Opened in 1922, the historic Clairidge began life as a single screen movie palace serving Montclair, NJ and film lovers from all over the tri-state area. Throughout the 20th century, The Clairidge was synonymous with an exceptional moviegoing experience for patrons, with a large screen (including years as one of NJ’s only Cinerama theaters) and ample seating.
As moviegoing trends changed and the film exhibition business shifted to meet patron demand, The Clairidge changed ownership frequently, moving to a three screen multiplex cinema in 1983, followed by an expansion to six screens in 1997, and a focus on independent, documentary, and foreign language films.
In June of 2021, after over a year of being closed, Montclair Film signed an agreement to take over the operation of The Clairidge and began remodeling the space, retaining the six theaters and a focus on the best in independent, documentary, foreign language, and restorations that patrons have come to expect from The Clairidge, and Montclair Film is committed to providing our patrons with an exceptional moviegoing experience.
Montclair Film opened The Clairidge again on October 22, 2021 for the 10th annual Montclair Film Festival, and began year-round film exhibition on Thursday, November 4, 2021. Montclair Film’s non-profit status is extended to its operation of The Clairidge, allowing the public to donate to become members of Montclair Film and receive year-round ticketing discounts, early access to tickets to the Montclair Film Festival, special member preview events and more.
To become a member and support our work with The Clairidge and Montclair Film, please click HERE