FAQ — Capitolfest

Your Questions, Answered

Curating films for Capitolfest takes place over the course of a year. Organizers work closely with archives to identify rare and entertaining options available on 35mm safety stock, or which can be digitally scanned.
No, the Capitol’s projection booth is not equipped to show films on nitrate prints.
Ideally, tribute stars will have had careers that spanned both the silent and talkie eras. Many of our tribute stars are selected based on the availability of especially rare film materials, and many are selected based on requests by our audience.
No, the festival is divided into eight sessions, and admission is available either to the entire festival or individual sessions.
The next year’s tribute star(s) is/are announced on the Sunday of the festival.
Each registration includes one program booklet. Extra program booklets are available for purchase at registration.
Absolutely! At the end of the festival, questionnaires are available for patrons to make recommendations. Alternatively, one can contact us by phone or email to discuss programming. Many of our films are selected because they are requested by patrons.
Sometimes, the last movie of the day will be a warhorse, or something most of our attendees have already seen. This gives those who wish the chance to continue enjoying the show, while those who need to rest up for the next day can head home without feeling they’re missing out on something they’ll never get the chance to see again.
Digital projection is an extremely important part of film preservation. Many film prints cannot leave their archives for a variety of reasons, and digital scans allow patrons to access them.
Additionally, many new film restorations are completed digitally, so having 4K digital projection gives restorationists a platform to exhibit their work to an eager audience.
Absolutely, all are welcome to register at the festival instead of in advance. However, your name badge may be hand-written instead of printed.
Refunds are granted at the discression of staff. Please contact aj@romecapitol.com if you have questions about refunds.
Yes, your registration may be transferred to another person. Please contact aj@romecapitol.com if you need to transfer your registration.
Capitolfest is very informal and invite you to wear whatever makes you comfortable. If you are sensitive to the cold, you may wish to bring a jacket for longer stretches in the theater.
Yes, the Capitol is air-conditioned.
During Capitolfest, The Capitol lobby has a literature table where you can leave information about upcoming festivals, book releases, and more. All are welcome to leave
Absolutely not. Both audio and visual recording, as well as still photography, is prohibited during movie screenings. Such activites threaten our ability to present Capitolfest and may result in being barred from the festival.