Searching for Mr. Rugoff
Body
Arrogant. Brilliant. Entitled. Insatiable. Demanding. Crazy. Genius. Legend.
The feature documentary Searching for Mr. Rugoff is the story of Donald Rugoff, who was the crazy genius behind Cinema 5, the mid-century theater chain and film distribution company. Rugoff was a difficult (some would say impossible) person but was also the man who kicked art films into the mainstream with outrageous marketing schemes and pure bluster. Rugoff’s impact on cinema culture in the United States is inestimable, and his influence on the art film business—from the studio classics divisions to the independent film movement to the rise of the Weinsteins—is undeniable. Yet, mysteriously, Rugoff has become a virtually forgotten figure. The story is told through the eyes of former employee Ira Deutchman, who sets out to find the truth about the man who had such a major impact on his life, and to understand how such an important figure could have disappeared so completely.
This Week
From director Matt Johnson (Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie), starring Dominic Sessa (The Holdovers).
Showtimes
The new film from Coolidge Breakthrough Artist Award winner Jane Schoenbrun.
Showtimes
If poetry had a pop icon, Mary Oliver would be it.
Showtimes
A film by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, based on Honobu Yonezawa's novel.
Showtimes
The new film from filmmaker Christopher Nolan, starring Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Anne Hathaway.
Showtimes
From director Olivia Wilde and starring Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton.
Showtimes
A complex look at one of the greatest figures in 20th century classical music whose passion & creativity guided him well beyond the concert hall.
Showtimes
The new film from filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Oppenheimer, Inception).
Showtimes
Everyone’s favorite pitchman Ernest P. Worrell stars in his first feature film!
Showtimes
A Thrill-A-Minute Deal For A Million Dollars!
Showtimes
They had it all, they ran the show, and it was paradise...while it lasted.
Showtimes
In the Underworld, you never turn down a job.
Showtimes
New 4K restoration, with author Scott Heim in person!
Showtimes
Beyond the myth lies America's greatest betrayal.
Showtimes
Introduced by guests from The Theater Offensive!
Showtimes
© 2026 the Coolidge Theatre Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit cultural and charitable organization.
