About Capri Theatre

The mission of the Capri Community Film Society, Inc. is to educate, encourage and develop public appreciation of the art of motion pictures, both American and international, and to preserve the Capri Theatre as an operating movie theatre with an emphasis on maintaining its architectural integrity.

Capri Theatre • 1045 E Fairview Ave • Montgomery, AL 36106 • 334.262.4858

HISTORY
The Capri Theatre is in the heart of the Cloverdale neighborhood of Montgomery. It is owned and operated by the Capri Community Film Society, Inc., a non-profit organization.

Opened in July of 1941 as the Clover Theatre, it is now the longest continually operating movie theatre in Alabama.

The Clover was remodeled and became the Capri Theatre in December of 1962.

Originally built as part of the Wilby-Kincey chain, the Clover/Capri has had many owners and operators over the years. Finally in 1982, a group of neighbors formed the Capri Community Film Society to save the theatre. Their opportunity arose when the theatre was raided and closed by the district attorney who objected to it being a softcore porn theatre. Fearing the loss of their cherished, but rundown, neighborhood theatre, the Capri Community Film Society took over the lease and operation of the Capri Theatre.

Over the years the struggling non-profit managed to keep the theatre operating thanks to donations and memberships - and the work of its volunteer Board of Directors. During that time the theatre developed a reputation for its eclectic blend of Independent, Foreign, Popular and Classic films. Other groups, often with the support of the Capri, have aspired to similar programming, but none have successfully operated a full-time art house in a historic movie theatre.

In 2010 the Capri was unexpectedly put up for sale by its landlord. The Film Society had to conduct its biggest fundraising effort to date in order to purchase the building. The fundraising was successful and the Society was able to purchase the building in 2010, and own it free and clear by 2013.

Just in time for the conversion to digital.

The conversion to digital cinema was a major threat to the smaller theatres of America. Investments of up to $100,000 per screen to convert wiped out many small theatres and drive-ins, and strained the budget of many more. The Capri was no exception. But, once again, the people of Montgomery and fans of the Capri rallied to its support. The Capri conducted what was then the biggest Kickstarter campaign in Montgomery. The "DCI or DIE" campaign raised the money necessary to purchase and install a digital projector and supporting system. The Capri was saved once again.

The installation of the digital projector does not mean the Capri abandoned 35mm film. Although few current films are available on actual 35mm film, the theatre does occasional screenings of classic movies when prints are available.

With the ownership of the building secured, and the conversion to digital achieved, the Film Society was, after 30 years, ready to refurbish the theatre itself.

The Capri Theatre had not had a major renovation since its transformation to the Capri in 1962. The infrastructure was challenging - 1941 electrical and plumbing. The restrooms were inadequate and design flaws from the 1940's and 1960's affected the operation of the theatre.

In 2014 the Capri launched its first ever capital campaign - Lighting the Heart of Cloverdale. Again, the people of Montgomery supported the Capri with over $800,000 in pledges and donations, allowing the theatre to do complete major renovations in time for its 75th Anniversary.

There is still much work to do to the Capri, and the Film Society is gearing up to get it done. As always, the Capri needs your support to survive and prosper. Come to the movies. Become a member. And support the Capri Community Film Society.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Anton Jackson - President. The current director of the Montgomery Film Festival. He's held close ties with the Capri through various film festivals screenings and special events since 2009. Born and raised in Montgomery, he graduated from Huntingdon College with a BA in Art & Graphic Design.
Carol Barksdale - Is an artist represented by Gallery One Fine Art in Cloverdale. I also teach watercolors, oils and acrylics. I love our community and all it has to offer.
Wanda Howard Battle – is the Tour Director of Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church, Montgomery, Alabama. She shares the history of the church, the work of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the evolution of the civil rights movement. Human Rights and Social Justice have been shared with diverse international audiences. Wanda reminds them to do the work that Dr. King lived, to love and serve humanity. She is also Founder and CEO of Legendary Tours LLC which offers engaging online tours to visitors around the world.
Sara Elizabeth Burnham - Vice President of The Bloom Group, Inc and a realtor at Bell and Corwin. Married to John with three boys and a native Montgomerian.
Josh Carples - is a musician, actor, filmmaker, photographer, and he founder of Terrible Master Films. He as multiple albums our, has acted in a number of independent films, and had directed multiple music videos and films, including a short documentary about the Capri Theatre titled "Clover/Capri."
Anne Catherine Curtis
Chris Echols – is a native of Birmingham, AL, and has been serving as the Director of Event Technology at the Renaissance Hotel and Spa at the Convention Center in Montgomery since 2014. He also serves as Production Manager at First United Methodist Church and lives in Cloverdale-Idlewild with his wife Ivy and two dogs Ella and Bloo.
Alfredia Ford
Jeff McKinney - Jeff is an accomplished film actor, director/producer, photographer and founder of Early Riser Films, LLC. He is also the Manager of Event Operations for Backstge Productions, LLC at the Renaissance Hotel. He and his wife Carrie have been married for 24 years this November 2025 and have two sons, Noah and Nathan.
Sara Powell
Maurice Robinson
Ryan Wes Shaw
Karkie Tackett - Karkie Tackett is retired from Medical Education and has lived in Montgomery for 12 years. She's active in three book clubs, a food pantry and mmanuel Presbyterian Church. She's been a member of the Capri Community Film Society for several years.
Collette Williams – is a barista with Prevail at locations in downtown Montgomery and at Maxwell Airforce Base. She has only lived in Alabama since 2018, but is excited to see the growth and development shaping Montgomery's future. In her spare time she is an avid podcast listener, enjoys reading books, and of course, loves to watch movies.

Admission

Members: $10.00
Non-Members: $12.00
Children (Under Age 12): $4.00
Ticket Booth (10 Tickets): $90.00

Showtimes

Fri, Sat, Sun, & Mon: 4:00 & 7:00
Special shows as listed

Concessions

The Capri features a full range of concessions including beer & wine.
(ID Required)