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A festival celebrating rare films, known as Capitolfest, is set to take place in Rome this weekend. The 22nd annual event will run from Friday (August 8) through Sunday (August 10) at the Capitol Theatre, located at 220 W. Dominick St. The festival will showcase a collection of silent and early talking films, with screenings starting at 9:30 a.m. each day and continuing until late in the evening.
This year, Capitolfest will feature 16 feature films and approximately 15 short subjects. About 35% of the films will be silent, accompanied by live music from the theater’s original 1928 Moller organ. Notably, the festival will pay tribute to stars such as Laura La Plante and ZaSu Pitts.
Of local interest is the screening of the 1925 film adaptation of Harold Bell Wright's novel, 'The Re-Creation of Brian Kent.' The film has connections to Rome, as Wright was born there, and the leading lady, Helene Chadwick, hails from nearby Chadwicks, New York.
Tickets for Capitolfest can be purchased for individual sessions, single days, or the entire three-day event. Prices range from $23 for a single session to $98 for the full festival. More information, including the full schedule, can be found on the Capitol Theatre's website.