About 5th Avenue Cinema
WHAT WE DO
5th Avenue Cinema is Portland State University's cinema house, screening an eclectic selection of camp, cult, classic, and contemporary independent and mainstream films. Oregon's only student-run cinema has been operating non-profit since 1989. Our goals are to provide further education for PSU students interested in film, as well as a fun place for people to see something they wouldn’t ordinarily get to see on the big screen. The general public is always invited to attend and there is FREE popcorn at every show.
WHO WE ARE
Today, the PSU Film Committee is still made up entirely of students: two projectionists, one publicity coordinator, one events coordinator, and one cinema coordinator. We choose all of our own programming and oversee all operations at the cinema. We are located on campus and provide a mix of obscure, critically acclaimed, and modern independent and mainstream films on a variety of mediums such as 35mm, 16mm, and DCP.
OUR HISTORY
The cinema was originally part of the Moyer theater chain, and according to patrons who have come to the cinema since the early 70s (when the theatre changed names from Cini-Mini to 5th Avenue Cinema), was one of Portland's major art house cinemas, along with Cinema 21, throughout the 70s and early 80s.
In the 80s, the theater was shut down and bought by Portland State University. A group of students led by Mark Ruibal formed the PSU Film Committee and re-opened the 5th Avenue Cinema in 1989.
Our Mission Statement and Values
Mission
The mission of 5th Avenue Cinema is to foster film culture at Portland State University by curating and screening a diverse array of culturally, politically, and aesthetically significant films for students and the general public. In addition to 35mm film exhibition, 5th Avenue Cinema also creates an expanded discourse centered around original programming, community-building, speakers, and events, providing a space for students to enjoy films the way they were meant to be seen: on the big screen.
vision
Our organization focuses on two primary factors; serving the PSU student community whilst attempting to offer archival levels of film handling, projection and exhibition. As the only student-run cinema in the state, we use the unique opportunity of presenting diverse films to portray the importance of the medium and its history, which is becoming a more rarified artform. We continue to cultivate and foster relationships with Portland State's film department, the various student groups on campus, and the growing film scene here in Portland, bridging the gap between students and the film community at-large.
values
We are Oregon’s only student-run cinema, and with that distinction, we must honor our space and those who populate it. We are always conscious of the film choices that we make.
Diversity: To reflect the values of Portland State University, we strive to be as diverse as possible in our selection and elevate underrepresented people within the film world. Part of the work of the programming team is to familiarize ourselves with films from as many different cultures, communities, and countries as possible and to showcase these films to the PSU and Portland film communities.
Distinction and Preservation: The most unique value of our student group is our commitment to projecting films on actual 35mm film. This is a distinction, which sets us apart nationally and elevates us locally — this type of resource is unheard of at a public university, and ought to be embraced and celebrated.
Education: Cinema is an effective means to educate people within our school and community; it is a mode of communication that creates an understanding of an experience that one may not have had before. This is why we prioritize screening films outside of the Western, male canon as we recognize film as a fundamentally political artistic medium. We also prioritize creating educational opportunities for students on student-run and local cinema through showcasing our archive and creating educational programming.
Safety and Accessibility: We strive to create a safe space for students on the weekends without a huge price tag, including endless free popcorn and affordable concessions helping us reach a more significant part of the student body. We prioritize accessibility in our social media marketing and also have headphones for the audio-impaired and closed-caption glasses for guests to use.
General Information
Admissions
FREE for PSU students, faculty, staff & alumni with ID
$6 for all other students & seniors
$7 for General Admission
We offer cash & card transactions!
Accessibility
5th Avenue Cinema is wheelchair accessible.
Our theater offers a quality entertainment experience for deaf, hard of hearing, and vision impaired guests. We offer two types of headphones: hearing impaired headphones that amplify the dialogue, or visual impaired headphones that describe the scenery and action. Please inquire via email film@pdx.edu before showtime to use any of these devices.
Address
we are located at
510 SW Hall St Portland, OR 97201
Parking & Transportation
There are many options for parking within a few blocks of 5th avenue:
421 SW College St. U-Park
510 SW Harrison, 1872 SW Broadway, 1990 SW 5th Avenue University Parking Garages
470 SW Harrison Public Lot
Other Options
Walk - Great exercise and it’s free!
Bike - Bike racks right outside the cinema entrance
Public transit - Multiple MAX, bus, & streetcar stops within a few blocks
Credit Card Payment Policies
Fulfillment: if you select to pay with credit card, charges are immediately applied.
Refunds: food and drinks are non-refundable. admission is only refundable before the start of the movie.
Privacy: Credit card information is not shared with any third parties.