Most people know of Malverne because of Malverne Cinema, a unique movie theater that showcases mostly independent flicks.

They may not know that this place actually has five theaters and a new attitude. It was a clear choice for my latest journey.

Owned by Anne and Henry Stampfel, this quaint local landmark has been around for as long as I can remember. (It's also the very same place that debuted my first short film ironically titled “Journey to the Strip Mall.” )  My film was featured as part of the Long Island International Film Expo, which is now held at the couple’s other theater in Bellmore.

Taking a journey to this cinema in Malverne has long been on my list of things to do (next to world domination and finding a quiet place to watch episodes of “Legend of the Seeker” on my laptop).  

Henry was on hand for this episode, happily taking me around the theater and discussing the finer details of independent filmmaking and all of the challenges that these people must go through. This theater has long been a champion of indie and foreign films, something that is very rare in Nassau County. 

The Malverne Cinema and Art Center has the feel of the movie theaters you remember as a kid. This isn’t a cookie-cutter multiplex, where you have to put a down payment on Milk Duds or suit up for a Super-Mega-Smellarama-Feel-O-Vision-IMAX experience.  This is a place to find those hard-to-see films that people are talking about and just enjoy the show. (Don't take my word for it though. Watch the preview video above, featuring a brief interview with the cinema's resident candy lady.)

So what are the challenges of indie filmmakers and what do you need to know about this theater that means so much to the community?

Check out “Journey to the Malverne Cinema and Art Center" when it comes to a Patch near you on Wednesday at 11 a.m. (Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have to go tell somebody to turn off their darn cellphone so I can watch this movie!)