UCPAC in Rahway to Screen Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 35mm on Sept. 17

The Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway will present a special screening of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in 35mm format on Wednesday, September 17, 2026, paired with a live question-and-answer session featuring makeup artist Jeff Goodwin. The event combines rare theatrical film presentation with direct access to someone connected to the film's production and creative side.

Union County Life covers Rahway arts and entertainment, community cultural events, and neighborhood gathering across all 21 Union County municipalities.

35mm Format Rarity and Theatrical Experience

The 35mm film format is a rarity in modern theatrical presentation. Most contemporary films are distributed digitally, making 35mm screenings nostalgic and special events for cinema enthusiasts, filmmakers, and audiences seeking traditional theatrical experience. The tactile, projected quality of 35mm film creates distinct sensory and visual experience compared to digital projection.

For film lovers and those who grew up experiencing theatrical films on 35mm, the format represents connection to cinema tradition and the specific aesthetic qualities of analog filmmaking. UCPAC's decision to present a special 35mm screening reflects commitment to film presentation diversity and cinematic heritage.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Film Legacy

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1990) represents a significant moment in 1990s pop culture and film history—adapting the popular animated and comic book franchise to live-action cinema. The film has maintained cultural resonance across decades, with new generations discovering the characters while longtime fans revisit the original theatrical experience.

The film brought the animated Ninja Turtles universe to live-action production, combining practical effects, costumes, and filmmaking techniques of the early 1990s. For audiences viewing the film on 35mm, the theatrical presentation captures the original production intent and theatrical experience from the film's initial release.

Makeup Artist Jeff Goodwin and Production Connection

Makeup artist Jeff Goodwin will participate in the live Q&A following the screening. Goodwin's presence provides direct connection to the film's production side—audience members can engage with someone involved in bringing the film's visual and creative elements to theatrical reality.

Makeup artistry in 1990s filmmaking involved extensive practical work—designing, creating, and applying prosthetics, creature effects, and character makeup. For a film featuring turtle characters, makeup and costume design represented critical creative and technical achievement. Goodwin's insights into production process, design decisions, and filmmaking challenges offer behind-the-scenes perspective rare for theatrical audiences.

Live Q&A and Audience Engagement

The live question-and-answer format creates interactive experience—audiences not only viewing the film but engaging directly with production professional. Audience questions might address design process, production challenges, creative decisions, or experiences working on the 1990s film production.

This format transforms the screening from passive viewing into active cultural conversation—audiences learning about filmmaking while celebrating the film's artistic achievements and cultural impact.

UCPAC as Community Cultural Venue

Union County Performing Arts Center serves as community gathering space for theatrical, musical, and cinematic presentation. UCPAC's commitment to diverse programming—including special film screenings, live performance, theatrical events—positions the venue as cultural anchor and meeting place for arts-engaged community members.

The special 35mm screening represents programming that attracts specific audience interests—film enthusiasts, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fans, cinema heritage advocates—while serving broader community interest in cultural programming and theatrical experience.

Event Details and Information

The screening is scheduled for Wednesday, September 17, 2026. Ticket prices, exact showtime, and Q&A format specifics are pending announcement. UCPAC will release complete event details as the date approaches. Interested community members should check directly with UCPAC for ticket availability, pricing, and scheduling information before attending.

The venue's location in Rahway makes the event accessible to Union County residents and provides community cultural gathering space within the county.

Celebrating Cinema and Community

The special 35mm screening and live Q&A event celebrates both the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film and filmmaking as art form. Community arts venues like UCPAC provide essential infrastructure for cultural celebration, community gathering, and preservation of film heritage.

For Rahway residents and Union County cinephiles, the September 17 event offers rare opportunity to experience classic film in original theatrical format while engaging with production professional and community of fellow film enthusiasts.

Find more Rahway arts and entertainment, cultural events, and community gathering on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: When is the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles screening at UCPAC?
A: Wednesday, September 17, 2026. The complete showtime and ticket information will be announced by UCPAC.

Q: Where is the screening?
A: Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) in Rahway, NJ.

Q: What is special about this screening?
A: The film is presented in 35mm format, a rarity in modern theatrical presentation. A live Q&A with makeup artist Jeff Goodwin follows the screening.

Q: Who is Jeff Goodwin?
A: A makeup artist who worked on the film's production, bringing expertise in creature design, prosthetics, and character makeup.

Q: What will the Q&A cover?
A: The exact format is pending announcement, but likely topics include makeup artistry, film production, design decisions, and behind-the-scenes experiences.

Q: Why 35mm format?
A: 35mm is the original theatrical film format. It provides traditional film presentation and cinematic experience different from modern digital projection.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: Ticket prices are pending announcement. Check UCPAC directly for pricing and availability.

Q: What time is the screening?
A: Exact showtime is pending announcement. Contact UCPAC for complete event details.