Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center
1118 4th Street, San Rafael, CA 94901
Open · verified by Lumina November 2026
A film center in downtown San Rafael run by the California Film Institute. It mixes new independent releases with documentaries, talk-back screenings and stage-to-screen broadcasts of ballet and theater.
Quick facts
- Type
- Art house, Nonprofit
- Address
- 1118 4th Street, San Rafael, CA 94901
- Phone
- (415) 454-1222
What to expect
On screen
- New independent releases
- Documentaries
- Special events
Good to know
- What kind of films does the Rafael Film Center show?
- Current independent and international releases, documentaries, screenings followed by conversations, and filmed stage productions such as ballet.
- Are there free screenings?
- The listings include a free awards-season screening series in early November, with titles announced on the showtimes page.
- How do I get showtime information by phone?
- The showtime info line is (415) 454-1222.
- Where is Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center?
- Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center is at 1118 4th Street, San Rafael, CA 94901. Phone: (415) 454-1222.
- Is Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center open?
- Yes. Lumina verified Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center as open in November 2026. Check the theater's showtimes for today's schedule.
- What independent theaters are near Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center?
- Lark Theater in Larkspur (2.5 mi), Presidio Theatre in San Francisco (13 mi), and Marina Theater in San Francisco (13 mi).
- Lark TheaterPresidio TheatreMarina Theater
Getting there
1118 4th Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 · Get directions · Map © OpenStreetMap contributors
Independent cinemas near Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center
Lark Theater
Larkspur, CA · 2.5 mi
A community-run Art Deco theater in downtown Larkspur that pairs limited-run and indie films with filmed opera and theater, family matinees, classic revivals and live jazz.
Presidio Theatre
San Francisco, CA · 13 mi
A Chestnut Street neighborhood theater in the Marina District, run by Lee Neighborhood Theatres. It shows a rotating slate of independent films, a documentary and the occasional classic alongside bigger releases.
Marina Theater
San Francisco, CA · 13 mi
A Chestnut Street neighborhood theater in the Marina, run by Lee Neighborhood Theatres, showing a small rotating selection of current films and occasional special screenings with Q&As.
4-Star Theatre
San Francisco, CA · 13 mi
A 1913 Richmond District neighborhood theater run by a nonprofit and known for repertory and cult screenings, such as Willy Wonka, Brazil and a local film club.
Balboa Theatre
San Francisco, CA · 14 mi
A 1926 Outer Richmond neighborhood theater run by a nonprofit, with a nightly mix of repertory and cult films, some on 35mm, and themed events like live drag screenings.
Castro Theatre
San Francisco, CA · 15 mi
San Francisco's 1922 landmark movie palace, reopened in 2026 after a $41 million renovation. It now books concerts and comedy alongside film events, and hosts the SF Silent Film Festival.
More art house cinemas in California
Pacific Film Archive
Berkeley, CA
The film program of the Berkeley Art Museum, with retrospectives, restored classics and international cinema on a university-run schedule. Members get half-price tickets, and the 232-seat theater sits in a 2016 building on Center Street.
Lumiere Cinema
Beverly Hills, CA
A Beverly Hills art-house cinema on Wilshire Boulevard that bills itself as the city's only one. It plays independent films with filmmaker Q&As and hosts a monthly open screen for short films.
Laemmle Town Center 5
Encino, CA
A five-screen Encino cinema run by the family-owned Laemmle chain, which has operated in Los Angeles since 1938. It plays new independent, foreign and documentary releases.
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