The historic 95-year-old Westwood Village Theatre is reopening — sort of — but in a big way.
The venue, which is operated by the American Cinematheque and the Jason Reitman-led Village Directors Circle, will hold the premiere of Paramount’s James Cameron-directed concert pic Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) on May 6.
Dolby already has fully refurbished the Village Theatre’s projection booth for the premiere, ensuring the one‑night‑only event is presented at the highest technical standard, including immersive 3D. The premiere is one of a limited number of events this summer to support the 12-month restoration and renovation that will begin in the fall.
“I have known the Village Theatre in Westwood as an iconic picture palace since before I started directing, back in the Cretaceous,” Cameron said. “It is moving, to me, to know that Billie and I are premiering our new film, in 2026, at a theater that has so much meaning to L.A.’s cinematic history. It’s also uplifting that friends of the Village Theatre have banded together to protect and preserve it, in an age when our dream of cinema itself is at risk.”
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Said Eilish: “Premiering this movie at the legendary Village Theatre in my hometown is a dream for me.”
Said Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, Co‑Chairs of Paramount Pictures: “We believe deeply in the theatrical experience for generations to come,” Before the Village Theatre begins its next chapter, it felt especially meaningful to open its doors for legendary filmmaker James Cameron and Billie Eilish, a cultural icon and L.A. native.”
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Added Reitman: “James Cameron, Billie Eilish and Paramount could have chosen any theater in L.A. to debut their groundbreaking concert film. We’re thrilled that they picked the Westwood Village. The restoration of the Village Theatre wouldn’t be possible without the support of our brilliant directors and deep community, including LA’s own Billie Eilish.”
Also directed by Eilish, Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D) captures the 10-time Grammy winner’s sold-out world tour. The pic hits theaters on May 8.
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Give them more: Billie Eilish takes to the pit during her Hit Me Hard And Soft concert at the Kia Forum near Los Angeles
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