The 2026 New York Asian Film Festival is running from July 10 to July 26, 2026 across five New York venues, including Film at Lincoln Center, SVA Theatre, IFC Center, Anthology Film Archives, and the Korean Cultural Center New York. On Friday, July 24 at 4 PM, BTS: The Return, Bao Nguyen's documentary about the band recording their comeback album was going to be shown at the SVA Theatre, 333 West 23rd Street in Chelsea. Bao Nguyen introduced the film and did a brief Q&A afterward. The screening was free and I just had to RSVP to the event. I arrived about 3:45pm and after a brief security check, I was in SVA Theatre. There were some snacks and merchandise for purchase in the lobby. Restrooms were by the entrance. I went into the theater on the same floor and chose a seat. The seats were comfy and the sound quality was very good. I enjoyed watching the documentary at the SVA Theatre. I am very supportive and happy that the New York Asian Film Foundation exists to ensure that new Asian cinema is seen, shared, and celebrated--expanding cultural understanding, amplifying new voices, and positioning Asian cinema as an essential force in global film culture. This is so important. read more

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I came to this theater over the weekend to see Home Alone for its 35th Anniversary, presented by D23 (Disney). It was a lot of fun! This was my first time attending an event like this and my first time at this venue, so I didn't know what to expect. I brought my partner and a friend, and they both had a great time. There was a one-hour interactive game with the audience, which was really engaging. It was fun for the children. They also allowed the audience to come and go in the beginning of the event, so people could grab food or drinks around the neighborhood. The whole event was approximately 3hrs includes the movie showing. It was fun watching on a big screen. One downside of the venue is that there was no concession stand. I assume that's because it's not a typical theater. The venue is owned by SVA (School of Visual Arts), so you can't expect too much in that regard. I was surprised by how old the place looks. It definitely has a vintage feel to it. The venue was decently clean and that's all that really matters to me. read more

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*** 3.5 stars *** The Silas theater downstairs holds 479 people and the Beatrice theater upstairs holds 266. Pretty old facility that could use a bit of renovation. Not enough bathroom stalls for the size of the theater means there is always a long line. Downstairs, it can be really hard to see the screen as the seat backs are high and there is no incline (or a very slight incline) to the theater. If someone tall is in front of you, forget. Upstairs is better. read more

Comfortable seats in a well run theatre! Several guides guided us to the theatre showing the film screening we signed up for. Got to see the premiere of a new Nat Geographic Documentary. Loved the question and answer session after the documentary. They had a food truck outside the theatre promoting Cathay Pacific airlines and we were guided there for free munchies after the show - What's not to like - Go and enjoy this theatre! read more

I come here during awards season for guild screenings (SAG-AFTRA). The theater is big but it could use some renovation. The slope is not very steep so if you're sitting in the middle you still have to look up a bit at the screen. Best seats are around row Q. read more

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First time coming here and to one of there events, and I'm impressed. I came with my friend who is really into movies- and I wasn't sure I'd enjoy it- but the movies were great! The staff were welcoming and they gave out prizes for people who's name was picked out of a box. You fill out a paper with your name and email and they do a raffle before the movie starts. I had a feeling my guy friend would win- and wasn't surprised when they called his name. He ended up winning a blu Ray dvd- which is pretty cool. The seats in the theatre were surprisingly comfortable and we enjoyed the movies that were filled with lots of Kung fu fighting, action and even parts that were funny. We stayed for a second movie which was a bit slower, and was more of a love story, filled with revenge and death. Felt myself getting sleepy with that movie- but still enjoyed it- and we had a chance to put in for another prize- but no luck the second time around. I'd definitely come back to see another film here and I'm glad my friend invited me- it was an amazing time. read more

"I am a singing telegram!" *POW* My first time here was for the 30th Anniversary of Clue: The Movie. God, I love me some Tim Curry! It was a free event and they allowed outside food. If I only could have gotten a full Texas-sized pinã colada from Dallas BBQ down the block..... They announced that the concessions would be closed for the free event, but the people in front of me had popcorn, so I guess they changed their minds. The downside of outside food is, I could have done without the incessant bag crinkling of the lady eating wings next to me. How did I know she was eating wings in the dark of the theater??? Well, it was hard to miss the chicken bones she left ALL OVER THE FLOOR. A theater as nicely appointed as this one deserves to be treated with respect, folks. Especially when you didn't pay a dime to have someone clean up after your no-home-training self. The seats recline quite a bit, are roomy, and there's an unusual amount of leg room. Take that from someone who is 5'9" with a bum knee. The cup holders are oddly located on the row in front of you, so there's way too much reaching unless you keep a hold of your drink until you're quite done with it. The screen is very large and well scaled to the space so the sight lines should be very good from a variety of seats. The sound. Way too loud. I almost had to put my headphones in. My ears hurt. I'm chalking it up as an anomaly due to the showing using the original film stock and not having been adjusted.... maybe. That's the only thing keeping this from a perfect score. I was surprised that this event wasn't more well attended. After waiting for over 12 hours at that Shia LaBeouf shitshow @ the Angelika, I guess my social barometer is way out of whack. Anywho, I'm following their Facebook page now ( https://www.facebook.com/SVATHEATRE/ ) and I look forward to coming back for any events in the future. read more

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Convenient location, and worth a visit. This spot is modern, spic-and-span, with several rooms. Last I was here I sat in the Silas Theatre. I had a comfy seat with a good view of the screen. My favorite thing about this place? It's a super short walk to the 23rd Street C/E train. No complaints. read more

SVA Theatre - Cinema Near Me - New York, New York

Attended a screening there during the Tribeca Film Festival and it is a very nice location. The staff was friendly and the bathrooms were clean. read more

Came here for the Chelsea Film Festival. I didn't even know this place existed, so super glad I made it here! The space is clean and fairly big. I didn't expect the theater itself to be so similar to your everyday movie theater. Overall there were plenty of seats. The screen was smaller than usual but everyone was able to get a seat in the middle section and so it was a great viewing experience! read more

SVA Theatre - Cinema Near Me - New York, New York

Great little theater off 23rd street. It's well-kept (mostly because there's no concession stand) and shows a number of independent films...and apparently also hosts the Asian Film Festival from time to time as a spillover venue. I wouldn't hesitate to watch another movie at this place. It's clearly managed by a very capable staff. read more

Nice theater! It was showing the Oscar nominated shorts (live action and animated) and Oscar Nominated Documentaries with Q&A afterwards with directors of some of the films and that was very enjoyable. read more

Clean and not hard to find. Walkable to subway station and the bus stops do pretty convenient. Decent theatre and a couple cinema rooms. One is pretty small to be honest and the other one is a decent size that can hold quite a few people. Good for talks and films. Normally for school or orientation presentation but they do rent them out to other people for events. The 5th Annual Dog Film Festival was held in SVA Theatre earlier today and portion of the tickets help the Mayor's Alliance for NYC's Animals. The ACC NYC has a small both there too. There's three different locations for ACC in Harlem, Brooklyn, and Long Island. They have bunnies, cats, and dogs. I personally adopted my own from ACC and it's great. read more

I've been to this theater twice and both times I had a great time. The theater is clean and the staff were also cool. From the outside the theater reminds you of a Broadway play building. However, its in a less congested area with the train station very close by. There's also a plethora of places to eat before or after your visit here. Our last visit was during a film festival and we enjoyed a great movie "Off the Rails." I enjoyed the intimate feel of the theater and the comfortable seats while you watch your movie. read more

I never thought that I'd go to a movie theater and be confused...not a little confused but so confused I felt my IQ dropping. First of all there was a long line outside which I assumed was the line to buy tickets. After realiszing it wasn't I proceeded to the box office situated outside & was told that I need to go inside to the 'RIGHT' to purchase tix for the particular movie we were watching. Ok so in I go and find a roped off section to the right and a table filled with name tags. Maybe I had to go further in to find the "right" she was talking about. So further in I go, & I come across a red carpet interviewing area with people from the press taking photos. I had to stand still for a moment and figure out whether I had entered the wrong place. So out I go again and this time ask for exact directions to this box office to the right. It turned out it was to the left and connected to her box office. If I was looking at the box office it was to the right but once walking through the door it was to the left. Are you confused? Don't worry so am I! I was extremely perplexed at this point and proceeded to ask for 4 tickets. I took my money out to pay and was told that it was free coz I was wearing black. Ok can this night get any stranger??? I laughed coz I thought she was kidding, but she simply asked if my friend's will be wearing black, and I said "most probably"...so she said all the tickets are free. I wasn't going to argue with that. So in I go to get popcorn and wait for the others to arrive, and I now I was having a hard time locating the concession stand. There was a bar looking area opposite the red carpet interviewing area, but this was also roped off and it looked like it was promoting beer. I asked and was told it was the correct place, but I sat there for a moment wondering why they had roped it off and were keeping people out. Fair enough they were giving out beer, but there was really no other way for adults to get there unless they crawled under the rope. People were crawling under and no one seemed surprised. It was as though it's meant to be that way. Was I on candid camera? Once inside the theater and seated comfortably, an MC appeared on the stage in front of the screen and introduced a comedian. Ok this is getting beyond a joke. Did I walk into a comedy store without realizing? Was it really April Fools Day instead of Halloween? The comedian finished...no one laughed...and the film began. I'M CoNfUsEd!!!!! read more

First timer at SVA Theatre. To be frank, I've passed it on several occasions but have never had reason to enter. Got invited to the screening of an Italian foreign language film (with English subtitles) and so happy I went. The theatre was spacious, clean and well maintained. The screen is so enormous that regardless of where you sit you are guaranteed a good view. Just as a side note, there's no concession stand (maybe that's why it's so clean hehehe). read more

I am a SVA alumni, and have attended SVA Theatre a few times over the year. The theatre itself can hold close to 400 people, and its easy to see the screen or stage easily no matter where you sit. Enjoy many free artist talks, movies, and private events here--you dont have to be an alumni to attend. They are first come first serve on seats tho, and no food or drink sold here. read more

I came here for my friend's award ceremony thing. He was mostly there to support his friends. It was nice to see how they ran the event. My friend kept making side comment the whole time which was pretty funny. The place is nicely put together and easily access to enter and exit, which safety first as always! read more

This is my second time coming to SVA theatre & I love it. They have these amazing after school events where they screen movies. I came to see monsters university & the usual suspects as well. The place is nice. They have comfy chairs & the staff is very welcoming as well. They make me wanna go to that college. Def. recommend stopping by to grab a flyer & see what events/films they got going on. read more

SVA Theatre - Cinema Near Me - New York, New York

Pleasant albeit unremarkable Tribeca Film for All screening of the excellent 'Down in the Valley' here. Both festival and theater staff were friendly, and I'd definitely consider returning over Bow Tie aka the mainstream theater formerly known as Clearview if I had the choice. read more

SVA Theatre - Bill Simmons in the house for Down in the Valley - Cinema Near Me - New York, New York

I went to a show here last night, and they allowed attendants to bring in snacks and beverages! I have never been to a theatre that allowed outside food. It genuinely made the show more enjoyable. They have cup holders on the back of every seat which is a great feature. The seats are comfortable, but they are very tightly spaced. read more

There are 2 theaters - Silas and Beatrice. Silas is bigger and have very nice seats, soft and recline. Beatrice's seats do not recline and lacks the soft padding Silas has. There is no concession stand here. They only bring in one for the Tribeca Film Festival. read more

I love movie, but I have airborn allergy to popcorn. How I wish you don't serve popcorn! Then, l can also enjoy the event just like everyone else. So sad for me. I can't participate in this wonderful event. I would have love it. read more

Great Spot to meet fellow film lovers like ME, clean manicured and a place to sit back and enjoy. Was here for a private screening with the director and some of the cast. Bravo! read more

As far as movie theaters go, this one is smack dab in the middle. We've been here several times for the Gen Art Film Festival (most recently on Friday to watch an EXTREMELY sad movie called "Norman"). The theater itself is clean and the concession stands are well managed. Nothing more, nothing less. read more

Really low key, clean theatre. Really nice for screenings and Q&A's. They have some really interesting Documentaries showing throughout the entire year. read more

I came to SVA Theater to watch a Tribeca movie called "Jiro, Dream OF Sushi" and got there early after work so I can get into the Rush line. Lucky I was maybe 6 or 7 people in front of line so the hope of watching the movie was great. The movie was about a 3 Michelin Star Sushi in Japan and how he kept his career going for so long. It was a very interesting movie and you realize how hard you have to work to achieve success. The movie theater itself was ok but the food was expensive. A regular popcorn and a soda cost me $10($6 for popcorn, $4 for a soda). I didn't realize how prices has jump up. There were a Q & A afterward with the producer and it was the first day of this showing. It was a good experience!! I can't wait for the next one. read more

Loved this theater, super spacious and amazing service. I was here for an IVY.com event last night and had a blast. This venue is a great escape from the busy streets of Manhattan. read more

I went to a screening in the large theater. I have also seen TV premieres here. It is a modern venue with a hip lobby and a decent snack bar. Only four seats are available in the lobby, right at the entrance. Had I known, I would have arrived later. The food and drink are overpriced, which is a foregone conclusion. The location is excellent, very close to all public transportation. Unfortunately it was poorly run, resulting in delayed entry into the space. We were periodically instructed to keep inching toward the entrance and basically treated like school children. There was absolutely no communication regarding the feasibility of changing seats for the Q and A, which is the main reason I attended. So I had to take a closer seat than I normally would in a movie house to have a better view of the post mortem. The place itself is worthy of patronage. The disregard for the actual patrons is the primary drawback, a poor way to make a first impression, especially for pricy events costing $38. Yes, $38. read more