Two Nonprofits Work Toward Reopening Malverne Cinema

MALVERNE, NY — An artistic mainstay of Malverne for decades could return by year's end. Malverne Cinema has sat silently since the owners and the landlord weren't able to agree on a new deal.

But the combined effort of nonprofits Entertainment 2 Affect, headed by Malverne's Nick Hudson and Dente's Dreamers, led Maria Dente of Lynbrook, is committed to the new version of Malverne Cinema.

"We're working on it," Dente told Patch.

They have a goal of having the cinema up and running in time for the Malverne Tree Lighting Ceremony to run the holiday favorite "It's a Wonderful Life," which was also one of the first films shown at the original theater.

The Malverne Cinema dates back to 1947, with Henry and Anne Stampfel having owned it since 1990.

Hudson and Dente plan to update the community on the next steps with a pop-up event in the fall.

"We've applied for numerous grants," she said as various upgrades are necessary. "We're doing what we can, but obviously, if we can get some government funding with the grants, it'll help us."

Additionally, Dente is excited about the number of organizations wanting to lend their support to this project: "That's not only going to be beneficial for Malverne, but all of Long Island."

With Dente's Dreamers, they will bring theatrical performances to Malverne, along with film screenings, including independent features and documentaries.

"Our goal is to be fully operational for the springtime," Dente said.

When the theater is open on a regular basis, residents can expect a wide variety of movies, including classic films. However, a more important change is ensuring each theater is sensory friendly "with and without disabilities, [those who] want to be comfortable in their settings," she said. "There are a lot of different magical elements that are coming into play to put the Malverne back in order."

Dente, a 13-year special education teacher in New York City, wants to give back in another way by hiring adults with disabilities.

"I noticed that after graduation, those in that community were unable to receive, even the opportunity for an internship and the jobs they really wanted to do," Dente said. "The theater brings everyone together, whether you want to star in a show, you want to build a set or you want to do publicity for it."