From our perch in suburbia we see films from all over the world--the Middle East, Japan, Australia, and half a dozen European countries as will as films dealing with challenging topics like corporate corruption, family challenges of may kinds and classic comic films--Carlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton--and my personal favorite Casablanca--all in a setting that encourages conversation and builds community. Other cinemas attempt to duplicate this rich mix and turn to the Cinema Arts Centre for inspiration.
Cinema Art is undoutedly one of the most inspiring cinematic experiences on Long Island. I have been a member for several years now and enjoy the companionship of passionate film watchers. It is not only a familiar and friendly place to visit, but a place where intellectual culture exchanges occur daily. For anyone who loves films and desires to partake of good food, film and camraderie, join the Cinema Arts Centre....you will not regret the experience!
CAC makes a significant contribution to the quality of life on LI. It is a terrific venue. As a 24-year Army Vet, my wife & I lived in many states and overseas. We have never known of a similar theater. We especially enjoy films followed by panels that has raised our awareness of many issues. The variety of films offered is un-matched.
The Cinema is unlike any other theatre on Long Island. We drive 25 miles roundtrip to see the best independent and foreign films. And they also have the best popcorn!
Serving as a volunteer with the Circle of Friends has made me feel an intimate part of many of the Cinema's community functions. Where else can you pull a few tables together in the Sky Room for a Monday night Peace Network meeting and then be on stage in Theater One surrounded by celebrities like Isabella Rossellini on a Sunday afternoon? Where else can you watch the Academy Awards on the big screen, enjoy a fantastic buffet and win prizes for answering Oscar Trivia Questions? And what about the LGBT festival, and the Women's History Weekend that you helped plan, or seeing a controversial documentary and giving your feedback to the film maker. Perhaps I'm proudest of adding a Peace Pole to the Cinema Art Centre's exquisite garden near the weeping cherry tree planted in honor of Vic Skolnick, the late co-founder.
The Cinema is an amazing place, one of a kind. I have been involved in- volved with the Cinema for many years, and all that time the mission has remained the same--excellent films that make you think, films not available on Long Island and a facility that promotes community discussion.
I have been going to the Cinema Arts Center since it was called the New Community Cinema and showing films on bedsheets. It has since become a vital part of the Long Island culture scene. The word community has been dropped from its name, but the community that it has built is thriving. I fervently hope that it can survive the loss of one of its founders, Vic Skolnik. The community must come together to keep the light of Vic's vision alive.
