Cinema 21

Cinema 21 is a movie theater in northwest Portland showing independent films, foreign language works, and documentaries across three screens within a renovated building on Northwest 21st Avenue. The venue features wheelchair accessibility, gender-neutral restrooms, assistive listening devices, closed captioning, and audio description services for select screenings.

The theater opened in 1926 as the State Theater with silent films and live music before undergoing several name changes and becoming Cinema 21 in 1962. These transformations reflect the evolving film landscape and shifting cultural priorities in the city.

The theater serves as a gathering place for significant film events in Portland, including the Portland International Film Festival and screenings featuring acclaimed directors. It functions as a cultural hub where the community engages with cinema and artistic conversation.

The building is fully accessible for wheelchairs with facilities for visitors with various needs throughout the year. Staff can provide information about available assistance services for specific screenings in advance.

Notable films including Slackers, Drugstore Cowboy, and Moonlight had their Portland debut here before gaining wider recognition. The building retains original architectural details from the 1920s that visitors can observe throughout their visit.