Top Independent Movie Theaters In Miami

The motion picture business has turned into one mega release after another with ceaseless ad campaigns and cross-merchandising tie-ins splashed across all forms of media. At times, it seems that artistry has sold out to mass commercialism and pure-profit motive. However, there is a way to get back to small, artful films. Enter independent films. Growing in popularity, back-to-basics productions are done with lower budgets and an eye on the core components of storytelling with good writing, superb acting, excellent directing and an appreciative audience. Get back to the core of it all by checking out a variety of diverse screenings at any of Miami's independent theaters.

Tower Theater
1508 SW 8th St
Miami, FL 33135
(305) 643-8706
mdc.edu/tower

Located in the heart of Miami's Little Havana on the central thoroughfare known as Calle Ocho, this timeless and historic gem is the lifeblood of independent films in multi-cultural languages. Originally a beacon of escape and entertainment for Cubans flocking to Miami, it is now run by Miami Dade College. Specializing in daily showings of different films, USA Today called this cinema "one of the ten great places to see a movie in splendor."

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Bill Cosford Cinema
1111 Memorial Drive
Coral Gables, FL 33146
(305) 284-4861
cosfordcinema.com

The University of Miami proudly hosts this cinema named after beloved Miami Herald entertainment reporter and adjunct professor for the school's motion-picture curricula Bill Cosford. It is an educational resource and a public mecca for films on the wide screen and is open for screenings as well as lectures each Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Whether you are a fan of contemporary or classic cinema or adore foreign films, this theatre is for you.

Miami Beach Cinematheque
Inside Miami Beach City Hall
1130 Washington Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139
(305) 673-4567
mbcinema.com

Though tucked inside the Miami Beach City Hall, this theatre is the home for the Miami Beach Film Society and is the headquarters of the Miami Beach International Film Festival. Originally opened in 1927 by Carl Fisher, the cinema provides a historic and vibrant alternative to commercial motion-picture screenings and is the premiere art house for independent film fans who flock to Miami for its international diversity.

O Cinema
90 NW 29th St
Miami, FL 33127
(305) 571-9970
o-cinema.org

Founded with a matching grant by the Knight Foundation (for every dollar donated the foundation matches it), this cinema is the first in the artistic melting pot known as the Wynwood Arts District. Nestled in a neighborhood teeming with art galleries and studios, it provides affordable films in a variety of genres that would not ordinarily be seen in Miami. Providing a full schedule of new works and second runs targeted to all demographics within the community, it also hosts the European Film Festival.

Coral Gables Art Cinema
260 Aragon Ave
Coral Gables, FL 33134
(786) 385-9689
gablescinema.com

The newest addition to Miami's indie film scene, this gem in historic Coral Gables brings multi-ethnic, bilingual and cross-cultural flare to filmgoers every day of the week. Screening 16/35mm films with HD theatre-quality sound and stadium seating, it is undoubtedly the most comfortable theatre in Miami in which to enjoy the art of non-commercial filmmaking. The cinema strives to support the arts in the community among a diverse group of patrons by advancing the medium through a generous and diverse schedule designed to satisfy as well as entertain.

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