Scorsese leads the Rep Cinema campaign
When most people picture great movie towns in America, their minds often drift to the glittering hubs of New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago. Yet, tucked away in the landscape of Long Island, there exists a quieter, deeply cinematic haven: Huntington. Here, an oasis of classic cinema thrives, anchored by the Cinema Arts Centre, a place that has nurtured film lovers for nearly fifty years.
For much of that time, the steward of this cinematic gem was Dylan Skolnick, a man who wasn’t just an administrator but the true DIY wizard behind the Centre. Skolnick was the friendly face who welcomed film enthusiasts and provided an unforgettable experience. He was the one who hosted events, facilitating deep discussions about cinematic masterpieces, from Martin Scorsese’s Goodfellas to Brian De Palma’s Scarface, often making sure attendees left with as much as a car service back to Brooklyn.
The atmosphere at the Centre was always electric. It wasn’t just a venue; it was a true community. The parking lot and the rooms were always packed with a vibrant mix of demographics, filled with young film fanatics and dedicated movie lovers who felt genuinely respected. This unique blend of passion and hospitality created an environment where cinema was not just watched, but lived.
Skolnick had a gift for connecting the art with the experience. He delighted in curating moments, such as guiding audiences through the music of Wim Wenders’ Perfect Days, weaving together poignant soundtracks from artists like Lou Reed, The Rolling Stones, and Nina Simone with the visual narratives on screen. It was these personal touches that transformed a viewing into a profound, shared cultural event.
Lately, however, the story surrounding the Centre has taken a more dramatic turn. When the situation faced uncertainty, a powerful voice emerged in support of Skolnick’s position. Martin Scorsese issued a compelling statement, calling for the preservation of independent movie theaters—places run by people who genuinely dedicate themselves to cinema—as essential beacons in the darkness.
Scorsese’s words highlighted the loss: “Independently run movie theaters, started and programmed by people who give their lives to the cinema, are like beacons in the darkness. We need them now more than ever. The Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington was one of those places until a few weeks ago. And then Dylan Skolnick was ejected from the place he and his family had built from the ground up, brick by brick, film by film. The theatre still exists, but the heart of the place has been torn away and the community around it has been shattered. There’s only one way to turn the situation around. A simple solution: Bring Dylan Skolnick back to the Cinema Arts Centre.”
The call is clear: the heart of the place cannot be separated from its stewards. The fight to restore the Cinema Arts Centre is fundamentally a fight for the spirit of independent cinema and the community that blossoms when passionate visionaries lead the way.
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