October 12, 2026

I still can’t believe I’m back in Washington, D.C., where I started as a projectionist at 17, wrapping the final week of our 70mm run of THE ODYSSEY.

This won’t be my last 70mm adventure— but it’s given me a lot of time to think about how far Naples Cinematheque has come since our last VIP Insider.

And it’s come far.

THE RESPONSE

I was hopeful we’d find support for Naples Cinematheque’s pursuit of a theater of our own, I wasn’t prepared for this. From our loyal audiences—Naples’ arts and cultural leaders who have supported us from the beginning, as well as longtime dreamers of an arthouse cinema for this city—the response has been extraordinary. And most excitingly, we’ve connected with people who have both the vision and the resources to help make it real.

Thank you for believing in this. There’s much more to come.

MOMENTUM IS BUILDING

That same energy is showing up everywhere this season.

Regal Cinemas has stepped in as a generous sponsorship helping bring several of our film festivals and series directly to local audiences—a partnership we’re grateful for.

Tony Mangione and I are finalizing dates at Regal for the return of the Italian Film Series. Titles and screening dates coming soon.

And we’re thrilled to announce a new partnership with Tropic Cinema in Key West (their gorgeous marquee below), now reopened under the Tennessee Williams Theatre. Some of Naples Cinematheque’s premier festivals and series will find a second home on the island—we can’t wait to see where it takes us.

*Tropic Cinema’s gorgeous marquee on 416 Eaton Street in Key West glow pink and blue in night sky.*

HAPPENING NOW: Weekend with Wajda—October 16–18

The Naples Polish Film Festival celebrates the centennial of Andrzej Wajda, one of cinema’s great movie mavericks. Tickets are moving fast! Watch the festival committee’s recent interview on 239 LIVE.

LOOKING AHEAD

This summer I also built my first season of Lifelong Learning Lectures at Artis—Naples, which spotlight Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Elia Kazan and Robert Duvall. Stories I’ve wanted to tell for years, and I can’t wait to celebrate the people, films, and creative achievements that have helped shape the history of cinema.

We have to close with a heartfelt thank-you to the amazing team that has devoted countless hours to creating our new Fall/Winter issue of the Naples Cinematheque Zine. We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a talented and dedicated group of contributors committed to producing Naples’ magazine devoted to the love of all things cinema. Their passion, creativity, and hard work are what make this publication so special.

Want a copy? Please email me directly at david@naplescinema.com.