New York City’s movie theater scene is a changing. It was announced earlier today that Alamo Drafthouse’s much-anticipated Downtown Brooklyn location will open this summer. The spot promises seven screens celebrating all forms of cinema, along with in-theater dining and inventive programming. An exact date was not given, but the theater, which is located at 445 Gold Street, is currently in its final stages of construction.

Founded in 1997 by Tim and Karrie League, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema started out as a single-screen mom and pop repertory theater in Austin. It has since ballooned to a 23-location chain deemed by some to provide the best theater experience in the world. This is likely due, in part, to its strict “no talking, no texting” policy, and unique programming.

Alamo Drafthouse Downtown Brooklyn will follow the formula that’s been employed at its brother and sister theaters around the country. Programming will include both arthouse and indie releases as well as blockbusters. It will also include a number of Alamo Drafthouse’s successful signature series, such as Terror Tuesday, Video Vortex and Girlie Night, in addition to catering to the sensibilities of New York City cinema-goers. The theater has the capabilities to screen 35mm as well as digital formats.

The impending summer opening of Alamo Drafthouse’s Brooklyn outpost comes following the launch of Metrograph, and news that IFC Center is looking to expand at its present location. Metrograph, which officially opened its doors on March 4, offers a wonderful and quaint theater experience in the heart of the Lower East Side. Located at 7 Ludlow Street, the theater boasts two theaters and showcases first-run and repertory films. In the coming months, it will also be home to a restaurant and two bars. Among its upcoming series is the annual Old School Kung Fu Fest, which features a mix of rare and wild martial arts and action films from the sixties to the nineties, a selection of Fassbinder’s favorite films, and Studio Ghibli Weekends, a program that celebrates the beloved Japanese animation house.

As for IFC Center, the Greenwich Village-dweller is currently seeking support for an expansion plan that involves adding six additional cinemas, a revamp of the lobby, a redesigned concession stand, and updated state-of-the-art projection, sound and stadium seating. The plan has already been approved by NYC’s Landmark Preservation Commission, and the next step is getting permission to build from NYC’s Board of Standards & Appeals. They are asking NYC residents to show city officials they are behind the project. For more information and to see how you can help, visit ifccenter.com/expansion.

(Images courtesy of Alamo Drafthouse, Metrograph and IFC Center)