Celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday with the Montclair Literary Festival and Montclair Film

In honor of the 250th birthday of Jane Austen, one of literature’s most beloved voices, the Montclair Literary Festival and Montclair Film proudly announce a special celebration to commemorate her enduring legacy. The event will take place on Wednesday December 17 at The Clairidge on Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, bringing together fans, film lovers, and admirers of classic storytelling for an evening dedicated to Austen’s wit, romance, and social insight.

The celebration will feature a one-night-only screening of Ang Lee’s classic adaption of Sense and Sensibility (1995), followed by a lively discussion with the film’s editor Tim Squyres and Montclair Film’s Wilhelm Kuhn. In addition, an exclusive for the evening, Tim will be showing a never-before-aired scene from the movie. Attendees are invited to explore the cultural impact of Austen’s work, her sharp commentary on society, and the timeless appeal that continues to inspire adaptations across generations.

The film, also celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, is based on Jane Austen’s debut novel with the script written by Emma Thompson who also plays Elinor Dashwood. Impoverished by their father’s death, sisters Elinor and Marianne (Kate Winslet), must find prospective suitors to secure their future. Their love interests are played by Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, and Greg Wise.

“Jane Austen’s writing remains as relevant and resonant today as it was two centuries ago,” said Cynthia Kitay, Montclair Literary Festival’s event organizer. “This milestone anniversary gives us a unique opportunity to celebrate her creativity, her influence on literature and film, and the joy she continues to bring to audiences worldwide.”

The evening will also feature:

• Pre-screening refreshments, including some available to purchase from the concession stand;
• Giveaways including Jane Austen books and other related items, Montclair Film tickets and merch, and Montclair Literary Festival tickets.

The event benefits the Montclair Literary Festival and Montclair Film, two local non-profit organizations which support arts and literacy initiatives in the community.

Event Details
What: Jane Austen 250th Birthday Film Screening Celebration
When: Wednesday, December 17, from 6:30pm
Where: The Clairidge, 486 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ
Tickets: Available at Montclair Film’s website, bit.ly/Austen250th

Succeed2gether launched the Montclair Literary Festival in 2017 to promote literacy and reading for all, and to celebrate reading, literature, and Montclair’s vibrant and diverse literary scene. The Literary Festival raises funds and awareness for the work of Succeed2gether, a non-profit organization that addresses unequal access to educational resources by providing free, high-quality enrichment and academic programs and a post-high-school pathway to children in need from Montclair and Essex County, New Jersey. Since its inception almost 10 years ago, the festival has become the premier literary festival in New Jersey. The 10th Montclair Literary Festival will take place from May 2 to May 9, 2026.