Last week, the Carole Zabar Center for Film at the Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan reopened for the first time since the Omicron variant hit, with a screening of the film Breaking Bread.
The theater closed its doors when the pandemic first hit, at which point a full renovation began. The work has now been complete.
“I had a very moving moment when I took the stage to welcome the audience back at our first screenings,” said Isaac Zablocki, Senior Director of Film Programs and Israel Film Center. “I was interrupted by a spontaneous eruption of applause from the audience. They were so happy and grateful to be back in the communal experience of film watching. There is no lack of access to films at home on great home entertainment systems… but nothing can replace seeing a movie as a community. Experiencing something all at the same time, laughing together, crying together… it’s infectious… The good kind!”
Isaac also tells us he hosted a group of JCC pre-schoolers at the theater last week, and for many of them, it was the first time they’ve gotten to see a movie in a theater. “I hope this leads to a new generation of love of the theatrical experience and keeps the communal movie experience alive!”
Learn more about the Carole Zabar Center for Film here.
