Watch CBS News

Best Places For Film Geeks And Film Buffs In Minnesota

Are you a film buff? The Twin Cities is home to a vibrant culture of cinema thanks to the Center for the IFP Media Arts in St. Paul, the Film Society of Minneapolis/St. Paul housed with St Anthony Main Theatre, several smaller theaters, blogs and even a movie-themed restaurant. Indulge in the art form we all love with a visit to any of these great film hotspots.
IFP Minnesota Center for Media Arts
(credit: ifpmn.org)

IFP MN Center for Media Arts
2446 University Ave W, Suite 100
St. Paul, MN 55114
(651) 644-1912
ifpmn.org

Want to view new independent films and help select winners? Join IFP for $85 and you can be a judge for the Film Independent Spirit Awards held the night before the Academy Awards. This fee is well worth the value of the movies screened. Want to get serious about filmmaking or screenwriting? Benefit from the Producers' Conference, the Filmmakers' Conference, the many classes, equipment rentals and a full film-editing studio at the center. Want to rub elbows with 500 other local film geeks? Go to the IFP website for more information about the center's 25-year celebration at Hell's Kitchen on July 26, 2012.

Related: Best Iconic Works Of Art In The Twin Cities

Movie Theater
(credit: Thinkstock)

Edina Cinema
3911 W 50th St
Edina, MN 55424
(651) 649-4416
landmarktheatres.com/EdinaCinema

Want a fun night out at the theater? Take your pick of four screens featuring new releases, exclusive engagements, premieres and some of the best in new indies, foreign films, documentaries or restored classics. These movie titles might require a bit of background knowledge to recognize, but you can rest assured that each will be a truly unique film experience. Park for free in the adjacent municipal ramp and enjoy the evening at the theater, dining at any of the 10 outstanding restaurants nearby or browsing at the many trendy shops found only at 50th and France.

Film Society of Minneapolis/St. Paul
(credit: mspfilmsociety.org)

The Film Society of Minneapolis/St. Paul
125 SE Main St
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 331-3134
mspfilmsociety.org

Looking for an international film event? Each year, from April through May, the Film Society of Minneapolis/St. Paul, in association with St. Anthony Main theatre, hosts its signature event, the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. Take your pick from 300 narrative, documentary and short films from over 60 countries. This "best attended film event" features visiting filmmakers, panel discussions and parties. The Society's Artistic Director & Co-Programmer, Al Milgrom, has directed the festival for all of its 28 years. He is the founder of the legendary U Film Society and remains an "active and impassioned advocate of international cinema."

Lagoon Cinema
(credit: Lagoon Cinema/Facebook)

Lagoon Cinema
1320 Lagoon Ave
Minneapolis, MN 55408
(612) 392-0402
landmarktheatres.com/lagooncinema

The Lagoon, a five-screen theatre in business since 1995, is situated just down the block from its original site in trendy Uptown. One can find first-run independent films and foreign language cinema mixed with popular features. Stop by Calhoun Square for a local brew and eats before the movie. You can coordinate your visit with the huge Uptown Art Fair that takes place during the first week of August.

Rudolph's BBQ
(credit: Rudolph's/Facebook)

Rudolph's Barbecue
1933 Lyndale Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 871-8969
rudolphsribs.com

Rudolph's is a barbecue restaurant with a touch of class. Enjoy menu selections named after movies and stars. View pictures of movie greats in this restaurant named after who else but movie idol Rudolph Valentino. Try the Bogie, a full slab of ribs, the Rudy, a half slab or the Rickie, just four ribs. The coleslaw is to die for as well.

St. Anthony Main Theatre
(credit: stanthonymaintheatre.com)

St. Anthony Main Theatre
115 SE Main St
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 331-4723
stanthonymaintheatre.com

Want cutting-edge cinema? Those who loved movies used to catch foreign and domestic independent film productions at the on-campus Bell Theater brought to you by the University Film Society. Now they go to St. Anthony Main on historic Main Street where the Film Society of Minneapolis/St. Paul, which grew out of the U Film Society, celebrates the bonhomie of cinematography and leads the film movement with year-round events. All of the popular films are also shown in this multi-screen venue.

Parkway Theater
(credit: theparkwaytheater.com)

Parkway Theater
4814 Chicago Ave S
Minneapolis, MN 55417
(612) 822-3030
theparkwaytheater.com

Nostalgic for an old-time, single-screen theater? Pepito's Parkway theater, one of the last single-screen movie houses in the Twin Cities, offers independent and offbeat film venues, benefits and events. One may rent space for parties with a full bar service and limited buffet or snack tables.

Related: Guide To Great Photo Locales In The Twin Cities

Robin Johnson was born in Annandale, Minn. and graduated from the University of Minnesota where he studied Political Science, Business and Industrial Relations. A writer for Examiner.com, he also consults with a variety of organizations and individuals helping them develop and grow. His work can be found at Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.