New York Cinema United is the official New York State chapter of Cinema United — the unified voice of the movie theaters lighting up Main Streets from Massena to Manhattan. We advocate in Albany, build connection across the state, and keep the big screen alive.
Founded in 1966, NATO of New York State has spent the past 60 years at the forefront of promoting and championing New York's movie theater exhibition industry — and as New York Cinema United, that work continues.
We represent New York State's movie theaters — the independents and the circuits, the single screens and the multiplexes — and we carry their interests into the rooms where decisions get made. From Massena to New York City, Albany to Buffalo, our work is practical: legislative advocacy with our lobbying partners, representation at the state level, and a stronger, more connected network of theaters that can move as one.
This association is volunteer-driven, which means its strength comes directly from the people in this industry. When theaters speak together, the big screen has a voice that lawmakers can't ignore.
Our officers run theaters themselves — they know the booth, the box office, and the bottom line.
Secretary and Treasurer candidates, additional board members, and general volunteers are all welcome. If you want to contribute ideas or help lead, there's a seat for you.
From national circuits to beloved single-screen art houses, our community spans the whole of New York. Membership is open to any movie theater operating in the state.
Home circuit of NYCU President Joe Masher.
Home theater of NYCU Vice President Tami Treutlein.
Add your theater to the directory and join the unified voice of New York's movie theaters.
Join NYCUThese efforts directly shape how theaters operate, serve their customers, and stay competitive — and they're only possible with a strong, unified voice. We work these issues alongside our lobbying partners.
Proposed requirements that theaters publish the exact feature start time after previews. We're tracking the impact on scheduling and the moviegoing experience.
A potential expansion of NYC-style open-caption mandates to theaters across the entire state. We're engaged on how any rule would be applied in practice.
Working to ensure the continuation of recently approved alcohol-service permissions that operators have relied on to stay competitive.
Working to reduce the operational impact "junk fee" rules may have on theaters and the way tickets and concessions are sold.
Advocating on behalf of operators as new single-use plastic restrictions and beverage-tax proposals move through the legislature.
If there's something you want addressed in Albany, we want to hear it. This association should reflect your priorities.
Tell Us About ItThis year we're going beyond emails and legislation. We're bringing operators together in person to share what's working, talk through challenges, and build stronger connections across theaters.
A casual, collaborative gathering for operators across the eastern side of the state. Details to be announced.
The western New York counterpart — same idea, same goal: a stronger, more connected network. Details to be announced.
Membership supports ongoing legislative advocacy, industry representation at the state level, and a stronger, more connected theater network in New York.
New member or renewing? Email us at admin@nycinemaunited.org to get started — even non-members are welcome at our meetups.
Send your theater's site details so we can confirm your information and add you to the directory.
We'll walk you through the membership form and next steps so your theater is officially on board.
That's it — your theater is part of the unified voice of New York's movie theaters, with a say in the work ahead.
As part of the national transition from the National Association of Theatre Owners to Cinema United, our chapter has updated its name to reflect the evolving landscape of our industry.
Our long-time executive director has retired. His impact on the industry here in New York cannot be overstated, and we're deeply grateful for his years of leadership and dedication.
We're hosting two in-person gatherings — one on each side of the state — to bring operators together, share ideas, and strengthen our network. Dates to be announced.
Reach out anytime. This association should reflect your needs and priorities — so tell us what they are.
Even if you're not currently a member, we'd love to see you at one of the meetups — just reach out.