After what must surely be seen as too long since Healdsburg last had a cinema, the True West Film Center announced it will begin showing films on Friday, Oct. 17. Two new-release films will mark the film center’s debut: Academy Award-winner Katherine Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite and Luca Guadagnino’s After the Hunt.
A third premium new release film has also been announced–Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, which will be featured at the theater’s Grand Opening Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 25, following a VIP Preview on Friday, Oct. 24.
The cinemas are the focal point of the film center’s James Redford Campus located at 371 Healdsburg Ave. “We believe movies are meant to be experienced together, and our goal is to create a welcoming space where everyone can enjoy great films in comfort and style,” said Hillary Kambour, Chair of True West Film Center’s Board of Directors. “This grand opening marks the beginning of a new cultural hub in Healdsburg for North Bay audiences to enjoy cinema 365 days a year.”
The new venue comprises three theaters with a total of 102 seats and seven spaces for wheelchairs. The cinemas offer state-of-the-art theatrical exhibition, luxury seating, and a bespoke food and wine program featuring local providers. An additional multi-purpose space allows for independent screenings, private events, and community gatherings.
Under the leadership of Artistic Director John Cooper, the Cinemas at True West will offer studio films, repertory screenings, family programs, and community events aimed at expanding film culture beyond the screen.
Other films showing within the first month include Scarlett Johansson’s Eleanor the Great, and repertory screenings of Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds and Wes Craven’s Scream, and the Disney animated Coco. Tickets, showtimes, and more specific information about the cinema’s offerings will be available in early October.
The project is being funded through the Campaign to Open True West, a multi-year $5.6M capital campaign which has generated $4.75M to date and runs through December, 2026. Information at truewestfilmcenter.org.
