Barrymore Film Center
The Barrymore Film Center (BFC) is a nonprofit cultural institution located in Fort Lee, New Jersey, the birthplace of American cinema. BFC’s mission is to preserve the area's film heritage while serving as a community gathering place for film, education, live events, and cultural engagement.
Today, BFC welcomes more than 12,000 visitors annually through a diverse mix of independent, international, documentary, classic, and family films, filmmaker conversations, live performances, museum exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. Our audiences include families, students, lifelong learners, film enthusiasts, seniors, educators, and visitors from across northern New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area.
Education is central to our mission. Through partnerships with local schools, colleges, libraries, museums, and community organizations, we provide learning experiences for audiences of all ages. Programs include student field trips, school screenings, summer camps, film discussions, workforce development initiatives, museum tours, and educational workshops that connect film with history, culture, technology, and the arts.
BFC is committed to making high-quality cultural and educational programming accessible to everyone. Through partnerships with nonprofit organizations, schools, municipalities, and community groups, we present free and low-cost programs throughout the year and provide free and subsidized educational opportunities that reduce financial barriers for students and other underserved audiences, while offering discounted admission for seniors and members.
Serving one of the nation's most diverse regions, we intentionally develop programs that foster inclusion and belonging. Our senior programs combat social isolation by creating opportunities for connection through shared cultural experiences. We offer specialized programs for individuals with dementia and other cognitive or developmental disabilities, combining sensory-friendly experiences with activities that promote social connection and life skills in a supportive environment. Through partnerships with local school districts and community organizations, we provide educational opportunities for students from underserved, minority, and at-risk populations, ensuring they have access to arts and learning experiences.
Science on Screen aligns with our mission by combining engaging films with expert-led discussions that make science approachable and accessible for all ages.