cinematheque

[ sin-uh-muh-tek ]

noun

1. a movie theater, often part of a university or private archive, showing experimental or historically important films.

cinematheque

/ ˌsɪnɪməˈtɛk /

noun

1. a small intimate cinema

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinematheque¹

First recorded in 1965–70; from French cinémathèque “film archive,” equivalent to cinéma- prefixal use of cinéma “films” + -thèque “things collected,” as in bibliothèque “library,” discothèque “collection of phonograph records”; cinema, theca

Word History and Origins

Origin of cinematheque¹

C20: from French cinémathèque film library, from cinema + ( biblio ) thèque library

Example Sentences

It bought and restored the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood from the American Cinematheque in an effort to win over cinephiles and filmmakers.

From Los Angeles Times

That’s what Sandra Bullock remembered from her audition for 1994’s blockbuster “Speed,” which had a 30th anniversary screening Tuesday evening at the Egyptian Theatre as one of the final events of this year’s Beyond Fest at American Cinematheque.

From Los Angeles Times

“This will get audiences excited to see movies in the theater, “ says American Cinematheque programmer Imani Davis, adding that its theater is in a “music-loving part of town,” so she expects a heavy dose of music fans.

From Los Angeles Times

Screenings will take place across several iconic Los Angeles venues, including the Egyptian Theatre, Aero Theatre, Los Feliz 3 and Vista Theatre, with all proceeds benefiting the American Cinematheque, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and presenting the art of film.

From Los Angeles Times

Netflix acquired the famed Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard from American Cinematheque, as well as the Bay Theater in Pacific Palisades, where it also screens its own movies.

From Los Angeles Times