Cinestudio

Cinestudio is an independent film theater located on Trinity College’s campus in Hartford, Connecticut, designed by McKim, Mead & White in 1935. It features a single-screen with seating for approximately 485, known for its classic movie palace atmosphere, large screen, 70mm projection, Ultra High Definition 4K Digital Cinema, and a legendary Dolby/Altec sound system. The theater’s design includes a gold Austrian screen curtain that rises before each show, real balcony seating, and the Gold Lion Courant insignia.

Founded in 1970 by Trinity College students, Cinestudio was converted from a lecture hall into a 1930s-style film house as a cooperative. Students managed all operations initially, showcasing controversial films like *The Rocky Horror Picture Show*. Two founding members, James Hanley and Peter McMorris, continue to lead the theater since its inception, supported by about 50 student and community volunteers who operate it seven days a week.

In 2002, Cinestudio became an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, though it remains on college property. The ticket booth was renamed the Fred Pfeil Memorial Ticket Booth in 2007 to honor a late Trinity College professor and long-time volunteer.

The theater screens second-run, independent, and classic films, with an open booking process allowing patron participation in film selection. Annually, Cinestudio hosts major film festivals, including the Connecticut Gay & Lesbian Film Festival, April in Paris, and the Trinity Film Festival for student filmmakers.