The Return of Rice Cinema
A new home, upgraded tech and the same cinephile spirit power Rice Cinema’s next chapter.
By Autumn Horne ’22
When Rice Cinema started as part of the Rice Media Center in 1970, philanthropist-founders John and Dominique de Menil envisioned the theater as far more than a place to watch films. They imagined a true cinematheque experience: a space where people from all walks of life could learn about, discuss and make films, creating a community among Houston cinephiles. Half a century later, the vision for Rice Cinema is being reimagined, with its new home inside Susan and Fayez Sarofim Hall bringing cutting-edge technology and a renewed sense of excitement.
The new 216-seat Pitman Cinema Theatre mirrors the footprint of its predecessor but introduces technical upgrades that expand Rice Cinema’s programming possibilities. The projection booth houses 16 mm and 35 mm projectors alongside a contemporary digital cinema projector that can accommodate both standard and silent speed frame rates, as well as 3D films. A state-of-the-art Dolby Atmos audio system mirrors the visual upgrade, surrounding audiences with precise and layered sound.
The projection booth doubles as a working lab, where students learn to operate the equipment. The integration with Rice’s film curriculum is a cornerstone of the program. “What makes the Department of Art at Rice so unique,” says events and program manager Maria Martinez, “is that we can offer these types of learning opportunities for the students while we’re also serving the broader Houston community and filmmakers.”
Rice Cinema director Charles Dove says the new space honors a remarkable legacy. Over the decades, Rice Cinema has welcomed some of the most influential figures in film to campus, including Roberto Rossellini, Spike Lee, Jean-Luc Godard and Andy Warhol. Dove recalls that on Godard’s visit, his “La Chinoise” film reel was accidentally set on fire. “I’m sure if he were alive, he’d still be mad at us,” says Dove with a laugh. Warhol’s visit ended on a warmer note — the artist left thank you notes on car windshields and gifted a tree to the de Menils that still stands outside Sarofim Hall today.
While select screenings started in the fall, Rice Cinema’s full program returns in January 2026 with films every Friday and Saturday. Visitors can expect a mix of documentaries, international features, art house and experimental work — and, come finals week, perhaps a Hollywood blockbuster for good measure.
Dove describes Rice Cinema’s philosophy as an open invitation to connection and conversation, rather than a statement of ideology. “It’s not that we are on any political side,” he says. “It’s about education, culture, informing the community. … It’s like a bridge. We build bridges.”
From the Winter 2026 issue of Rice Magazine