ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Little Theatre on East Avenue, one of the oldest independent movie theaters in the country, turns 95 on Thursday.

The Little survived the Great Depression, a world war, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, the nonprofit theater is celebrating by screening a film from each decade of its existence.

The “95 Years of The Little” series aims to highlight the theater’s commitment to screening thought-provoking independent, international, and classic films. The Little kicked the series off with two screenings of the 1929 silent film “Pandora’s Box”.

The Little was founded in response to mass production and mass marketing in the entertainment industry — and those darn talking pictures that were gaining popularity. Now, 95 years later, the theater is still screening alternative firms.

“It’s really such a huge accomplishment to be around 95 years and I think that’s a testament to the film community here in Rochester,” said Scott Pukos, director of communications at The Little. “Such a passionate educated film base and I think there’s a lot of history here as well. So, I really think that’s just a testament to the history here in the community and we’re ready to celebrate.”

Having just completed some major restorations in the past few years, The Little isn’t going anywhere, as long as there are film buffs around to support it. The Little is on the National Register of Historic Places.

To celebrate its birthday, there will be a party for members only on Thursday with free popcorn, cake, and two screenings of “Life Itself”, a 2014 documentary about legendary film critic Roger Ebert.

The Little has announced the films in its anniversary series from the 1930s to the 1970s and will announce films spanning the rest of the decades later. You can get tickets here. Here’s the lineup so far: 

• “The Thin Man” (1934) on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 3 p.m: A comedic murder-mystery about a husband and wife detective team that takes on the search for a missing inventor. General admission is $9.

• “Late Spring” (1949) on Sunday, Nov. 24 at 7 p.m.: Yasujirō Ozu’s 1949 drama from Japan, involving a father’s desire to marry off his 27-year-old daughter. General admission is $12.

• “The Music Room” (1958) on Monday, Dec. 16 at 7 p.m.: Satyajit Ray’s drama depicts the end days of a decadent landlord in Bengal. General admission is $9.

• “Cléo from 5 to 7” (1962) on Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 7 p.m.: Cléo, a singer and hypochondriac, becomes increasingly worried that she might have cancer while awaiting test results from her doctor. General admission is $12.

• “The Last Waltz” (1978) on Saturday, February 8 at 7 p.m.: Directed by Martin Scorsese, this farewell performance of The Band features Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, Muddy Waters, and Neil Young. General admission is $12.