We’ve been hoping against hope that we could carry on with Capitolfest this year but, ultimately, we’ve discovered it just isn’t going to be possible. The deciding factor was the fact that theaters were pulled out of the fourth phase of our state’s reopening plan on June 26 and, to date, there has been no indication as to when we will be able to open. With the scheduled start date of Capitolfest now about a month away, we didn’t feel we could wait any longer before cancelling the show.

Those who have already sent in their registrations will be contacted about their options (including refunds or transfers of registrations to next year’s show). Meanwhile, we are busy planning for Capitolfest 2021 (August 13, 14, 15) which, as it turns out, will be Capitolfest 18 after all. Our tribute stars will be Constance & Joan Bennett, and we’ve already got several very impressive titles lined up. (We think they’re impressive, anyway.) Many of the films we announced for this year (The Capitolfest That Didn’t Happen) will be moved to next year but, because we have so many Bennett sisters films already planned, some of those that were slated for this year will have to be worked into the schedules for subsequent years and, alas, a few won’t make it in at all. (If any of the planned pictures end up being released on home video or shown on television before we get around to showing them, they’ll obviously be dropped from consideration.) We have kicked around the idea of doing a mini festival of some sort in the late winter (somewhere around where the legendary Cinefest used to take place), but that’s just talk at this point. (Quick survey question, would anybody be interested in such an event?)

And so, we thank all of our patrons who had faith in us. We hope you understand our position, and we certainly hope to see all of you next year!