2023’s Best Cities for Movie Lovers

What is one of the best ways to discover new movies?

I read the New York Times, which does a great job of listing and reviewing new feature films.

I also rely on meta-critic aggregate websites like Rotten Tomatoes, which if you focus on the top critics and their reviews, does a good job of pointing to new movies being released to theaters.

I’m also a follower of certain notable film directors like Guillermo de Torre and Jane Campion who both have produced two excellent films this year – Nightmare Alley and the Power of the Dog.

How can movie lovers support local filmmakers in their city? Why should they?

In my city of Portland, Maine, movie lovers are lucky because we have a thriving filmmaking community. Our local filmmakers include everyone from college student filmmakers to seasoned professional dramatic and documentary filmmakers.

Movie lovers can support local filmmakers by buying tickets to film showings at local theaters and on streaming platforms like Vimeo, and by contributing through crowdfunding sources like Indiegogo and Kickstarter. Supporting local filmmakers enriches our local film scene here in Portland and Northern New England.

What’s the biggest advantage to watching a movie at an independent movie theater versus a national chain like AMC or Cinemark and vice versa?

Independent film chains tend to have more flexibility in showing films from local and regional filmmakers and in showing films from foreign and independent producers, which tend to be more personal and expressive film stories and not part of an established Hollywood film franchise.

Why are concessions so pricey? What are your best three tips for treating yourself at the movies without spending a fortune?

Concessions are pricey because they are one of the few ways in which theaters can make money in the film exhibition business.

One tip to treat yourself is to make plans to dine either before or after attending a film and avoid spending money on concessions.

Bottled water over soft drinks is usually a good bargain at film theaters.

Are movie subscription plans or deals worth it? Why or why not?

If you plan on going to the movies at least once a week, then they can be an economical way to be a steady moviegoer. If not, then you might not want to purchase a movie subscription.

Please keep in mind that many online streaming movie platforms, like Netflix, Amazon, and HBO Max, also release films on both their platforms and to the movie theaters.

What is one of the best ways to discover new movies?

Reading blogs written by publications such as the New York Times “What to watch” or joining curated newsletters produced by indie arthouse streaming services such as MUBI are ways to discover movies outside of the normal mass marketed Hollywood films.

Going to your local library is also a place you can discover old gems you might have missed otherwise.

Seek out your local arthouse theaters, they still exist in cities and need your support. They constantly play under the radar cinema and local filmmakers; you will be happy you found them!

Finally, checking out your local film festival will provide access to films you may miss in the large theater chains and streaming services.

How can movie lovers support local filmmakers in their city? Why should they?

You can check websites like Seed & Spark for local film fundraising campaigns. Most crowdfunding campaigns have video content where you can learn more about the filmmaker and film and decide if you want to support their film by contributing funds.

As a teacher at ASU’s Sidney Poitier New American Film school I see our students raise money on these sites to fund their senior film projects. With the support of the public these filmmakers go on to make films that are festival worthy.

Without your support the indie film community will wither. The community needs support now more than ever with a smaller chance of success to make their films with studio or “Hollywood” support. We risk the chance of losing diverse and authentic storytelling that doesn’t fit the homogenized typical Hollywood circuit.

What’s the biggest advantage to watching a movie at an independent movie theater versus a national chain like AMC or Cinemark and vice versa?

Independent chains tend to be locally owned and invested in the success and growth of their community. Independent chains are easier to access and communicate with those in charge and will more than likely be willing to work with the filmmaker on fees and percentages that are shared.

Sometimes they may even wave their cut all together in hopes of supporting the local filmmaker in their film’s success.

Why are concessions so pricey? What are your best three tips for treating yourself at the movies without spending a fortune?

As an avid health food eater, I am not tempted by all the concessions you must navigate by when at the movies. Not to say I do not enjoy popcorn occasionally.

Most big chains have reward memberships now that get you free popcorn and all that jazz to compete with the stay-at-home experience. If you are going to the movies a lot I would recommend one of those plans. Or perhaps have a big dinner prior and forgo it all together, hah.

Are movie subscription plans or deals worth it? Why or why not?

As mentioned above you save on the popcorn and perhaps you are an avid supporter of big Hollywood popcorn flicks, then the subscription pays off for you.

If you prefer smaller independent films, you may not see many in the theaters these days and might spend that money for a subscription to Mubi or Criterion collection streaming sites instead.