Center Theatre to host premiere of ‘The Optimist’ with filmmaker Jeanine Thomas

DOVER-FOXCROFT – The Center Theatre announced the premiere of the new film “The Optimist” on Wednesday, March 11, featuring a special appearance by Guilford native and filmmaker Jeanine Thomas. The film, which begins its nationwide theatrical release through Trafalgar Releasing, traces the remarkable, true story of Herbert Heller, a Holocaust survivor, and the unlikely, intergenerational friendship that forms when he meets Abby, a perceptive and intuitive teenager grappling with her own emotional burdens.

Directed by the acclaimed Finn Taylor and produced by Jeanine Thomas, the film stars Stephen Lang (“Avatar”) as Herbert, Elsie Fisher (“Eighth Grade”) as Abby and Luke David Blumm (“Lost on a Mountain in Maine”, “Where the Crawdads Sing)” as young Herbert. This project was a 10-plus year effort by Thomas, who met Heller and developed the story before his passing. 

“This is an exceptional film that we would be proud to show under any circumstances,” said Patrick Myers, the Center Theatre’s executive director. “But the fact that Ms. Thomas is from this area makes it all the more special. This film is a testament to resilience, remembrance and the life-changing impact of being truly heard.” 

Myers said that he has been aware of the film for several years and is excited it is finally reaching the big screen. He also shared that Thomas will be on hand for a Q&A session after each showing of the film. The film opens at 7 p.m. on March 11 with further showings scheduled at 2 and 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 15 and 7 p.m. on Monday, March 16.  

Tickets are available in advance for $10 general admission and $8 for seniors/students/veterans at www.centerthearte.org or by calling the theatre at 207-564-8943 or stopping by the box office at 20 East Main St. in Dover-Foxcroft. 

The Center Theatre for the Performing Arts is celebrating the 20th anniversary of reopening in 2006 as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to engage and inspire by making arts, education and entertainment accessible to our rural communities.