Mayor Sokolich: Honoring the birthplace of American film in Fort Lee
The Big Idea:
● A new non-profit community theater and museum honoring the history – and future – of film in Fort Lee opened last year.
● The Barrymore Film Center hosts major film retrospectives, an annual silent film event, film festivals, foreign film screenings, and showcases for emerging filmmakers.
● In addition to drawing tourists and boosting Fort Lee’s economy, the theater pays homage to the borough’s role as the first American film town in the U.S. in the early 1900s.
Background:
● For years, Fort Lee historians and film lovers have wanted a way to more broadly recognize and showcase the cinematic history of the town. Under Mayor Mark Sokolich’s leadership, the new, $16 million film center will do that and much more, including providing training for young filmmakers.
● The theater is named after the Barrymores, an influential family of actors in the U.S. who were active in Fort Lee cinema during that time.
● Mayor Mark Sokolich, along with Council President Paul Yoon and Councilmember Ila Kasofsky, have also worked to improve communication with residents, so they can more directly access city services and engage with their local government, and build community gardens in densely populated neighborhoods.
Fun Fact:
Fort Lee was home to 17 film studios including Fox Film Corporation, the Goldwyn Picture Corporation, Éclair Studios, and the Solax Company.
Their Take:
Mayor Mark Sokolich
"I never get into these things unless I know I have the people who are committed and passionate about them. And with this theater, we have some incredibly passionate people. It’s an honor to help create jobs and boost our local economy through the construction of the Barrymore Film Center, while also celebrating the critical role our town has played in the history of American cinema.”
“The Barrymore Film Center is a gift to the community. We can now experience the joy of going to the movies. Thank you.”
Barrymore Auditorium
