“We want to work with every filmmaker in town.” – Bradley Ritter, president of the Charlotte Film Society

Arthouse cinema has a new HQ in the Queen City.

While it doesn’t officially open until June 24, The Independent Picture House (IPH) has already called “action,” and hosted a few public and private events prior to its grand opening.

Nestled next to the new home of the Charlotte Art League in the Trailhead Arts District off Sugar Creek Road, IPH is the result of a partnership between the Charlotte Film Society and the team that managed Charlotte’s beloved Manor Theatre, which closed in 2020.

Main Image Credit: Independent Picture House

Screening Films That May Have Skipped CLT

One of IPH’s three theaters

The new facility offers two theaters and a private screening room. All are available for rent by individuals, companies and festivals. And, The Independent will also offer an array of independent and foreign-language films each week. 

“We specialize in bringing films that might not otherwise play in Charlotte but do in other major cities,” said Brad Ritter, president of IPH. “‘The Indie’ will cater to all the cinephiles in the city from filmmakers to film organizations to just anyone looking for movies outside the mainstream.”

Ritter added that they hope IPH will play host to a wide array of events throughout the year, whether they are cinema-based like the Charlotte Film Festival or not.

“While we are first and foremost a movie house, we will gladly open our doors to any organization that needs an affordable venue,” he said. “[We want] to collaborate with any and all arts organizations in town to become the cinematic hub of the Queen City.”

A Big Milestone in a Big Year

IPH president, Brad Ritter

The Charlotte Film Society is celebrating its 40th anniversary later this year. After the COVID-19 pandemic forced local film festivals to move online – and after the Manor Theatre closed – the future looked bleak for cinema in Charlotte. 

But, this new facility opening and helping to establish a new arts district North of NoDa has ignited the excitement of the Charlotte film community.

“Having always been a nomadic film series, this is our first-ever permanent home,” said Ritter.  “We are really excited to collaborate with the community and bring a very diverse palette of films to the Queen City.”

Memberships to the IPH range from $40 per year for seniors to $2,500. More information here.

THE DETAILS

• ADDRESS: 4237 Raleigh Street, Suite 4, Charlotte, N.C.
• SIZE: Approx. 5,800 sq.ft.
• WEB: independentpicturehouse.org
• INSTAGRAM: @iph_clt 
• FOOD: Traditional movie concessions; an expanded menu with locally/regionally made treats such (cookies, baked goods and ice cream); bar serves local beer on tap, wine, cider, hard seltzer and non-alcoholic beer
• ONLINE TICKETS: Click here for the IPH’s schedule.
• MEMBERSHIPS: More here.

Postcard designed by artist Brandon Reese

Interested in More Creative Spaces?

We have recently updated our story about Starlight on 22nd, a venue made for artists by artists off N. Davidson St. Read more here.

IPH at night | Credit: Independent Picture House