New York, NY (March 12, 2020) – In consultation with Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA), Film at Lincoln Center will be closing the Walter Reade Theater and the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center effective 5:00pm this afternoon, March 12, 2020, in response to the ongoing health concerns related to COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Updates regarding all first-run and repertory programming are forthcoming. The 49th New Directors/New Films will be postponed and the 46th Chaplin Award Gala honoring Spike Lee will be rescheduled for later this fall. Additional information regarding new dates for both events will be communicated in the coming weeks. We regret any inconvenience caused by these changes; information regarding refunds and exchanges will follow. We are continuing to monitor the situation closely in consultation with our LCPA colleagues as well as government and health officials and will provide updates as needed.

FLC Executive Director Lesli Klainberg said, “As the COVID-19 situation develops, Film at Lincoln Center’s top priority remains the health, wellness, and safety of our staff, audiences, and artists. We remain committed to our nonprofit mission—supporting the art and elevating the craft of cinema.”

In a statement, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts said, “In light of the circumstances involving the COVID-19 virus, the performing arts institutions on the Lincoln Center campus will suspend constituent public performances and screenings as of 5:00pm Thursday night for the month of March (however the status of Lincoln Center Theater is to be determined in line with the decisions of the Broadway League). This is in an effort to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and to prioritize the health of our communities. This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we will continue to provide updates as we receive new information.”

For continued updates, please visit filmlinc.org/covid19.