West Orange Classic Film Festival Returns for 20th Anniversary with Iconic Screenings and Insightful Discussions

West Orange is once again embracing its cinematic legacy as the Classic Film Festival kicks off its 20th season, offering a carefully curated lineup of timeless films, star-studded features, and lively discussions. Running from January 25 through March 15, 2026, the Festival combines entertainment with education, inviting audiences to experience the magic of classic cinema alongside expert commentary and interactive post-screening conversations. The event is a collaboration between the West Orange Arts Council and the West Orange Recreation Department, with support from the New Jersey Film and Television Commission.

Screenings are scheduled for Sundays at 2:00 p.m. at the AMC DINE-IN Theater in the Essex Green Town Center at 495 Prospect Avenue, West Orange, New Jersey. Attendees can expect introductions and Q&A sessions led by a distinguished roster of guest speakers, including actors, filmmakers, authors, film historians, and educators, providing rare insight into the artistry, historical context, and cultural relevance of each selection.

Festival founder emeritus Ken Mandel emphasizes the unique connection to West Orange’s cinematic roots: “This festival celebrates our rich film history, from Thomas Edison’s groundbreaking contributions to motion picture technology to the iconic Black Maria studio, giving film lovers a chance to explore and honor this legacy.”

The 2026 lineup pays tribute to legendary performers such as Robert Redford and Diane Keaton, while also showcasing the work of filmmaker John Sayles, whose films reflect a deep connection to New Jersey and New York. The selections span a variety of genres and themes, balancing entertainment with meaningful commentary on social, political, and cultural issues.

Paul Castiglia, Festival volunteer, emcee, and guest speaker, notes, “While these films entertain, they also reveal larger societal questions—class struggles, political intrigue, and the human cost of conflict are all subtly interwoven into the narratives.” Highlights include the romantic and cultural conflicts in Annie Hall and It Happened One Night, the imaginative yet wartime-focused storytelling in The Secret of Roan Inish and Cinema Paradiso, and the exploration of racial inequality in The Brother from Another Planet. The Festival also examines institutional paranoia in films like Three Days of the Condor, offering a mix of reflection and engagement for audiences.

The season concludes on March 15 with a screening titled Politics Schmolitics, featuring classic comedic shorts, trailers, and cartoons that lampoon elections, espionage, and political scandals. Laurel & Hardy, Betty Boop, The Little Rascals, Daffy Duck, and The Three Stooges are among the featured icons, providing both laughs and commentary on the human condition.

Esteemed speakers for this year’s festival include Festival founder Joyce Weisinger Kaffel, Stuart Weinstock, director of the New Jersey Jewish Film Festival, and Gerard Amsellem, a foreign film expert. They are joined by film historian John Chasse and pop culture writer Paul Castiglia. Actor Alvin Alexis serves as the guest speaker of honor, introducing and discussing The Brother from Another Planet on February 1. Alexis, known for his work in The Wiz and stage productions, shares his experiences to inspire aspiring actors and filmmakers, bridging the gap between classic cinema and modern performance.

For those who love film and storytelling, the West Orange Classic Film Festival is more than a movie screening—it is an immersive cultural experience. Tickets are $13 per movie, giving attendees a full afternoon of entertainment, education, and the chance to enjoy classics as they were meant to be seen—on the big screen. For more details on this and other local cinematic events, visit our film festivals section to explore upcoming opportunities to engage with New Jersey’s vibrant film community.