The Garden Theatre will present an evening dedicated to the magic of film projection on May 21 at 7 p.m. with a screening of the documentary Film is Dead. Long Live Film!

Beforehand, an antique projector demonstration will be given by the Garden’s Operations Director, Jesse Crooks. The event is free for members of the nonprofit cinema.

Film is Dead. Long Live Film! is a tribute to the private film collector. As studios and distributors neglected and disposed of countless reels of film throughout the 20th century, these individuals worked in the shadows to preserve much of cinematic history. The documentary highlights the efforts of some of the most important people in the cause, including the late Lou DiCrescenzo – mentor of the Garden’s own Jesse Crooks, who is also featured in the film.

Crooks will be on hand to display a cinematic artifact: an 1898 Edison Projecting Kinetoscope with carbon arc, which was previously held and maintained in DiCrescenzo’s private collection. He will be presenting rare Edison shorts from the 1890s.

There are currently two 35mm Kinotone projectors stored in the Garden’s booth, waiting to get back to work. The theater is looking to reinstall these machines so that the community can once again appreciate and enjoy film on film. More details about this process will soon be announced.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online at princetongardentheatre.org.