Saturday, November 14 from 2p – 6p, GIVE THANKS for cinema at The Byrd Theatre! We’ve worked hard to arrange a very special, free event that celebrates the Byrd and pays tribute to everyone’s favorite art form to watch, cinema.
The Byrd opened its doors in 1928, at the height of popularity for silent pictures, but on the cusp of new “Talkies.” To accommodate both film types, The Byrd was actually the first cinema in Richmond to open with both a theatre organ and sound system.
At 2 pm join Byrd staff and board members to tour the movie theatre and revisit that history. Foundation board members will be there to share exciting details about future plans at the Byrd, for all who are interested in knowing more or getting involved.
At 3:30 pm, we honor early cinema featuring silent classics by George Méliès, the inventor of movie magic, special effects and on-screen science fiction. Included in the lineup of shorts is the first science fiction film, A Trip to the Moon. As a modern twist on our typical musical accompaniment, local duo Lobo Marino will soundtrack the films with their quirky world fused folk music.
At 4:30 pm, watch The Byrd’s own documentary narrative, by French filmmaker Jean Achache, premiering only earlier this year at the French Film Festival. Check out a Q&A with the director about his film.
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Regular concessions will be available and the Foundation will have Center Of The Universe beers on site. This event is free and open to the public of all ages.
After eighty seven years the city’s love for The Byrd theatre is still going strong. On November 14th we hope to celebrate the past, present, and future of this historic landmark movie palace. It’s a great opportunity to give thanks, RVA!
