It was all about Beauty and the Beast on Monday, March 13, at the Film Society, with a special day presented in partnership with Disney. To kick things off, the Elinor Bunin Munroe Film Center hosted a family event for local children, friends of the Film Society, and members of our Film Society Kids education program.

As filmgoers of all ages arrived, they had the opportunity to try out an animated Virtual Reality experience that takes participants into the world of the film. After that, Emma Watson, Belle herself, made a surprise appearance onstage in the theater to read an excerpt from Beauty and the Beast. Once this special reading came to a close, the lights dimmed and the families were treated to a sneak preview of the new film.

Later that night the film’s New York premiere was held at Alice Tully Hall. Watson was joined on the red carpet by the rest of the cast, including Dan Stevens, Josh Gad, Audra McDonald, Stanley Tucci, Ewan McGregor, and Sir Ian McKellen.