The Palace Theater in downtown Hilo is launching a new film series beginning Thursday.
The Palace will start showing classic films for its new “Throwback Thursday” program, which was suggested by a patron via the theater’s suggestion box.
“This format is new for us. Ever since COVID-19, we have definitely seen film attendance suffer while live events have bounced back into full swing,” said Executive Director Phillips Payson. “We decided to start a classic film screening every Thursday night, and what better film to start with than ‘Star Wars.’”
The original “Star Wars” will be the first movie to be shown for Throwback Thursday, which falls on May 4, known by fans as Star Wars Day.
Next Thursday, the Palace will not be showing a film since performers will be preparing for “A Night of Island Stars” variety talent show.
Films will be back in action on May 18 with a showing of “Bonnie and Clyde.”
“The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” will play on May 25, and “Some Like It Hot” with Marilyn Monroe will play on June 1 to kick off Pride Month.
“We’re looking at the suggestion box for film selections and asking people about their favorite movies,” Payson said. “We will also be showing films featured on the AFI Greatest Movies of All Time list.”
New film releases will still be offered regularly on the weekends. The Palace is preparing for summer programming and is excited for its first variety talent show competition, which will feature 13 finalists performing for the grand prize of $1,000.
Audiences will enjoy talented performers in music, aerial arts, dance, and much more. The judges are Ikaika Marzo, Kristian Lei and Loeka Longakit, and audiences will be able to cheer for an Audience Choice Award.
The film showing schedule and tickets for the variety show are available online at hilopalace.com.