MONTCLAIR, NJ — Montclair Film, New Jersey’s leading film non-profit, officially reopened The Bellevue Theatre with a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 29, 2025 and announced the public launch of a $1 million Capital Campaign to sustain the ongoing operations and maintenance of the theater. Closed since 2017, Montclair Film now restores nearly a century of moviegoing tradition and reaffirming The Bellevue’s vital place in the cultural life of the community.
Screenings took place during the 14th Annual Montclair Film Festival kicking off with a special screening of THE SOUND OF MUSIC on October 18, and continuing with screenings and Q&As through the festival’s ten days. The theater will reopen for regular operations on October 31, 2025 with screenings of the films BUGONIA, BLUE MOON, and STITCH HEAD along with special Halloween screenings of NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD and TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE.
Montclair Film’s Executive Director, Tricia Haggerty Wenz, announced the launch of a $1 million capital campaign to revitalize the Bellevue— restoring its beauty, updating its technology, and reimagining it as a vibrant center for film, performance, and community events.
The campaign is already on its way. On Sept. 28, just 6 weeks ago, Montclair Film was presented with a Challenge Grant of $200,000, from two anonymous donors, which needed to be matched by October 31. Montclair Film has met that challenge. Thanks to the incredible generosity of 42 early donors and community partners, they have already raised $625,858 toward their goal!
Haggerty Wenz stated, “The reopening of The Bellevue represents both a restoration of history and an investment in the future of Montclair’s film culture. We’re thrilled to welcome audiences back and deeply grateful to the donors who have already helped us raise $625,000 toward our $1 million goal.”
The public phase of the campaign invites Montclair Film members, local businesses, community
members and film lovers to join in supporting The Bellevue Theatre’s next chapter.
“It’s been remarkable and so moving to see so many people walk into The Bellevue with big smiles after years of its closure. Our festival screenings have been sold out, showing us just how deeply this theater is loved. We’re grateful to the many donors and members who have already contributed and encourage everyone to help sustain this beloved neighborhood cinema,” said Evelyn McGee Colbert, President of the Montclair Film Board of Trustees.
You can help support the Campaign for The Bellevue. Click below for more information on naming opportunities and our Take a Seat Campaign.
Support The Bellevue Theatre
About The Bellevue Theater
Designed by architect J.H. Phillips, The Bellevue Theater has been a Montclair landmark since
opening its doors on May 13, 1922. For nearly a century, it served as a gathering place where
generations experienced first dates, birthday parties, and life-changing films. When the theater
closed in 2017, it marked the end of 95 years of moviegoing tradition. Now, under the
stewardship of Montclair Film, The Bellevue joins The Clairidge—the organization’s six-screen
nonprofit cinema—and Cinema505, Montclair Film’s microcinema and event space, ensuring
that this historic venue continues to thrive as a cornerstone of community and culture.