About

For more than a century, this theater has been a cornerstone of the Great Northern Catskill community. It originally opened as the Nelida Theatre in 1888, drawing stars such as Jack Dempsey and Ethel Barrymore. The theater tragically burned down on January 1, 1917. But the community refused to let it fade into memory — neighbors came together, raised funds, and rebuilt it, reopening the doors in 1920.

After closing during the pandemic, we’re proud to share that the theater has been fully restored and reimagined once again. Thanks to a passionate team of local contractors, designers, and film lovers, this historic two-screen cinema is ready to welcome audiences back. With updated projection and sound, new bathrooms and concessions, and a refreshed design that honors its original charm, the space once again feels alive with the magic of movies.

Our organization, Community Presents, is a collaboration of film lovers, theater owners and community organizers — Greg Mills and Sydney Schutte, owners of the Hi-Way Drive-In, and Brian Whitney, founder of the Kingston Film Foundation. Together, we’re dedicated to continuing this theater’s legacy as a cultural hub and gathering place.

As a nonprofit cinema, our mission is to create a vibrant, inclusive space where film lovers of all ages can come together — not just to watch movies, but to connect, learn, and be inspired. We’ll do this by:

• Showcasing a diverse mix of first-run Hollywood, independent, classic, and international films
• Hosting filmmaker Q&As, educational programs, and community events
• Offering low-cost and free screenings for schools and underserved groups
• Supporting local artists and storytellers