The new reclinable chairs at Sun-Ray. Credit: Photo via Sun-Ray Cinema/Facebook
After building a loyal following in Jacksonville, Sun-Ray Cinema opened at Tampa’s University Mall last fall and has been building a new contingent of followers ever since.

While Sun-Ray—located at 12332 University Mall Ct.—focuses on independent films, it does show big studio films, too (not many places you can choose between “No Other Land” and the new “Snow White”). And now the company wants to let you see a movie there for free, but there’s a catch.

For a limited time, Sun-Ray Cinema will buy entrance for a moviegoer who brings in a recent ticket stub from AMC Veterans 24, located at 9302 Anderson Rd. The theater’s special events are not included.

Sun-Ray Cinema really is unique in the Bay area. There are 10-screens, an extensive handcrafted menu, different popcorn flavors, beer, wine and even a photo booth. “Tapped Out Tuesdays” feature recession-buster prices ($5 movies all day). There’s also covered parking if you enter from Fowler Avenue.

The cinema has also been slowing renovating each of the site’s theaters, adding new recliners and arm rests.  As previously reported, part of Sun-Ray’s arrival at the University Mall includes new 16mm projectors (installed now, with 35mm and 70mm projectors soon to follow).

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This article appears in Mar 20-26, 2025.

Read his 2016 intro letter and disclosures from 2022 and 2021. Ray Roa started freelancing for Creative Loafing Tampa in January 2011 and was hired as music editor in August 2016. He became Editor-In-Chief...