On October 10, Chatham’s 100-year-old Crandell Theatre will reopen. In its $4.2 million renovations it has a new director, look and upgraded infrastructure. The theatre is one of 54 historic single screen theaters in the United States.
Each fall the Crandell hosts “The Film Columbia Festival” which lasts ten days and features domestic and international films. The festival draws in film lovers, creators, and actors and will continue with public screenings after the festival on October 17th.
In 2026, the Crandell will officially celebrate its 100-year anniversary. Walter S. Crandell created the theatre we know today on his grandfather Solomon Crandell’s empty lot. The independent cinema hosts educational screenings, first-run films, and live events for all throughout the entire year.
The renovations have brought new seats, state-of-the-art sound system, ADA-accessible facilities, and a new cafe with a gathering space in the lobby. The goal of these renovations were to improve the experience while preserving its rich history.
Executive director Mirissa Neff brings the theater a passion for film and a well established community focus. Her family has been involved in Chatham for decades; she joined the board of directors when her documentary was in the Film Festival. Neff stated “The Crandell has long been the beloved cultural heart of Chatham and its environs,” “But our ambitious capital campaign, and the technological and aesthetic advances it has enabled, will allow us to do so much more. I look forward to mounting an inspiring programming slate that will enlighten and enliven our upstate community and motivate my neighbors and friends to revel in the singular experience that a night at The Crandell can provide.”
While updating and preserving the deep-rooted history the renovations include:
● State-of-the-art projection, lighting and sound
● A fully restored 1926 theater in the Spanish Renaissance style with restored original light fixtures and a section of original wood seats in the balcony
● 449 comfortable and spacious seats similar in aesthetic to their 1926 counterparts
● A digital marquee
● Expanded and ADA-compliant restrooms and accessible theater seats
● A new cafe offering cozy table seating, savory snacks, and beer and wine. Many concessions will be locally sourced.
The affordable local driven Crandell theatre as Chatham residents know it will still be the same as prices will not change. As of now the goal is to keep it that way allowing a wider range of film lovers to experience it.
Crandell Theatre Reopening Dates and Events
October 10, 2025
10 am: Ribbon Cutting and Media Tours. Reopening festivities will begin on Friday, October 10, with a 10 am ribbon cutting ceremony and media tour of the newly renovated Crandell Theatre. Tour guides will highlight the historic aspects of the theater that have been lovingly preserved, as well as the numerous technological advances that have been made.
11 am – 1 pm: Public Open House. The media event will be followed by a public open house until 1 pm.
6 pm: Capital Campaign Donors and Members Appreciation Reception. Later that evening, we will hold a thank-you reception for our donors and members.
October 17, 2025
FilmColumbia Opening Day. The Crandell will resume public film screenings on Friday, October 17, to coincide with the opening of the 25th Annual FilmColumbia festival.
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