“French Exit,” “Nomadland,” Oscar Shorts, And “Wolfwalkers” Among First Films Open To The Public At Newly Renovated Sag Harbor Cinema

More than four years after a fire caused devastating damage to the Sag Harbor Cinema (SHC), the renovated theater will finally open its doors to the public this spring. A soft re-opening will be held on Friday, April 9.

“It’s been a long and challenging road to get to this moment,” reflected SHC capital campaign chair April Gornik. “But at long last, we are thrilled to be able to open our doors to Sag Harbor and the East End, to welcome you back to your brand new cinema – masked and distanced, of course.”

The new facility features a trio of state-of-the-art screens with cutting-edge digital projection, a top sound-reproduction system, industry-leading HVAC and air-sanitizing systems, as well as a cafe, a lounge, and additional spaces open to the community.

Of course, the focus will be on the screenings. “We believe the theatrical experience makes a difference,” said SHC Artistic Director Giulia D’Agnolo Vallan. “Which is why in addition to some exciting first runs and special events, in the next few weeks, we will be presenting outstanding titles of the Award season that, due to Covid, could not be shown in cinemas, but deserve to be seen on the big screen.”

The Cinema’s debut onsite programming will kick-off with Azazel Jacobs’ French Exit, starring Michelle Pfeiffer and Lucas Hedges. Starting on Friday, April 9, viewings of the film will be held daily at 4:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Jacobs will take part in a post screening Q&A via Zoom on Saturday, April 10, following the second screening.

Opening weekend will also highlight Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland. The award-winning festival-favorite and Oscar frontrunner stars Frances McDormand. It will also screen daily starting Friday, April 9. Oscar Shorts, including three full-length programs of the animated, live action, and documentary shorts, can also be seen daily.

There will also be matinee screenings of Tomm Moore’s Wolfwalkers. Viewings of the animated, Academy Award nominated film will be held on Saturday, April 9 and Sunday, April 10 at 1:00 p.m.

The Cinema’s Covid Safety Protocols, which are in adherence of the National Association of Theater Owners’ CinemaSafe guidelines, include pre-reserved, socially distanced seating, movie-goers must don a mask in the cinema, and non-recirculatory audience flow.

“Pod Screenings” are also available in the screening room. A group of up to ten may reserve the entire space where they can screen any of SHC’s film programs. The screening room is sterilized after every “pod screening.”

The Sag Harbor Cinema will host an official Grand Opening celebration over Memorial Day Weekend.

Sag Harbor Cinema is located at 90 Main Street in Sag Harbor. For more information, visit www.sagharborcinema.org.