creating films on our campus. School buses arrive throughout the year so students can watch films, discuss big ideas, and engage with our educators. A large portion of the schools we serve participate in these programs at no cost, which allows us to reach young people from across the region and introduce them to the power of storytelling. This blend of film, learning, and access is something that truly sets the JBFC apart.
What was your “I made it” moment?
A recent “I made it” moment was when Ron Howard visited for a special anniversary screening of Apollo 13. He began the evening with a champagne toast with donors, then moved between theaters to give an introduction in one and a Q&A in another. He even made time to stop by a high school documentary premiere to encourage the students and chat with them about their work. Seeing an artist of his stature engage so warmly with our community and with young filmmakers captured exactly what makes the JBFC special.
Tell us about your favorite local spot.
Located just across the street from the theater, The Village Bookstore has been a longtime favorite of ours and a true Pleasantville gem. Owner Jennifer Kohn is fantastic, knowledgeable, welcoming, and an incredible partner to both the JBFC and the wider community. Whether we are collaborating on author events or simply stopping in to browse, it is a place that reflects the same spirit of curiosity and community we value so deeply.
Describe your business in three words.
Film. Community. Inspiration.
What’s the one thing your business couldn’t function without?
Our amazing theater staff. They’re the heartbeat of the JBFC. They welcome our audiences, set the tone for every visit, and bring each screening to life with genuine care. Their dedication and care are essential to everything we do.
What’s a word or phrase customers often use to describe your business—and do you agree?
A word we hear often is “gem.” Many patrons describe the JBFC as a cultural gem in Westchester, and we agree. Our team works hard to make every visit feel special, and it means a lot that our audiences feel that care.
What is something you wish more people knew about you and/or your business?
That we are a nonprofit and rely on more than ticket sales to stay strong. Many people are surprised to learn that film distributors take about 50 percent of ticket revenue. Membership provides a foundation, but it’s donor support that helps us go further and deliver world-class films, special events, and education programs to our community.
How do you celebrate a big win?
We take a moment to thank our staff because their hard work makes everything possible. And we also celebrate with our community—a big win feels even more meaningful when we can share it with the audiences, members, and supporters who help us thrive. We look forward to sharing this Connect To news with our community!
Address: 364 Manville Rd, Pleasantville, NY 10570
Phone number: (914) 773-7663
Website: burnsfilmcenter.org
This article was published in the January/February 2026 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2026 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
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.
