Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2019, the Film Society of Lincoln Center announced today the launch of a new name—Film at Lincoln Center—as well as a slate of free summer programming and a renewed commitment to its mission.

For 50 years, the Film Society of Lincoln Center has been dedicated to supporting the art and elevating the craft of cinema and enriching film culture. It has exemplified a commitment to adventurous, stimulating programming and to helping foster the next generation of film artists, writers, and industry minds, through the curation of series, retrospectives, new releases, and festivals, including the prestigious New York Film Festival; the publication of Film Comment; the presentation of podcasts, talks, and special events; and the implementation of Artist Initiatives and Film in Education curriculum and screenings. The mission hasn’t changed, but the organization continues to expand to reflect the state of the art, the realities of the film industry, and the culture of New York City in and beyond our theaters.

Film at Lincoln Center is a bold new name reflecting the identity of this nonprofit organization: a destination for film at New York’s preeminent arts complex. The institution’s past as a film society is an essential part of FLC’s history, however it does not represent its evolution and growth; we are an open, inclusive home not only for cinephiles but also for budding movie lovers and beyond—anyone looking to discover something new. The Film at Lincoln Center logo was designed by Spagnola & Associates.

“There are so many ways that people can see films now, but we believe that the curation we bring—the careful consideration of what we present and how we present it—keeps us at the heart of the culture,” said FLC Executive Director Lesli Klainberg. “We are privileged to be part of Lincoln Center and the New York cultural landscape, and as we move into the future, we want to continue expanding our impact and reach ever-larger audiences. We’re excited to unveil our new name and branding, which give us the opportunity to look forward.”

Film at Lincoln Center’s 50th anniversary celebrations will reflect and build upon the organization’s legendary past and vibrant present, and look ahead to extend its commitment to the film community. The festivities kick off tonight with the 50th Anniversary Gala, the most important fundraising event of Film at Lincoln Center’s landmark year, featuring guest speakers Pedro Almodóvar, Darren Aronofsky, Paul Dano, Jake Gyllenhaal, Zoe Kazan, Michael Moore, Dee Rees, Martin Scorsese, Tilda Swinton, and John Waters—each of whom have a special connection to the organization. Guests will arrive to see the lobby of Alice Tully Hall transformed with Film at Lincoln Center’s new name and branding before the ceremony, which will tell the story of the semi-centennial alongside a collection of interviews and archival footage, photographs, and film clips that reflect upon the organization’s role in New York City film culture. In honoring the past, the evening will celebrate a film community that is helping to shape the future of our art form.

The anniversary celebration continues with Summer of Film at Lincoln Center, a season of free screenings, free talks, double bills, and more. Highlights include a trio of series featuring special double features: the 50th Mixtape (June 27 – September 11), which presents two free films back-to-back every Thursday night, combining all-time and recent favorites of Film at Lincoln Center programming staff and featuring everyone from Agnès Varda to Barry Jenkins; This Is Cinema Now: 21st Century Debuts (July 19-31), a survey of the most important new filmmakers of the millennium, showcasing such thrilling new voices as Maren Ade (The Forest for the Trees), Jennifer Kent (The Babadook), and Jordan Peele (Get Out); and Make My Day: American Movies in the Age of Reagan (August 23 – September 2), spun off from the estimable critic J. Hoberman’s new book of the same title, which shines a political light on such beloved 80s titles as The Terminator, Back to the Future, and The King of Comedy. Full details and schedule for these programs to be announced in the coming weeks. As these selections illustrate, Film at Lincoln Center extends its commitment to introducing New York audiences to cinema’s most vital and innovative voices—past, present, and future.

Complete schedule of free double features at the 50th Mixtape (June 27-September 11)

June 27 – Cléo from 5 to 7 (6pm) and The Portrait of a Lady (9pm)
July 11 – Two English Girls (6pm) and Mulholland Dr. (8:45pm)
July 18 – Come Drink with Me (6pm) and The Assassin (8pm)
July 25 – The Leopard (6pm) and Happy as Lazzaro (9:30pm)
August 1 – Stalker (6pm) and High Life (9:15pm)
August 8 – School Daze (6pm) and Sorry to Bother You (8:30pm)
August 15 – Nocturama (6pm) and Burning (8:45pm)
August 22 – Demonlover (6pm) and Elle (8:45pm)
August 29 – Velvet Goldmine (6pm) and Her Smell (8:30pm)
September 5 – Three Times (6pm) and Moonlight (8:30pm)
September 11 – Audience Choice! (Voting to launch June 27.)

Celebrate with us! Share your favorite memories of film at Lincoln Center with the hashtag #filmlinc50.

The name change will not affect your membership benefits. Members and Patrons will be sent a detailed email later in the week (by May 3) regarding updates and additional information. If you have any questions in advance, please contact the Member Desk at [email protected] or the Patron Desk at [email protected]