At last, construction kicked off this month on the True West Film Center near the plaza, behind the old Bear Republic brewpub space — thanks in large part to an “anonymous donation” of $1 million to the cause, according to the Press Democrat. Healdsburg’s new, two-story movie theater downtown, which will show a mix of artsy and mainstream films on three screens, is reportedly now slated to open sometime next year.
“This is the start of more than just a movie theater — this is a revolution,” True West officials write on Facebook. “Together, we are building the new wave of cinema, preserving an art form, and changing the way communities engage with their art institutions.”
(FYI, True West used to be called AVFilm — and before that, it was known as the Alexander Valley Film Society. But the org got rid of its confusing acronym and changed its name earlier this year, on its 10th anniversary, to reflect its growth beyond the valley.)
Here’s the latest on the movie theater opening, via the Press Democrat:
Once it opens in 2025, the cinema will play first-run Hollywood films on two screens and local, art house films on the third screen “365 days a year,” [True West founder Kathryn Hecht] said. She plans on hosting events, Spanish language programming and birthday parties.
“People can get married here if they want to,” Hecht said. “We really want everyone to feel welcome here.”
And of course, the new theater will play host to her organization’s True West Film Festival, which includes 10 days of film, food, panels, parties and special events throughout Sonoma County, including Windsor, Cloverdale, Geyserville, Santa Rosa and Healdsburg.
The site, situated near the Saturday Healdsburg Certified Farmers’ Market, boasts a courtyard Hecht plans on using for outdoor films throughout the year.
“This will be another gathering place outside of the plaza,” Hecht said.
While she’s excited to bring a movie theater back to Healdsburg, Hecht’s spark really burns over True West Film’s media literacy education component.
The nonprofit partners with schools throughout Sonoma County to bring state-approved curriculum about media arts education to local students of all ages. It also hosts summer camps that allow students to explore the myriad experiences of filmmaking.
You can reach out to the True West team at [email protected] to schedule a tour of the film center site. And of course they’re always looking for more donations, if you feel so inspired.
