In the eloquent words of Nicole Kidman, "we come to this place for magic."

That "place for magic" is the movie theater, and Charlotte's only independent cinema has debuted something even more magical than a blockbuster or Academy Awards contender. The Independent Picture House (IPH) opened a 145-seat auditorium, providing an amphitheater-style experience.

There's not a bad seat to have in the Independent Picture House's new 145-seat auditorium. | Photo by CLTtoday

The new theater is part of a $795,000 expansion project and IPH is accepting public donations to cover the remaining $75,000 to complete this cinematic hotspot serving both the neighborhood and greater Charlotte area.

"[Independent Picture House] supports filmmakers that come to showcase their work and connect with new audience members," said Claire M. Lechtenberg, Director of Development and Marketing for IPH.

Places to see arthouse cinema in the Queen City are few and far between. After Manor Theater permanently closed during the COVID-19 pandemic, an idea sparked to create a hub celebrating local and independent filmmaking.

"The mission was to engage the community and arthouse cinema which Charlotte's never had," said Brad Ritter, executive director of IPH.

A passionate grassroots campaign led to The Independent Picture House opening in June 2022, converting an empty warehouse at 4237 Raleigh St. to a three-screen movie theater dedicated to screening local and independent films.

The Independent Picture House is in the midst of an expansion project to strengthen and support the Charlotte film community. | Rendering via Independent Picture House

"We typically show films that don't usually get a wide release so you're not gonna see "Wicked" at IPH," said Lechtenberg. "You'll see the smaller movies — especially when it comes to the festival circuit and Oscar buzz."

The local theater aims to utilize the ongoing expansion to offer educational courses on screenwriting, filmmaking, and the history of cinema.

"It gives more filmmakers and creatives a reason not only to come and show their work but it allows them the chance to connect with each other and start working on possible projects that can be shot in this area and throughout this region," said Lechtenberg.

In a notable plot twist, the IPH team realizes their theater is sitting on the cusp of a major development boom with nearly 5,000 units of housing expected to open in the next five years around NoDa and Sugar Creek. Not only is the neighborhood growing, but also Charlotte's reputation as an accessible and reputable hub for filmmaking.

"I think that over the years, there's been kind of a very organic rebirth and growing of filmmakers coming," added Lechtenberg. "

Editor's note: A film titled "Roofman" is being shot right now in Charlotte starring Channing Tatum and Kirsten Dunst.

IPH aspires to play a lead role in Charlotte's film community and strengthen local storytelling.

"We want to ensure that no matter what your background or understanding of film is, you're able to walk away with a deeper understanding or appreciation of the art of filmmaking," concluded Lechtenberg. "At the end of the day, we enjoy sitting in a dark, quiet theater watching a story and learning someone else's perspective."

Film goers are encouraged to check what's playing and what's coming soon.