The Belcourt Theatre Reopens With a Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

On Friday morning, after more than six months of renovations — outlined in detail in this week’s cover story — beloved local nonprofit arthouse The Belcourt Theatre officially reopened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. 

Present at the event were officials including Rep. Jim Cooper, State Sen. Jeff Yarbro, State Sen. Thelma Harper and Mayor Megan Barry — the latter of whom referred to The Belcourt as her “favorite place” when she spoke with the Scene for the aforementioned cover story, and who addressed the crowd at the ceremony, calling the cinema "one of our city's cultural treasures."

"There were times when The Belcourt could've faded away," said Barry. "But its friends and its fans would not let it die. And now we get to celebrate what Nashville can do when we grow and embrace change, but also remember our history."

“After six months of protecting and preserving our wonderful but aging theater,” said Belcourt executive director Stephanie Silverman, who also spoke at the ceremony, “we can’t wait to throw these doors open and fill the lobby, the seats and even our restrooms with the people of this community.”

Silverman's line about the restrooms was met with a laugh from the crowd — as any Belcourt patron knows, the building’s facilities have been severely lacking for decades.

Silverman highlighted The Belcourt’s new Manzler-Webb Screening Room and the Jackson Education and Engagement Space, pointing out that the theater's tag line — once "Nashville's nonprofit cinema" — is now "Nashville's nonprofit film center." She thanked the community, donors and patrons for supporting the theater over the years, as well as Julia Sutherland, co-founder of the Belcourt YES! group, and late Scene editor Jim Ridley, a longtime Belcourt champion and patron who died in April, and for whom the cinema's new lobby is named.

"Jim's death this year was a horrible loss for our city," said Barry before joining in on the cutting of the ribbon, or rather, strip of 35-millimeter film. "But I am so pleased that The Belcourt's new lobby is named after him."

The Belcourt is still accepting donations for the renovation efforts, working toward its $5 million goal. For tickets and showtimes, check out The Belcourt's site.