Nestled in Harvard Square in Cambridge, The Brattle is a historic repertory theater that has shown films daily since 1953. Showcasing a wide array of cult classics, foreign films and indie films, the theater gives you a chance to see films that you may not be able to see anywhere else.
The Brattle is host to multiple screenings a day, all varying in genre and event type. Despite its intimate, single-screen setting, the theater, which became a nonprofit in 2001 under the Brattle Film Foundation, also hosts special events such as educational programs, author readings, live music performances and film festivals.
In the past, The Brattle screened films by UMass Boston students — such as arts major Rafaela Astudillo, who is minoring in cinema studies. It all started when “I attended one of GRRL HAUS CINEMA’s screening events, where short films by nonbinary, trans, women and genderqueer filmmakers were showcased,” she said.
The event featured 17 short films that explored themes of identity, transformation and resistance. After the screening, the audience was informed that submissions for their next film festival were open, scheduled for the winter of 2024. Astudillo revisited one of her earlier short films and decided to submit it to the festival.
By November 2024, she received an email that her film had been chosen for the showcase, which would take place at The Brattle Theatre Dec. 10. Having attended The Brattle several times before, Astudillo said she was “thrilled at the opportunity to display my work in such a respected venue.”
“I was eager to see my film on the big screen alongside others and to learn about the concerns and themes that filmmakers in my community were exploring, discovering the similarities with my work,” she said.
After the screening, the filmmakers were invited to the stage for a brief question-and-answer. With a packed theater, Astudillo was eager to answer questions regarding her film.
“Standing among renowned filmmakers, I felt an inexplicable sense of belonging,” she said. “It confirmed my desire to pursue film as a career after graduation. This experience gave me insight into the complexities of being a filmmaker, including the financial and time-related challenges, but also the incredible satisfaction of having hundreds of people engage with and appreciate your work.”
After the event, Astudillo connected with other filmmakers and received valuable feedback from seasoned professionals in the film industry. She used this experience to get her name and work into the field, opening up new opportunities to further her career.
“I encourage other undergraduate students to immerse themselves in these communities, build networks where their work can be shared, and understand that it is possible to have your work exhibited wherever you set your mind to,” she said.
The Brattle also showcased three of David Lynch’s most iconic films, starting Feb. 9: “Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me,” “Blue Velvet,” and “Mulholland Drive.” On their website, The Brattle describes Lynch as “one of the greatest and most influential artists of our age.” The film showings are a tribute to Lynch, who died Jan. 15 and “was a good friend to The Brattle and a founding member of our advisory board,” according to the website. It also recently showed a screening of Oscar-winning film “Anora,” which came to theaters in October.
Upcoming screenings include classic films like “Donnie Darko” showing April 18, and “Blade Runner 2049” and “Labyrinth” showing April 21. Tickets to these screenings and additional information about other films and events are available on The Brattle’s website.
There’s something so powerful about seeing your favorite films the way they are intended — on the big screen. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the artistry of great filmmakers and marginalized communities while also contributing to a nonprofit organization. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker eager to showcase your work or a devoted cinema enthusiast, this theater invites you to experience the power of cinema in a transformative way.