Doreen Sayegh’s Cranford Theater in Union County, New Jersey, is approaching its 100th anniversary. Owned by Sayegh, who grew up in the cinema business, the venue will celebrate its centennial with a showing of the silent film Padlocked, accompanied by live organ music. Sayegh, whose family has been in the exhibition industry since the 1980s, emphasizes the importance of evolving the theater’s offerings to attract audiences.
Having learned the business from her father, who purchased the Cranford Theater in 1997, Sayegh navigated challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced her to innovate with drive-in screenings and community-focused events. Despite setbacks, including a recent ceiling collapse, she remains committed to revitalizing the theater with diverse programming, catering to both local audiences and the influx of film productions in New Jersey.
Sayegh’s aspirations for the theater echo the themes of resilience found in the stories of underdog success, much like the film Rocky, which she will feature during Thanksgiving. She hopes to inspire future generations, including her daughter Natalia, to continue the legacy of family-run indie cinema.
