Upon moving from Syracuse to New York, the access to repertory film programming was a culture shock. The ability to view a plethora of films in multiple formats was a snark contrast to the limited first-run showtimes I had grown up with.

In early 2026, I founded Emery Cinema, a not-for-profit film society dedicated to expanding film programming in Syracuse. Alongside co-founder, Pranathi Adhikari, we aim to provide the Upstate New York community with community-driven screenings that more directly reflect with the interest of local audiences.

In addition to independent programming, Emery also focuses on analog film screenings; screening films in 8mm and 16mm, as well as utilizing the Palace Theatre’s underutilized 35mm projection system.

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