The Ryder Film Series

The Ryder Film Series has presented the best in foreign-language, independent and classic American films in Bloomington for 25 years. The Ryder’s primary home is Bear’s Place, a cozy bar/restaurant located across the street from the Indiana University campus. Food and drink are served in a cabaret-style screening room. A diverse menu includes burgers, burritos and tuna steaks. Filmgoers can enjoy a soft drink, a beer (domestic and imports) or a glass of wine while watching the latest cinematic offering from France or Germany. You must be 21 at Bear’s Place. The screening room is well air-conditioned in the summer; do not wear shorts. Films are also shown in the IU Fine Arts Theatres (there are two screening rooms) the Cinemat and the Laughing Planet Cafe. The viewing experience at Fine Arts is similar to that of a traditional theatre–reasonably comfortable theatre seats on a sloped floor. There are two screening rooms — the downstairs theatre seats 250, the smaller, more intimate upstairs theatre seats 99. The temperature at Fine Arts is computer-controlled. Once again, don’t wear shorts in the summer. Think about a sweater. In the summer The Ryder and Bloomington’s Department of Parks and Recreation sponsor a series of free films under the stars in Bryan Park. Before the film, you can shoot free throws at the nearby basketball court. When it gets dark, the lights on the basketball court are turned off and the film begins. Bring a blanket. Bring a snack. Bring the dog. Outdoor screenings of course are weather dependent; if it rains in the afternoon, even if it clears up, or if there’s the threat of rain, please call the Ryder movie line — 339-2002. Wear anything you want.