Happy Birthday to CAC Co-Founder and Co-Director Charlotte Sky!

Yesterday, CAC Co-Founder and Co-Director Charlotte Sky celebrated her 92nd birthday!

We were fortunate enough to spend some time talking with Char this week and are pleased to share some of that that conversation:

Cinema Arts Centre: You founded the Cinema with Vic Skolnick in 1973 when you first moved to Long Island. What made you decide to dedicate your lives to building an independent Cinema community in Huntington?

Charlotte Sky: Living in Brooklyn and NYC, we'd had movie theaters within walking distance of our home, and many that were easy to reach with public transportation We watched films from many countries and were exposed to many cultures, learning how people lived and worked, and learning about family life around the world. These were the films I grew up with. I thought Hollywood films were boring. Films by independent filmmakers were exciting. But when we moved to Long Island, I discovered many Long Islanders were unaware of the films that had been so important in my life. We knew it was important for Long Islanders to have a venue for independent film and foreign film - the kinds of films that had expanded my awareness - and Dylan's too.

CAC: Creating film programs that center women film artists and directors has been very important to you. What are some of the women’s film programs that have been most important to you?

CS: In the 60s and 70s, women began making films about their own lives and travelling to appear with them. We brought many women filmmakers to the Cinema to talk to our audiences about their work. I think this was especially important to other women in the audience.

CAC: Your creativity goes beyond film programming. You have a strong background in dance, for example. Can you talk a little about your relationship with dance?

CS: My relationship to dance began later in my life. I studied, but did not have a career in dance. My focus was modern dance and ballet.

CAC: What’s something people might not know about you that you would like to share?

CS: People might not know that in order to help myself overcome feelings of being inhibited, I became a performer. I wrote scripts for myself, about 15-20 minutes long, that were about my life, and I performed them. I had wanted to be a comedian, but this was not successful. People did not think I was funny.

CAC: Is there any other special message you would like to share with our Cinema community today?

CS: I appreciate when people tell me that the Cinema has made a difference in their lives. I hope for that relationship to continue.

CLICK HERE to re-visit our unedited interview with Char from 2015.

The Life of Our Cinema Campaign must raise $160,000 this year to support our programs, operations, and recovery. We have $50,000 to go! CLICK HERE for more information about our campaign, or if you would like to make a gift in honor of Char's birthday. Thank you!

Special Thanks to our Holiday Party Sponsors!

On Saturday December 17, local business and civic leaders and many Cinema supporters gathered in our Sky Room to celebrate the holiday season together. This was the first return of the Holiday Party since our temporary closure and it was wonderful to share food, music, and conversation for this festive occasion.

Attendees included Town of Huntington Councilmembers Joan Cergol and Dr. Dave Bennardo who shared thoughtful and generous remarks about the importance of the Cinema Arts Centre in our community. Board Co-Chairs Steve Rubin and Jude Schanzer thanked the Board of Directors and event sponsors. Co-Director Dylan Skolnick made special remarks to acknowledge some of our closest supporters who have done so much to ensure the ongoing health of our community cinema. And Dylan led the guests in singing "Happy Birthday" to Co-Founder and Co-Director Charlotte Sky, who then made closing remarks.

The wine and champagne bar was sponsored by Bottles and Cases. The room was adorned with flowers sponsored by Amy's of Huntington. Brunch fare was sponsored by Best Bagel A-Round, Munday's, and Southdown Marketplace. Board Co-Chair Jude Schanzer sponsored the live music performed by harpist Skyla Budd.

Thanks to everyone who made our event a great success

We Won!

Maiarelli Studio received an American Graphic Design Award from GDUSA for their work on the Cinema Arts Centre's rebranding. Only a few hundred designers were selected from over 14,000 entries to GDUSA's 59th Anniversary American Graphic Design Awards.

Congratulations to Maiarelli Studio and thank you for all you have done for the Cinema Arts Centre.

CLICK HERE to revisit our profile on Maiarelli Studio