Ithaca Screens Feature Indie Docs, Oscar Shorts, and Classics

Cornell Cinema, Cinemapolis, and Regal offer a diverse lineup of films this week.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Ithaca's theaters are showcasing a wide range of films this week, from indie documentaries and Oscar-nominated shorts to restored classics like "The Godfather Part II" and the French New Wave gem "Breathless." Cornell Cinema is hosting filmmaker Kimi Takesue for a series of discussions, while Cinemapolis is featuring prestige indies, international films, and the Oscar-nominated short films. Regal's lineup spans dramas, thrillers, horror, and family fare, including "Zootopia 2" and the subtitled "I Can Only Imagine 2."

Why it matters

Ithaca's diverse film scene reflects the city's vibrant arts and culture community, offering something for every cinephile. The visiting filmmakers, restored classics, and Oscar contenders provide unique opportunities for local audiences to engage with thought-provoking and boundary-pushing cinema.

The details

Cornell Cinema is hosting a multi-film series and conversations with filmmaker Kimi Takesue, featuring her documentaries "Where Are You Taking Me?", "95 and 6 To Go", and "Onlookers." The Ithaca Experimental Film Festival is also taking place at Cornell, showcasing bold, independent work. Cinemapolis is screening the 2026 Oscar-Nominated Shorts programs, as well as a 50th anniversary restoration of the French New Wave classic "Breathless." Regal's lineup includes a diverse range of films, from prestige dramas like "Goat" to family sequels like "Zootopia 2" and subtitled international releases.

  • The Kimi Takesue film series and discussions take place from Tuesday to Thursday this week.
  • The Ithaca Experimental Film Festival is scheduled for Friday and Saturday.
  • The 2026 Oscar-Nominated Shorts programs are screening at Cinemapolis ahead of the Academy Awards on March 15.
  • The 50th anniversary restoration of "Breathless" is coming soon to Cinemapolis.
  • Composer Michael Abels will be in Ithaca on March 6 for a panel and free screening of "Us."

The players

Kimi Takesue

A filmmaker whose documentaries "Where Are You Taking Me?", "95 and 6 To Go", and "Onlookers" are being featured at Cornell Cinema this week, along with post-film discussions.

Cornell Cinema

The on-campus film program at Cornell University, which is hosting the Kimi Takesue film series, the Ithaca Experimental Film Festival, and screenings of other indie, international, and classic films.

Cinemapolis

An independent art-house cinema in downtown Ithaca that is screening the 2026 Oscar-Nominated Shorts programs and a 50th anniversary restoration of the French New Wave classic "Breathless."

Regal

A major movie theater chain with a location in Ithaca that is offering a diverse lineup of films this week, including dramas, thrillers, horror, and family fare.

Michael Abels

A composer known for his work on films like "Get Out", "Us", and "Nope" who will be in Ithaca on March 6 for a panel and free screening of "Us."

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What’s next

Composer Michael Abels will be in Ithaca on March 6 for a panel and free screening of "Us."

The takeaway

Ithaca's theaters are showcasing a wide range of films this week, from thought-provoking indie documentaries and Oscar contenders to restored classics, providing local audiences with unique opportunities to engage with boundary-pushing and diverse cinema.