From the South Mountain Film Academy:
The South Mountain Film Academy (SMFA), in partnership with the Maplewood Memorial Library, on Wednesday will premier The Maplewood Theater: The Show Must Go On, a 15-minute documentary filmed and produced by local middle school students. The short film explores the history of Maplewood’s nearly 100-year-old theater, the venue’s role in the community and residents’ excitement about the plans to reopen – just in time for the centennial.
The free community screening will start at 6 p.m. at the Maplewood Memorial Library, with a panel discussion and Q&A session with SMFA founder Christopher Cassidy and the student filmmakers will follow.
The documentary captures a seminal moment in Maplewood history, a town many entertainment industry professionals call home. Since the theater shuttered in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, residents wondered about the future of the beloved local landmark. While the Maplewood Film Society hosted local pop-up screenings to advocate for the space, the theater’s long-term fate remained highly uncertain until recently.
Through interviews with local historians and town leaders, the student filmmakers trace the theater’s incredible journey since opening on March 15, 1927. Along the way, they uncovered little-known facts and anecdotes, rarely seen historic images and a unique collection of community voices that bring the theater’s history to life.
“These young filmmakers have made a valentine to our beloved historic theater, and we’re so grateful. It’s a powerful reminder of the history of the Maplewood Movie Theater and what it means to the community,” said Angela Matusik, co-founder of the Maplewood Film Society, a non profit dedicated to bringing cinematic experiences to Maplewood. “Not only are longtime residents eager to see it re-open, but there’s a whole new generation who can’t wait to go to the movies right here in town.”
The project served as the culmination of SMFA’s Winter 2026 Documentary course, a hands-on, 10-week program for middle school students. Throughout the semester, the young creators stepped into the roles of professional documentarians, brainstorming concepts, researching local history, conducting interviews, and operating professional camera and sound equipment.
“Watching these young filmmakers capture the living history of our town was incredibly inspiring,” said Cassidy. “They stepped behind the lens with immense curiosity and empathy to interview local leaders and preservationists. They aren’t just learning how to frame a shot; they are discovering how to use film to connect their community to its own heritage at a moment when New Jersey’s film industry is seeing an unprecedented renaissance.”
For the student filmmakers, the project provided an opportunity to develop technical skills while learning the fundamentals of professional storytelling.
“Our class was only 10 weeks but, in that time, we really came together,” said Maeve Cope, a then 8th-grader who worked on the project. “There was such a fun and supportive environment during class. I was able to speak and share my ideas freely without having to worry about what everyone else would think. Everyone played a role in making this film – I’m really proud of what we created together.”
Following the screening, Cassidy and the student filmmakers will discuss their experience making the documentary and what they learned about the creative process. The group will also address New Jersey’s growing movie industry and the career opportunities it may provide, before opening the floor to an audience Q&A. Members of the Maplewood Film Society will be in attendance to answer any theater-related questions.
For more information on the screening, visit the Maplewood Memorial Library. For more information on the South Mountain Film Academy visit the academy’s website.
The historic Maplewood Theater back in the day. (credit cinematreasures.org)
