UPPER WEST SIDE — Cinephiles-in-training have a theater to call their own.
The Film Society of Lincoln Center's new Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center recently launched a family film series designed to introduce young viewers to the world of film — and keep their parents entertained too.
The series screens classics that moms and dads may remember from childhood, such as 1963's "The Incredible Journey," 1971's "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," and "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," the 1971 version of Roald Dahl's book "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," starring Gene Wilder and a memorable supporting cast of oompa-loompas.
At Christmas, the Film Society's family series will show a solid week of "Mary Poppins," the 1964 musical with Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke.
"We wanted to show classic films that the adults might have grown up with," said Isa Cucinotta, who handles programming operations at the Film Society. "That's why the adults come — they want to relive those memories."
The family film series' future line-up includes foreign selections and even silent films by the early 20th century cinema pioneer Georges Melies, who director Martin Scorsese pays homage to in his new movie, "Hugo."
"It expands (kids') notion of film as art," said Marcela Goglio, programming associate at the Film Society. "A lot of the films they see commercially are for entertainment. We're cultivating our future audience."
But the cinematic selections aren't the only draw.
Ticket prices are a budget-friendly $6 and shows start as early as 10:30 a.m. For another $6, viewers can pick up a "lunch box" from the film center's Indie Food & Wine Cafe. The meal includes a New York state cheddar grilled cheese on multi-grain bread, an apple and homemade hot chocolate.
Parents should also be pleased with the amphitheater where the family movies are screened. The 90-seat auditorium has stadium-style seating with benches where kids "can lie down and put their feet on mom" if they want to, Cucinotta said. There's plenty of space for kids to get up and walk around without blocking the screen, she added.
Goglio said she took her 2-year-old to a movie at the amphitheater and the toddler spent part of the film walking up and down the theater's stairs without disturbing other audience members.
"It's a great space for showing kids' films because it's kind of open and kids can make noise without a problem," said Goglio.
Future movies in the family film series include "Time Bandits," "Jason the Argonauts," and Georges Melies' "A Trip to the Moon" and other silent shorts from the early 20th century. For a complete listing check the Film Society's website. The Elinor Bunin Monroe Film Center is at 144 W. 65th St.
