This long weekend weekend all roads lead to Rome, New York, for fans of classic film! I am there. I’m a repeat attendee of Capitolfest, and I have a number of friends and acquaintances making the trip. What lures us out to a small city in central New York?
I was drawn in by its programming, a schedule of mostly rarities from the early silent film era into the studio era. That and the relaxed pace of the festival (No running around and a theatre that shuts for meal breaks) keep bringing me back. The festival’s slogan does not lie! Capitolfest is truly “A vacation, not a marathon.” There’s a dealer’s room filled with too much temptation, too. Did I mention the adorable theatre cat yet?
Each year a star is featured. This year festival organizers broke with tradition and chose to feature a couple, Joel McCrea and Frances Dee. Their films will be spread across the schedule. Special guests include Peter McCrea (son of Frances Dee & Joel McCrea), Victoria Riskin (daughter of Fay Wray and Robert Riskin), and actress Cora Sue Collins. Guest organists Avery Tunningley, Ben Model, Dr. Philip C. Carli will accompany the silents.
While here, I’ll do my best to provide coverage on my social channels. They ones to watch are:
Me on Twitter
Spellbound by Movies on Instagram
Spellbound by Movies on Facebook
If you’d like to see what others are writing and sharing, search the hashtag #Capitolfest on your social media channel(s) of choice! If you’re looking for some suggestions, here are folks I know who will be active on Twitter:
Shirley Hughes, Toronto Silent Film Festival’s Co-Founder and Co-Director
Toni Roberto, Reporter and Classic Film Blogger
Lou Lumenick, New York Post’s Retired Chief Film Critic and Film Editor
Alan Hait, Classic Film Social Media Bon Vivant
Aurora, Classic Film Blogger at Citizen Screen
At some point, I will write up on this festival and others on the blog. I may devote some days for a review of film fests of 2019. I’ve a lot of great experiences and insights to share with you. For now, sit back and do check in to see what this movie blogger and others are up to at Capitolfest!
