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Laurens Capitol Theatre Marks 100 Years With Historic Screening and Announces First Film Festival
On Friday night, the city‑owned Capitol Theatre in Laurens, South Carolina, rang out a century‑old echo by showing the very first film ever screened there, "Charley’s Aunt." The program was followed by the 1925 Harold Lloyd classic "The Freshman," a silent gem that drew a crowd of roughly 100 people, some of whom arrived in period costume. The "Freshman" screening was illuminated by piano music from Ethan Uslan, a three‑time Old Time Piano Playing World Champion.
Mayor Nathan Senn explained that the theater’s revival is part of a broader downtown revitalization strategy. "The idea behind this space all along has been to not only bring the theater back to life, but to see the theater as a catalyst to help bring people downtown and encourage small businesses," he said. He added that the city encourages patrons to combine a movie outing with dining and shopping in the surrounding area.
Since reopening, the Capitol Theatre has already hosted free showings of contemporary titles such as "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Monty Python’s The Holy Grail." These screenings aim to keep the historic venue active and relevant to modern audiences.
Looking ahead, the city announced plans for the inaugural Laurens Film Festival, slated for late October. The festival will feature short‑film competitions in five categories: Student Film (grades 6‑8), Student Film (grades 9‑12), Emerging Filmmaker (college/under‑age 25), Community Film (all ages), and Laurens Stories, which will focus on the city’s history, culture, or landmarks.
Mayor Senn highlighted the role of technology in encouraging participation. "It gives somebody with the ability to take advantage of modern technology because there’s so much you can do now on your phone, not to mention professional video software," he said. He emphasized that the festival aims to nurture local creative talent and bring people into the theater.
The city has already reached out to colleges and universities across the state while maintaining a focus on local students and aspiring filmmakers. Entries are limited to 10 minutes for most categories and five minutes for the student divisions. The submission deadline is August 15, with finalists announced on September 15. The festival date has not yet been finalized but is expected to take place in October.
All entries must be original and suitable for a general audience. Additional information and submission details can be found on the city’s website at cityoflaurenssc.com/laurensfilmfestival or by emailing marketing@cityoflaurenssc.com.
The Capitol Theatre’s centennial celebration and the announcement of the film festival underscore the city’s commitment to preserving its historic cinema while fostering new creative expression. By combining nostalgic screenings with contemporary programming and a community‑focused film festival, Laurens is positioning the Capitol Theatre as a cultural hub that supports local businesses, encourages artistic participation, and honors the city’s cinematic heritage.
As the city prepares for the upcoming festival, residents and visitors can anticipate a series of events that will showcase local talent, celebrate Laurens’ history, and continue the tradition of bringing people together through film.
Mayor Nathan Senn explained that the theater’s revival is part of a broader downtown revitalization strategy. "The idea behind this space all along has been to not only bring the theater back to life, but to see the theater as a catalyst to help bring people downtown and encourage small businesses," he said. He added that the city encourages patrons to combine a movie outing with dining and shopping in the surrounding area.
Since reopening, the Capitol Theatre has already hosted free showings of contemporary titles such as "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Monty Python’s The Holy Grail." These screenings aim to keep the historic venue active and relevant to modern audiences.
Looking ahead, the city announced plans for the inaugural Laurens Film Festival, slated for late October. The festival will feature short‑film competitions in five categories: Student Film (grades 6‑8), Student Film (grades 9‑12), Emerging Filmmaker (college/under‑age 25), Community Film (all ages), and Laurens Stories, which will focus on the city’s history, culture, or landmarks.
Mayor Senn highlighted the role of technology in encouraging participation. "It gives somebody with the ability to take advantage of modern technology because there’s so much you can do now on your phone, not to mention professional video software," he said. He emphasized that the festival aims to nurture local creative talent and bring people into the theater.
The city has already reached out to colleges and universities across the state while maintaining a focus on local students and aspiring filmmakers. Entries are limited to 10 minutes for most categories and five minutes for the student divisions. The submission deadline is August 15, with finalists announced on September 15. The festival date has not yet been finalized but is expected to take place in October.
All entries must be original and suitable for a general audience. Additional information and submission details can be found on the city’s website at cityoflaurenssc.com/laurensfilmfestival or by emailing marketing@cityoflaurenssc.com.
The Capitol Theatre’s centennial celebration and the announcement of the film festival underscore the city’s commitment to preserving its historic cinema while fostering new creative expression. By combining nostalgic screenings with contemporary programming and a community‑focused film festival, Laurens is positioning the Capitol Theatre as a cultural hub that supports local businesses, encourages artistic participation, and honors the city’s cinematic heritage.
As the city prepares for the upcoming festival, residents and visitors can anticipate a series of events that will showcase local talent, celebrate Laurens’ history, and continue the tradition of bringing people together through film.
