Listen: The Belcourt Theatre’s secret to success is good conversation

The Belcourt Theatre has staying power. But while the Hillsboro Village mainstay just celebrated its 100-year anniversary, it hasn’t been an easy road to get there.

Just a couple years after it opened as a silent movie theater in 1925, it stopped playing movies and became a community theatre. In 1999 it actually did close. But in the last decade, the theatre figured out it’s identity as an arthouse cinema. Films are introduced by community members, celebrity pop-ins are frequent and conversations with strangers are encouraged. It’s a great hang.

The Belcourt has become a perfect “third place.” It’s a space outside of home or work where people gather and share. The people who come to the Belcourt appreciate art. After a movie ends, in the narrow lobby, or just outside the main entrance, arguments can break out about European directors who made atmospheric dramas in the 70’s. Patrons who just saw a movie might have a push and pull about core themes, or the funniest lines might be repeated just outside the doors.

“It’s a place where you can have a conversation about difficult feelings. I appreciate that,” Belcourt front of house systems and operation manager Anthony Fiorenzo, said.

Staff like Fiorenzo bring character and authenticity to the Belcourt. They love movies too. At the opening of the movie “Friendship,” featured in the audio piece above, Belcourt projectionist Grant Warner Lowe is caught sneaking into the theater on his off day just to catch a movie.

The atmosphere at the Belcourt on any night of the week can be magic. Press play and go inside of the Belcourt Theatre for a night.