The Little Theatre celebrates 95 years of screenings in Rochester

The Little Theatre is celebrating 95 years of entertaining Rochesterians.

Opening on Oct. 17, 1929, a digital marquee adorns the art-deco exterior these days.

It reflects the long presence the independent movie theater has had in the Flower City, lasting through the economic ups and downs of nine decades including the recent COVID-19 pandemic.

It’s now a nonprofit. Theater officials credit a strong base of film lovers in the city where motion picture film is made for its success over the years.

“People love movies here,” said Scott Pukos, director of communications at The Little Theatre. “There’s so much history. There’s so much passion for film. And what we do at the Little is show movies that you can’t see anywhere else.”