JAWS at 50
Rob Lehmann Photography
On Saturday, August 30, the North Fork Arts Center was totally sold out—with a waitlist to prove it—for what may have been the hottest ticket in town. “We’re gonna need a bigger theater!” was the refrain of the night as fans packed the house for our once-in-a-generation celebration of the 50th anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s JAWS.
The screening itself was electric. Sitting in a packed house, you could feel the tension ripple through the crowd—everyone jumped at the same moments, some even spilling popcorn into their neighbor’s laps. The collective gasps, and nervous laughter reminded us why JAWS still holds up half a century later. As one attendee put it afterward, “I still can’t swim after seeing that movie again!”
The evening was presented in partnership with the East End Seaport Museum & Marine Foundation, tying into their exhibition Frank Mundus: The Man & the Monsters, honoring Montauk’s legendary shark hunter turned conservationist.
After the film, Pat Mundus took the stage for a live Q&A. Pat—daughter of Frank Mundus and real-life inspiration for Quint—was down-to-earth and engaging, sharing vivid stories of growing up at the edge of the sea. Her perspective added depth to the film’s legacy and gave audiences a rare personal connection to the history behind the story.
From shark cookies in the lobby made by Kristen’s Cakes to the giant shark photo-op, the night was more than just a movie—it was a full community experience. Guests left buzzing about the film, the history, and Pat’s captivating storytelling.
Rob Lehmann Photography
Proceeds from the evening benefit both North Fork Arts Center and the East End Seaport Museum, supporting our shared mission to preserve culture, history, and the arts on the East End.