Montclair Nonprofit Announces Plan To Reopen Clairidge Theater

MONTCLAIR, NJ — For the next several years, the nonprofit behind the Montclair Film Festival will have a big footprint at one of the town’s most beloved arts venues, it says.

On Monday, Montclair Film announced that it signed a long-term agreement to operate the Clairidge Cinemas, a six-screen movie theater located at 486 Bloomfield Avenue in downtown Montclair.

“The agreement was signed today by Montclair Film @ The Clairidge LLC, a single-member, nonprofit LLC wholly owned by Montclair Film, and Dick Grabowsky, owner of the Hinck Building in which the Clairidge Cinemas operate,” the nonprofit stated.

There’s also a big facelift on the horizon for the venue.

Montclair Film has enlisted architect Rachael Grochowski of RHG Architecture+Design to “reimagine” the 12,700 square-foot facility, with the goal of creating a “safe, welcoming, inclusive and contemporary cinema.” Mulvey Custom Contracting will perform the renovations.

“Montclair Film will be working with its design and renovations teams to ensure that COVID-19 protocols for audience and staff safety will be cornerstones of the reopening,” the nonprofit said.

The news got a big thumbs up from Evelyn Colbert, president of Montclair Film’s board of trustees, who has been a big supporter of the organization’s annual film festival along with her husband, Stephen Colbert.

“As our organization has planned for the future, we’ve been careful to approach each new opportunity strategically and responsibly,” Colbert said. “With its strong tradition of showcasing high-quality films, the chance to reopen the Clairidge is an excellent fit for Montclair Film. We look forward to welcoming our community to a revitalized Clairidge in the fall.”

According to Montclair Film:

“Once reopened, the Clairidge Cinemas will continue to showcase a diverse range of independent, non-fiction, and international films that have been at the center of Montclair Film’s programming since its inception in 2011; the same values upon which the Clairidge Cinemas have built their long-standing reputation among audiences, film distributors, and filmmakers. Additionally, Montclair Film will utilize the Clairidge Cinemas to continue to host screenings, conversations, and educational programs with partners, non-profits, and other organizations throughout the community.”

Renovations are scheduled to be completed by October, with a grand opening scheduled for the 10th annual Montclair Film Festival from Oct. 21 to 30.

Local developer Dick Grabowsky, another supporter of the festival, said he was “thrilled to merge this historic movie house with Montclair Film’s forward-thinking programming.”

“How wonderful to give this gem a whole new chapter, and continue its tradition of independent film, a cornerstone of Montclair for so many decades,” Grabowsky said.

“We believe in the power and importance of the shared cinematic experience to bring people together,” Montclair Film Executive Director Tom Hall said. “The opportunity to work with filmmakers and distributors will ensure that theatrical moviegoing remains a central part of our community’s rich cultural life, and is the core of Montclair Film’s mission.”

“We look forward to continuing to build a bright future for cinema as our organization enters its next phase of growth,” Hall added.

• See related article: Plans To Revive Beloved Montclair Movie Theater Back On Track

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