The highly anticipated concert film Billie Eilish – Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour (Live in 3D), co-directed by James Cameron, will make its debut at a special premiere event at the historic Village Theatre in Westwood on May 6, 2025. The film will then open in theaters nationwide on May 8, 2025.
James Cameron shared his thoughts on the choice of venue, stating,
“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.”
Billie Eilish, a Los Angeles native, expressed her excitement about the premiere, saying,
“Premiering this movie at the legendary Village Theatre in my hometown is a dream for me.”
For the premiere event, Dolby has fully refurbished the Village Theatre’s projection booth, ensuring the one-night-only screening meets the highest technical standards, including immersive 3D presentation. This upgrade aligns with the film’s cinematic ambitions.
Dana Goldberg and Josh Greenstein, co-chairs of Paramount Pictures, emphasized the importance of the theatrical experience, stating,
“We believe deeply in the theatrical experience for generations to come. 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.”
The American Cinematheque and the Village Directors Circle, led by filmmaker Jason Reitman, will announce a limited number of premieres and screenings this summer. These events will support the 12-month restoration and renovation of the Village Theatre, set to begin in the fall of 2025.
Reitman commented on the significance of the choice, saying,
“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!”
The Village Theatre, located in the heart of Westwood, has been one of Los Angeles’ most recognizable movie palaces since its opening in 1930. In contrast, the nearby Bruin Theater, which opened in 1937, closed in 2024 after its lease expired and has remained abandoned since.
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