The Jane Pickens Theater hosts ocean-themed film screenings, including Water Brother and Jaws

The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center (The JPT) celebrates the summer season with two ocean-themed film events: the new documentary Water Brother starring Newport legend Sid Abbruzzi and the annual JPT Jaws Summer Party, a tradition that brings out the excitement of the classic film Jaws back to the big screen.

Jaws Summerfest (July 18 & 19): Hosted by The JPT and What’s Up Newp, the annual Jaws Summer Party returns to The JPT on July 18th and 19th, with two nights of Jaws screenings. Sponsored by Narragansett Beer, the event will feature exclusive beer tastings and limited-edition merchandise for sale. Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy a shark touch tank experience presented by Save The Bay in the lobby, along with live music beginning at 6:15 p.m. before the screenings begin at 7:30 p.m.

When a young woman is killed by a shark while skinny-dipping near the New England tourist town of Amity Island, Police Chief Martin Brody (Roy Scheider) wants to close the beaches, but Mayor Larry Vaughn (Murray Hamilton) overrules him, fearing the loss of tourist revenue will cripple the town. Ichthyologist Matt Hooper (Richard Dreyfuss) and seasoned Captain Quint (Robert Shaw) offer to help Brody capture the killer beast, and the trio enters an epic battle of man versus nature. For tickets and more information, click here.

Water Brother: The Sid Abruzzi Story (July 21, July 31, August 4, and August 7): After all four screenings sold out, The JPT has added four additional screenings of Water Brothers: The Sid Abbruzzi Storyto give more guests the chance to watch the acclaimed new documentary starring Newport legend Sid Abbruzzi. Sid Abruzzi will be in person at The JPT for a red carpet screening on July 21.

Water Brother explores Sid’s lifelong passion for surfing and skating and his dedication to preserving the history and culture of the sport. Through a mix of never-before-seen archival footage, personal interviews, and large-format footage, including interviews with cultural giants such as Tony Hawk, Shepard Fairey, Selema Masekela, and more, this documentary takes audiences on a journey through the history of surfing and skating—from Newport in the 1960s to Santa Cruz, Cocoa Beach, Jeffrey’s Bay in South Africa, and beyond. For tickets and more information, click here.

“We are excited to celebrate summer at The JPT with two ocean-themed films,” said Alex Whitney, General Manager at JPT. “The JPT’s Jaws Summer festival and extended performance of Water Brother ensure that all our guests will have an engaging and unforgettable experience.”