(Left to right) Angela Matusik, co-founder of the Maplewood Film Society; Mayor Vic De Luca; student filmmaker Roman Boghosian; Christopher Cassidy, founder of the South Mountain Film Academy; student filmmakers Ezra Attar, Oliver Choy, Jacob Cohan, Lydia Kielich, Phoebe Gongloff, Maeve Cope, Izzy Barmas; Deputy Mayor Malia Herman and Amir Rahim, Director of the South Mountain Film Academy. Photo by Chad Hunt
(MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The student-produced documentary "The Maplewood Theater: The Show Must Go On" premiered at the Maplewood Memorial Library on September 23, 2026. Created by middle-school students from the South Mountain Film Academy (SMFA) winter cohort, the 15-minute documentary chronicles the cinema's nearly 100-year history, the community impact of its pandemic-related closure, and the grassroots efforts that secured its revival.
The evening drew a standing-room-only crowd to the Maplewood Memorial Library's community room, including local residents, families and community leaders Mayor Vic De Luca, Deputy Mayor Malia Herman, and Angela Matusik from the Maplewood Film Society.
During the event, the young filmmakers participated in a panel discussion and Q&A, sharing insights into their hands-on work, historical research, and production techniques. Several students noted that the project inspired them to pursue acting, directing, and TV production studies in high school. In answering audience members' questions, the mayor and the film society shared that the theater is continuing ongoing renovations, highlighting their shared hope that it will reopen for its 100th anniversary in 2027.
“A JOYFUL, EBULLIENT ANTIDOTE TO REALITY!” — Rolling Stone
Pictured: Ailey II’s Adanna Smalls and Eric J. Vidaña. Photo by Nir Arieli.
Celebrate back-to-school season with a magical Kids Night Out inspired by Matilda! Kids will enjoy themed crafts, exciting games, pizza, drinks, snacks, and fun activities that spark imagination.
The iconic British reggae band performs classics (“Red Red Wine,” “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You,” “The Way You Do the Things You Do”) alongside brand-new tracks from their new studio album.
Created by Carl Palmer and his management, the tour is presented with the full cooperation of the Estates of Keith Emerson and Greg Lake. This is not a tribute act – This is the real thing.
