Austin Film Society Opens New Theater in North Austin
The 169-seat John H. McCall Theater at The Linc features 4K projection and 7.1 surround sound.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Arthouse
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Moviegoers in north Austin can now visit a new theater at the Austin Film Society’s facility. The nonprofit recently opened its third screen, the John H. McCall Theater, at its hub in The Linc.
Why it matters
The expansion arrives as the national footprint for art house and repertory cinemas has shrunk by roughly 35% since 2010. By adding this new venue, the Austin Film Society looks to bolster its screening capacity and expand its film programming.
The new 169-seat McCall Theater joins two existing screens, representing a 35% decline in national art house cinema counts since 2010 versus the local expansion.
The players
Austin Film Society
A nonprofit organization that operates a cinema and promotes the local film culture.
John H. McCall
A film supporter and 2018 Texas Film Hall of Fame inductee who passed away in 2021.
Amy McCall
A donor who provided funding to support the expansion of the nonprofit theater facility.
The details
Named after the late Texas Film Hall of Fame inductee John H. McCall, the theater was completed with a donation from Amy McCall. The space is equipped with 4K digital laser projection and 7.1 surround sound to support the facility's mission. The nonprofit renovated existing space to integrate the theater, which will host its first premiere for the film PAPER TIGER on October 27, 2026.
Timeline
October 24, 2026: The John H. McCall Theater officially opened to the public.
October 27, 2026: The theater will host the premiere of the film PAPER TIGER.
The Texas Context
This addition bucks a broader national trend where art house and repertory cinemas have seen a 35% decline since 2010. The opening marks a significant reinvestment in the local film community against a backdrop of shrinking independent screens nationwide.
Visitors to The Linc can now book tickets for screenings in the 169-seat theater beginning immediately. The added screen increases the facility’s overall capacity, giving residents more options for upcoming repertory and premiere programming.
The takeaway
Locals should watch the Austin Film Society event calendar to see how the new theater capacity changes the variety of film titles brought to town. Consider checking the schedule online to book seats for the PAPER TIGER premiere on October 27.
What happens next
The Austin Film Society will host the premiere of the film PAPER TIGER in the new McCall Theater on October 27, 2026.
Further reading
Find more coverage of the independent film scene in Arthouse.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KXAN.
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