Capitolfest, CNY's 35mm Silent and Early Talkie Film Festival

09/19/2026

Some more randomly selected comments from Capitolfest 26 questionnaires:

"Longer meal breaks" --OH

"I love the presentations. Start at 10 am Sunday (a bit more time). Run festival through Monday. Thanks again for THE HOMEMAKER. It was wonderful and I know it took a lot of effort." --PA

"I hope you still have the record shop open next year--maybe at the book store location, if it can fit in with the dealers." --MA

"Thanks for doing this and keeping film alive. Quality, class act. Nice job connecting to certificate program. Can you give more formal info. about additional festivals? --ANON.

"More animation." --PA

"Sometimes the sound could be louder." --PA

"Love this event. Highlight of summer." --NY

"First time I have watched from the balcony. Found great sound up there from the organ!" --MD

"I liked the social events, liked that thre were t-shirts, merch, etc.. this year. More marketing to get a younger audience would be good so Capfest can continue many years to come. Messaging should focus on what Capfest DOES instead on what it doesn't do. 'See film in their native habitat" vs "vacation not a marathon" or maybe something like "watch rare films" etc. Focus on historic theater, organ accompaniment, carbon arc, film on film, rarities, etc." --NY

"List genres in program--maybe include short blurb about movie topic? I know space is at a premium and that most attendees like the background info, but some of us would like to know what we're getting into." --NY

09/18/2026

Attention Capitolfest-goers!

This is a very special day here in the Mohawk Valley. Most local charitable organizations are participating in Mohawk Valley Gives, a fundraising initiative that provides generous matching incentives. If you have considered making a donation to support the Capitol, this is the time to do it! Your gift will be matched several times over, and will allow us to continue our film exhibition programs (among other things)!

Donate via this link today!

https://www.givemv.org/organizations/rome-capitol-theatre

Photo credit: Pixematize

09/18/2026

Friday, September 18, is MOHAWK VALLEY GIVES. All donations made to an organization through their website on this date will be subject to various matches, and thus will be multiplied several times over your donation. If you happen to think CAPTIOLFEST is a worthwhile cause and you'd like to help the organization that is responsible for it (the Rome Capitol Theatre), today would be a fine day to slip us some $$$ through their website:

I’m ready to support Rome Capitol Theatre on September 18, 2026 during Mohawk Valley Gives 2026. Learn more about Rome Capitol Theatre and all the other organizations participating in Mohawk Valley Gives 2026.

09/14/2026

A well-written review from The Prodigal Cinephile: https://prodigalcinephile.com/2026/08/22/dispatch-from-capitolfest-23/

09/03/2026

Some practically randomly selected quotes from this year's questionnaire:

"It went so fast. Time flew. Many thanks for a great time!" (MA)

"Dealer room getting better. Loved he give and take free shelf. PLEASE do something about the blinding darkness when entering the theatre when Art is on during or during screenings. Otherwise this Capitolfest continues to improve every year with a tweak here and there." (Upstate NY)

"The lunch breaks were restored to a non-rush basis (one year they were just too short)." (OH)

"It would be helpful to have more time for the dealers' room." (First time attendee, NY)

"Program book needs page numbers. Days should be better identified (BOLD/STANDOUT). Brief synopsis inside program would be appreciated. Start each day @ 10AM and END by 10 PM." (Anon.)

"I love driving here from downstate--so quiet and peaceful in this little town and the theater is a show stopper. So beautifully restored." (NY)

Suggestion: "Extra day and no late nights" (first time attendee, NYC)

We would like more input from the Library of Congress regarding films to show, and less from lone individuals." (Anon.)

"Great variety of stories this year!! Thur night opening gives a good chance to visit and meet people--love the pre-fest activity." (Anon.)

"When film prints are used, I would love to be able to read more about them--where they come from, challenges w/them, etc." (NY)

"Love the organ!" (NY)

"More animated shorts?" (NC)

"Please end the evenings with a comedy when possible. We want to go home with a laugh--not a drama." (PA)

"Fantastic festival. Sorry that I can't come every year." (TX)

"Love the 35mm. Love the silents!" (NY)

"Keep up the good work! If Capitolfest were better advertised around the county, it would be packed." (AR)

08/26/2026

If you're interested in learning more about Capitolfest, CNY's 35mm Silent and Early Talkie Film Festival, we invite you to visit our new website. Capitolfest.org has all the information you need, and more, to guide your visit to Rome Capitol Theatre!

Experience 35mm film projection and live theater organ music at the Capitolfest silent and early talkie film festival in Rome, NY. Join us August 13-15, 2027 for a special tribute to Marian Nixon and Jack Oakie.

08/16/2026

And that's a wrap! Thank you to all who attended this year. We will see you all next August for a special tribute to Marian Nixon and Jack Oakie!

08/16/2026

For those who were asking, Carl and Jeannine are spending most of the festival in the office. Normally, Carl is very unhappy about such situations, but he's excited to be the proud owner of a nice new blanket, of which he can't get enough, and is enjoying his time in this box as well! Jeannine is enjoying the blanket too, when Carl lets her use it.

08/16/2026