Where can I see foreign, avant-garde, indie and other art house films in Cleveland?

Cleveland has several art house and indie film venues and events. The most well-known are:

The Cinematheque: Part of the Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA), located in the University Circle arts and culture district, the Cinematheque is also billed as “Cleveland’s Alternative Film Theatre.” Founded in 1986, the Cinematheque offers a wide range of alternative film options in the CIA’s two auditoriums–The 616-seat Russell B. Aitken Auditorium and the 100-seat Ohio Bell Auditorium. Both are located in the CIA’s Gund Building at 11141 East Boulevard, Cleveland.

The Cedar Lee Theatre: Located in the Cedar Lee Arts District on Cleveland’s near east side, the Cedar Lee Theatre (2163 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights) has a long-standing tradition of providing Cleveland Plus with a wide array of both independent films and the best of Hollywood. The indie film champion also has regular interactive shows (Rocky Horror Picture Show, CLUE), cult classic film offerings, foreign pictures, happy hour nights (yes, they serve beer and wine) and more. Part of the Cleveland Cinemas group, indie films, happy hours and other offerings also pop up at Shaker Square Cinemas and Tower City Cinema is home to the Cleveland International Film Festival. Last year Cleveland Cinemas brought its brand of movie viewing to the Plaza Cinemas at Chapel Hill in Akron and recently, Cleveland Cinemas announced it was taking over the Apollo Theatre in the college town of Oberlin. For more info, visit www.ClevelandCinemas.com. The Capitol Theatre: Coming soon to Cleveland’s new Gordon Square Arts District in the Detroit-Shoreway neighborhood, the Capitol Theatre will be the near west side’s version of the Cedar Lee Theatre, specializing in foreign and independent film. With a projected spring 2009 opening, the three-screen Capitol Theatre will be restored to its original 1921 grandeur when it reopens after two decades of vacancy. Set in an artsy few blocks that includes Cleveland Public Theatre, coffee shops, pubs, kitsch shops and dining, the Capitol Theatre is located on West 65th Street on the east side of the Gordon Square Arcade.

The Cleveland International Film Festival: For 32 years, the Cleveland International Film Festival has brought the best of art house films to Cleveland. Films of all categories from all over the world offer the film lover a cinematic paradise. The 11-day event takes place every year at the start of spring. The 33rd Annual Cleveland International Film Festival runs March 19-29, 2009 at Tower City Cinemas, downtown Cleveland, with a few showings at other Cleveland Cinemas theatres.

The Cleveland Clinic OMNIMAX Theater: Although not an art house film theatre, The Cleveland Clinic OMNIMAX Theater (601 Erieside Avenue, Cleveland) at the Great Lakes Science Center, is a great venue for seeing documentary-style films. Its giant screen offers a special movie-going experience, immersing the watcher in the action. Many of the films are educational in nature, often focuings on history and the environment. The Cleveland Clinic OMNIMAX Theater is located at 601 Erieside Avenue, Cleveland.

PlayhouseSquare, more often associated with live performances ranging from Broadway to ballet, also frequently shows classic films and even debuts new movies in their opulently restored theaters. And the Cleveland Museum of Art hosts inspired films that honor filmmakers, genres and more.

Other options you think we should know about? Update the Visitors Center staff by leaving a comment on this entry. –Cleveland Plus Visitors Center (operated by Positively Cleveland)