‘Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour’ Concert Film to Premiere at Westwood’s Historic Village Theatre Ahead of Renovations
Paramount Pictures is teaming up with Westwood Village’s historic Village Theatre for the premiere of “Billie Eilish — Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D)” on May 6.
James Cameron and Billie Eilish co-directed the concert film that was captured during Eilish’s sold-out world tour. It opens in theaters on May 8.
Jason Reitman and the Village Directors Circle purchased the theater in 2024. In partnership with the American Cinematheque, they will present a limited number of premieres and screenings this summer. The theater will then undergo a one-year renovation and restoration starting in the fall.
Cameron said in a statement, “I have known the Village Theatre in Westwood as an iconic picture palace since before I started directing, back in the Cretaceous. It is moving, to me, to know that Billie and I are premiering our new film, in 2026, at a theater that has so much meaning to L.A.’s cinematic history. It’s also uplifting that friends of the Village Theatre have banded together to protect and preserve it, in an age when our dream of cinema itself is at risk.”
“Premiering this movie at the legendary Village Theatre in my hometown is a dream for me,” said Eilish.
The theater’s projection booth has been refurbished by Dolby for the premiere to ensure the one-night event is presented “at the highest technical standard, including immersive 3D,” according to Paramount.
“We believe deeply in the theatrical experience for generations to come,” said Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, Co‑Chairs of Paramount Pictures. “Before the Village Theatre begins its next chapter, it felt especially meaningful to open its doors for legendary filmmaker James Cameron and Billie Eilish, a cultural icon and L.A. native.”
Reitman said, “James Cameron, Billie Eilish and Paramount could have chosen any theater in L.A. to debut their groundbreaking concert film. We’re thrilled that they picked the Westwood Village. The restoration of the Village Theatre wouldn’t be possible without the support of our brilliant directors and deep community, including L.A.’s own Billie Eilish!”
Built in 1930, the Village Theatre has hosted hundreds of premieres over the past 90-plus years.
James Cameron and Billie Eilish co-directed the concert film that was captured during Eilish’s sold-out world tour. It opens in theaters on May 8.
Jason Reitman and the Village Directors Circle purchased the theater in 2024. In partnership with the American Cinematheque, they will present a limited number of premieres and screenings this summer. The theater will then undergo a one-year renovation and restoration starting in the fall.
Cameron said in a statement, “I have known the Village Theatre in Westwood as an iconic picture palace since before I started directing, back in the Cretaceous. It is moving, to me, to know that Billie and I are premiering our new film, in 2026, at a theater that has so much meaning to L.A.’s cinematic history. It’s also uplifting that friends of the Village Theatre have banded together to protect and preserve it, in an age when our dream of cinema itself is at risk.”
“Premiering this movie at the legendary Village Theatre in my hometown is a dream for me,” said Eilish.
The theater’s projection booth has been refurbished by Dolby for the premiere to ensure the one-night event is presented “at the highest technical standard, including immersive 3D,” according to Paramount.
“We believe deeply in the theatrical experience for generations to come,” said Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, Co‑Chairs of Paramount Pictures. “Before the Village Theatre begins its next chapter, it felt especially meaningful to open its doors for legendary filmmaker James Cameron and Billie Eilish, a cultural icon and L.A. native.”
Reitman said, “James Cameron, Billie Eilish and Paramount could have chosen any theater in L.A. to debut their groundbreaking concert film. We’re thrilled that they picked the Westwood Village. The restoration of the Village Theatre wouldn’t be possible without the support of our brilliant directors and deep community, including L.A.’s own Billie Eilish!”
Built in 1930, the Village Theatre has hosted hundreds of premieres over the past 90-plus years.