Railroad Square Cinema | Waterville

Railroad Square Cinema – Maine’s Home for Independent Film

Tucked into the creative heart of downtown Waterville, Maine, Railroad Square Cinema stands as one of New England’s most beloved independent movie theaters. For decades, it has been more than a place to watch films-it has been a gathering space where art, ideas, and community intersect, shaping Waterville into a true cultural destination.

Origins and Legacy

Railroad Square Cinema was founded in 1978 by a small group of local film enthusiasts who dreamed of bringing world cinema to central Maine. They began in a converted railroad warehouse-an unassuming start that lent the venue its name. Over the years, the cinema grew from a grassroots operation into a nationally respected institution, known for its carefully curated programming and its central role in launching the Maine Film Center and the Maine International Film Festival (MIFF).

In 2016, the theater transitioned into a non-profit under the Waterville Creates! organization, joining forces with the Waterville Opera House and the Colby College Museum of Art to strengthen the town’s cultural network. In 2022, Railroad Square Cinema moved to a new, state-of-the-art facility inside the Paul J. Schupf Art Center, ensuring its legacy would continue with modern comfort and technology.

Architecture and Atmosphere

The new cinema retains the warmth and authenticity of the original venue while adding refined design and improved amenities. The Schupf Center’s architecture merges glass, wood, and natural light, offering a calm and inviting setting that feels both contemporary and distinctly Maine. Inside, three intimate screening rooms feature plush seating, advanced projection, and excellent acoustics. Subtle nods to the old Railroad Square-vintage posters, photographs, and film reels-preserve the memory of its grassroots origins.

The lobby doubles as a social space where visitors gather over local beer, coffee, or snacks before and after films. Conversations often spill from the concession counter into the street-spirited exchanges about storytelling, direction, or a particularly moving scene.

Programming and Film Selection

Railroad Square Cinema’s programming has always been its soul. It focuses on independent, international, and documentary films, giving local audiences access to stories rarely seen in commercial theaters. One week might feature an Oscar-nominated French drama; the next, a powerful Maine-made documentary or a restored silent classic.

The theater also serves as the principal venue for the Maine International Film Festival (MIFF), which each July brings filmmakers, critics, and film lovers from around the world to Waterville. During the festival, audiences can attend Q&A sessions, workshops, and retrospectives-many featuring the filmmakers themselves. Past guests have included directors like Jonathan Demme, Terrence Malick, and Roger Deakins, making the small-town cinema an unlikely but respected stop on the international film circuit.

Visitor Experience

A visit to Railroad Square Cinema feels intimate and personal. Staff members greet regulars by name; discussions continue in the aisles after credits roll. The popcorn is famously local and freshly popped, the ticket prices remain modest, and the environment feels welcoming to both cinephiles and casual moviegoers. Unlike mainstream theaters, there are no distractions-just the quiet glow of the screen and the hum of people deeply engaged with the art of film.

Cultural Role and Surroundings

The cinema plays a vital role in Waterville’s artistic revival, serving as a cornerstone of the Paul J. Schupf Art Center alongside gallery spaces and the Waterville Opera House. Just steps away, visitors can enjoy local dining at Front & Main or Greene Block + Studios, stroll along Main Street, or visit the Colby College Museum of Art. Together, these venues form a walkable cultural corridor that gives Waterville a dynamic, cosmopolitan energy unexpected in a small Maine city.

Closing Reflection

Railroad Square Cinema remains one of Maine’s cultural treasures-a place where storytelling transcends the screen and connects people in a shared experience of art and empathy. Whether you’re watching a new independent release or attending a festival screening under the soft hum of the projector, the spirit of this cinema-curious, inclusive, and deeply human-continues to define the heart of Waterville’s creative life.