A vacation, not a marathon!
Each August, hundreds of film lovers gather together for an experience unlike any other. Over the course of three days, Capitolfest presents some of the rarest silent and early talkie films available in a newly restored 1928 movie palace. Thus, Capitolfest effectively re-creates moviegoing in the early 20th century.
Capitolfest was established in 2003 and has since gained a reputation as one of the most respected classic film festivals in the nation. The festival stresses historically accurate musical accompaniment for silent films and collaborates with a variety of world-renowned archives and collectors to source both 35mm and digital (DCP) film prints.
Capitolfest is known for its leisurely pace. Although screenings take place from morning until night, there are plenty of breaks. Only one movie is presented at a time, so there is no need to choose between multiple options. Hence our slogan, a vacation, not a marathon!
What Sets Us Apart
Historic Venue
The Capitol Theatre opened its doors on December 10, 1928. The Capitol remains the only building in the City of Rome, N.Y. (population c.32,000) constructed for the specific purpose of exhibiting motion pictures. The theater seats 1,722 and many of its extraordinary historic features have been preserved.
The theater received a modernistic face-lift in 1939 (which did not alter the configuration of the original auditorium). The interior was completely restored to the ’39 style in 2021, and a reproduction of the 1928 marquee & blade sign was installed in 2022.
35mm Carbon Arc Projection
The Capitol Theatre preserves the time-honored tradition of exhibiting films via variable speed 35mm carbon arc projectors. Over half of films presented during Capitolfest are on film. Our projection booth has changed very little since it was built in 1928, and our projection team works hard to ensure the highest standards.
Additionally, Capitolfest has 4K DCP projection. This allows the festival to present many new film restorations, as well as digital prints of movies that are not able to leave their archives for a variety of reasons.
Original-Installation Theater Organ
The Capitol’s Möller theater organ has undergone an extensive restoration in recent years. The instrument is utilized by some of the best theater organists in the nation to provide musical accompaniment for some of the festival’s silent films.
