Cinema Detroit is metro Detroit’s only truly independent cinema, delivering an eclectic, quirky and quality mix of contemporary, indie, cult, genre, and classic movies in the heart of the city. It is also the only first-run 7-day-a-week movie theater in Greater Downtown. Located at 4126 Third Street, 48201, we feature movies in a unique setting – a former furniture factory – and freshly made popcorn, Faygo soda, and occasionally other locally-made treats.
Cinema Detroit is a non-profit, educational institution that exists to benefit the community and the arts. Specifically, Cinema Detroit will:
• Promote media literacy and arts education.
• Provide a community gathering place for watching films and for the dialogue that they spark.
• Provide the city of Detroit and the metro Detroit region with a breadth of film options, especially the best independent film.
Cinema Detroit was founded by Paula and Tim Guthat. They’re lifelong Detroiters and longtime movie fans who have been watching and writing about movies for many years. Paula is the programmer, booker, and projectionist, while Tim manages the house and box office. Before starting Cinema Detroit, she worked at University of Detroit Mercy as a social media manager and strategist, graphic and web designer, writer, editor, and proofreader. During her 12 years at the University, she created much of UDM’s branding, and initiated and developed its social media presence. In 2011, Paula founded TCM Party, a live tweet of films shown on the Turner Classic Movies channel, which has evolved into a dynamic community of classic movie fans. Tim is the director of operations, managing the day-to-day activities, including the box office, ticketing, accounts, and scheduling. Before co-founding Cinema Detroit, he taught secondary economics, history and English.
They both love the City of Detroit and the many possibilities it offers, and look forward to seeing you in Midtown soon.
I love the work you guys do to bring non traditional films to Detroit and make them accessible in a laid back atmosphere. My favorite films in no order: Meet Joe Black, E.T., Phantom (1925), Young Frankenstein, The Dark Knight, Best in Show and Godfather 2.
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Those are all great! Meet Joe Black, Young Frankenstein, The Dark Knight and Best in Show are particular faves of mine.
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Hi, Just wondered how you pick the movies that you will be showing There is a film director from Ireland coming here in July, can you contact me to see if his film can be shown at your theater? Should I call you regarding this matter? Thanks so much, Kathleen
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Hi Kathleen, thanks for getting in touch, I will email you. Best, Paula
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Hi Paula and Tim,
How many seats are in your theatre? Do you rent the theatre out for private film showings?
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Hi Marilyn, We just moved into the new location at 4126 Third Street, October 9 was our first day there, and we’re actually still working out what the maximum number of seats will be. Once we’re settled in, we will be able to do rentals. I’ll send you an email so that you have my contact info. Thanks for your interest.
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My first time in the new theater. The seats were comfortable, room to stretch my legs, and the
film, “Chiraq,” Spike Lee’s latest joint is fantastic. Only Cinema Detroit!!!!
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Thanks so much for your kind words! So happy you enjoyed…this is why we are here :)
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My kind of people :) !!!! Watching Groucho and brothers all day today. I just read about your theater and so excited to go there in the near future, what a lovely way to pay the bills - I’m jealous!
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…. one more thing: do you ever show classics? I’m thinking film noir or a Charlie Chaplin weekend, or -gasp - Tarzan!!!??
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Hi Julie,
Actually so far it only pays the bills sometimes. We’ll look forward to seeing you soon! We have shown classics in the past, especially film noir. Now that we have our permanent projection set up, I can book a wider variety of movies, including more classics :)
Paula
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Would be great if you ran samurai cop 2. I’m looking to take some friends and watch it on the big screen
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Hi David, thanks for your suggestion. We are actually working on this one already. Stay tuned!
All best,
Paula
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Hi Paula,
Will you be showing le Petit Prince in March when it comes out in the US?
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Hi Christina, thanks for asking. We hope to. Send us some good thoughts.
Paula
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Hello Paula,
I’m Sébastien Demeffe, film maker from Belgium and founder member of Kino climates “network of collective run cinemas in Europe” .
I’ll be coming in Detroit this summer for several reasons but I’d be very interested to meet you and eventually set up a screening with you.
If you are interested please drop me an E-mail,
Best regards
Sébastien
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Hi Sébastien, thanks for reaching out, will do!
All the best,
Paula
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