An Arts & Culture Gem in Daytona Beach: Cinematique
- Cassie Gonyer
- May 10
- 2 min read
A Historic Arthouse Cinema in Daytona Beach
Nestled in the heart of Downtown Daytona’s Beach Street is where you can find Volusia County’s only arthouse cinema: Cinematique! It will be celebrating its 35th anniversary this year and yet keeps its line-up diverse and fresh. I have visited it a few times over the years for meetings and a comedy show, but the recent decision by the Volusia County Council to renew funding for cultural and arts programs, along with seeing advertisements for Oscar-winning blockbusters like, “Sinners,” brought be back in to see what I have been missing.
Cinematique’s Mission
With a mission ”to show movies you wouldn’t normally see in the area,” according to board president, Jed, Cinematique has built a reputation as a hub for independent film, live performance, and community connection. From international cinema to Florida-made productions, its programming reflects both artistic ambition and local pride.
More Than Movies: Comedy, Music, and Networking Events
In May, the theater will host ”Paper Bear,” a Florida-made, family-produced film. The screening will include a live Q&A with the director, offering audiences a rare opportunity to interact directly with the creative mind behind the project. Board member and general manager, Alexa, who is also active in statewide film organizations such as Film Florida, advocates strongly for independent cinema. She gravitates toward indie and international films, such as their past showing of “The Librarians” in January, which she said drew enthusiastic and engaged crowds.
While film remains at the heart of the theater, its calendar extends well beyond traditional screenings. Weekly meetings of “1 Million Cups” for business networking, comedy shows from “RAI” (or “Random Acts of Insanity,”) and live music like Sunday Jazz, all invite audiences to experience the space in new ways. The theater welcomes private rentals, hosting everything from children’s birthday screenings of ”How to Train Your Dragon” to concerts organized by local bands during the “Late and Local” series.
The lobby of the theatre displays paintings and pictures from local artists, such as the current installment by Susan Brehme, who I just happened to run into during my visit! She has a painting titled “Popcorn, Please,” featuring the very concession stand that we were standing next to. Traditional movie theatre snacks can be purchased here, along with beer and wine.
The Cinematique board members and staff are all so knowledgeable and passionate about this community theatre. I met Carrie at concessions, who said her favorite part of any event or movie is when the crowds come out of the theater still talking about it. In fact, when I went to watch “Sinners,” she had already watched it twice in order to engage in conversations with patrons after the show!
In March 2026, the Volusia County Council reversed a decision to cut funding for culture and arts programs, such as Cinematique, based on community outcry. It sounds like it is a temporary grant, so now is a great time to support the theatre with your finances, attendance at shows, and advocacy at the county level. You can learn more and see the events calendar at Cinematique.org/Calendar.
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