The Frida Cinema

I was here to experience Neil Breen’s latest cinematic masterpiece, the first since the pandemic during the Thanksgiving weekend. I was in tears of laughter and felt more camaraderie from this screening than most others; this is why we celebrate the Breen. I also loved the beautiful artwork and ways that this cinema shares its use for the community. What a worthy nonprofit for artists and cinema fans alike! There’s a great bar with good food upstairs nearby for those who like to imbibe as well.

I love the Frida cinema, they show great movies we like to revisit once in a while. I was able to see "Tommy" as a tribute to Tina Turner in my mind. The staff was helpful with the condiments, the prices are very reasonable. I will continue to patronize this great theater.

Update: 11/10/23
Saw th new 4K version of the Talking Heads concert film "Stop Making Sense" tonight, the theater was packed and the place was hopping! The video and sound were incredible, people got up and were dancing in the aisles. It's so nice to have a local non-profit theater doing so well! I'll definitely be back.

I had such a delightful experience at this charming 2-theater art house! The staff were incredibly kind and welcoming, adding to the warm atmosphere. The tasteful decor added to the ambiance, making it a truly enjoyable space to be in. The space was very clean even the bathrooms were cleaner than most big chain theatres I've visited. I love that the Frida supports film students and independent filmmakers by renting out one of the theaters for them to showcase their art—it's such a wonderful way to nurture creativity and support the local community. I can't wait to visit again and continue supporting this gem of a theater!

The Frida Cinema is a great place to watch some old and new movies. We’ve also enjoyed the Tuesday’s at the Parklet series so much! Such an important way to reach out to the community via art and music.

Absolutely amazing experience! I came here this past Thursday evening for the Surprise Spielberg film. This was my first time here and I will definitely come back soon.
First of all , seeing a film in 16mm is a gift of it's own, but seeing at the Frida, is a double. I love art theaters, and sadly they are a dying breed. The service here is phenomenal.

The host, or curator of the film was fun to listen to. I need to say, it was fun being in a auditorium where people actually wanted to be there. I can't tell you how many times I've been to an AMC , and the spouse "tagged along". Everyone there that evening wanted to be there and was respectful.

Thank you for a good experience.

Loved the venue. Got that real vintage vibe that you don't get in the newer theater's. Can't wait to go back

The Frida is an absolute gem tucked into the center of Orange County. It is the only non-profit arthouse movie theater in the entire Orange County and has the most incredible monthly calendar of movies. I’ve been going here for over A DECADE and no place around can offer what The Frida offers.

They show a great mix of modern indie releases, cult classics, and films that their volunteers and supporting members ask to be played. What other theater do you know where you can simply ask them to play your favorite movie soon?

The cinema was very nice and served snacks and drinks. The restroom was very clean. Downtown Santa Ana was amazing with everything the city has done to modernize the area.

I live in Long Beach and this theater has such awesome film events that I make the drive as much as possible. Highly recommend checking out their movie marathons or double features as they are priced incredibly low and are such fun experiences. I would go more if I could!

Came here on August 5th for the 50th anniversary film showing of the iconic "Coffy" movie. Coffy is a 1973 American Blaxploitqtion film written and directed by Jack Hill. The story is about a black female vigilante played by the beautiful "Pam Grier" who seeks violent revenge against a heroin dealer responsible for her sister's addiction. This movie has an amazing soundtrack by the amazing musican "Roy Ayers". After the movie finished, we stuck around for a Q/A session with director Jack Hill. I got 2 posters signed by him and my pam grier coffy figurine signed. Thanks, Mr. Hill for the autographs. Thanks, Frida Cinema, for having us.

Very welcoming!! Excellent customer service!! Thank you Eddie for being so welcoming....hope to see your artwork 🎨 soon! Definitely recommend and will return 😊

Support your non-profit organizations

Always an amazing experience. They're hands down the best theater in Orange County. Highly recommended. Give them some love and go see your next movie there!

Such a great gem in Santa Ana. I've seen multiple films here and attended several film festivals on site. The theatre is clean and well maintenance, staff is friendly and concessions are excellent.

Local area is great for grabbing drinks or food before or after a show. Really nice nostalgic feel of cinema.

This is an Excellent Cinema with an incredible option of New and classic movies. Good food and a comfy space with an overall cool mood

We drove up from San Diego to see the T.S.O.L movie, Ignore Heroes. It was a rad, kitschy little theater. The staff were really friendly, and the concessions were reasonably priced. It was in a really cute part of town too

Wonderful Experience to watch an all Time Favorite, ALIENS and than a Q&A after the Movie with the One and Only Jenette Goldstein Also known as The BADASS PVT. VASQUEZ!!!!! WOW
Awesome Theater, will Diffinitely go Back and Please Support THE FRIDA...They will Diffinitely appreciate it!! Go check it out..

What a hidden gem! I love supporting small businesses and I had no idea that Frida Cinema existed. Plus, it’s OC’s only independent non-profit to support the cinema arts. No brainer! They have a snack stand as soon as you walk in which makes me feel like I’m traveling back in the day when the theatre set-ups we’re so simple. Order your snacks, purchase some gear… all of it. We watched a thriller form the 90’s, Donny Darko, and this was outside of the theatre on big screen. What an experience - I loved it. They even held a fundraiser where we donated money to enjoy the outdoor movie. I’d definitely continue to support Frida Cinema!

Oh! Parking was so simple as well. The theatre is next to a parking garage where your first hour is free. After that, it’s $1.50 per hour.

I did a Red Carpet setup for the Apex Predators 2 Film. Nice theater with a very friendly staff.

Had a nice comfortable experience.

Grew up here I. The early 90s anybody remember the arcade next door with. The super street fighter arcade?? Good neighborhood to grow up in !!

Great theater, I attended an autograph book signing for Don Coscarelli and they showed Phantasm. It was an awesome q&a with the writer and director, Don Coscarelli and with Reggie Banister.