"A vacation, not a marathon!"
ABOUT CAPITOLFEST: Now in its eighth year, Capitolfest is held at the historic 1,788-seat movie palace, the Capitol Theatre, in Rome, New York. The Capitol was built as a movie house and opened December 10, 1928 with an all-movie program including the First National feature, Lilac Time. The Capitol Theatre remains the only building in Rome, NY (population c.35,000) constructed for the specific purpose of exhibiting motion pictures. Although the theatre received an Art Deco face-lift in 1939, the auditorium is configured exactly as it was in 1928, and much of the original decor remains.
THE MOVIES: All the films at the Capitol are shown in 35mm prints on the theatre�s carbon-arc, variable-speed projectors. Capitolfest movies will also be shown in 35mm prints, from archives such as the Library of Congress, UCLA Film and Television Archive, Universal Pictures, the George Eastman House, Warner Bros., and Sony Pictures, as well as from private collections. The festival includes several extremely rare talking films, as well as some equally rare silents. Each of the silent films will be accompanied by some of the world�s foremost exponents of authentic silent movie accompaniment.
THE EXPERIENCE: The Capitol's goal is to not only show these vintage films, but to recreate the experience of seeing these movies when they were new. Three outstanding theatre organists have been engaged to accompany the silent films on the bill. Our organists are some of the best and most prolific silent film musicians in the world: Avery Tunningley, Dr. Philip Carli, and Bernie Anderson.
Capitolfest differs from other classic movie festivals in its leisurely pacing. There are intermissions within each session (featuring live organ music), and relatively lengthy breaks between sessions, allowing attendees to savor the films. Approximately 90% of Capitolfest attendees come from out of town but, whether you are local or travel hundreds of miles, we want you to feel that the Capitol is your theatre. Please check out our Travel Page for hotel and travel information. As always, Capitolfest organizers would be more than happy to provide interested parties with more information.
THEMES: Themes for this year's festival will include "A Tribute to Jean Arthur", showcasing the actress in four features and one short subject from the silent and early talkie years. Also part of the 2010 edition will be "A Salute to Universal Pictures".
FRIDAY'S PRE-GLOW: Six years ago, we added a Friday evening 'pre-glow' of 16mm films not available in 35mm. The success of that venture has encouraged us to repeat the formula for Capitolfest 8, and show some 16mm titles to complement our 35mm program. The 16mm "Preglow" program will be presented in the more intimate setting of the Rome Elks Club, which is across the street from the rear of the Capitol building. The Elks Club is in the 1848 Wheeler Armstrong house, and the 1932 grand ballroom addition in which the movies will be shown possesses an original installation 1933 classical Moller organ, with a touch of theatre organ voicing. Avery Tunningley will accompany the all-silent program on this occasion. Because of the relatively small size of what will serve as the screening room at the Elks Club, seating will be very limited. Those wishing to attend the Friday evening session are urged to register early as the "preglow" has completely sold out for the past two years.
ARRIVE EARLY, GET A TOUR! Once again, there will be a pre-show guided tour for early arrivals at 2 pm on Friday afternoon; this one-hour tour will include a demonstration of the organ.
WELCOME TO THE CAPITOL! WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THIS SUMMER!
