2 New Free Filmings At Greenport Movie Theater Saturday

GREENPORT, NY — Lights, camera, action! It's another night of two free films at the Greenport movie theater, which opened its doors during the winter months — and has the community turning out in droves.

Last week was another great success, said Tony Spiridakis, one of the co-founders of the Manhattan Film Institute, who, with his partner Lisa Gillooly, teamed up to present the MFI Winter Film Series.

This Saturday night, two free film screenings are slated — "Babe" at 6:30 p.m. and "The Sting" at 7 p.m.

Spiridakis is thrilled by the momentum the series has picked up. Last week, he said, had an "amazing turnout again! 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest' was sold out. We had to turn away actor Rupert Friend, of 'Homeland,' and his wife Aimee Mullins — they were lovely and promised to come back. "

And Dimitri Spiridakis, Tony's son, who starred in the TV pilot "Greenport", even volunteered to sell the popcorn.

The events also give patrons the chance to support other local businesses, too — with an eye toward keeping the village vibrant during the winter season

To that end, while both movies are free, anyone who donates $20 at the door will get a $10 gift certificate to local businesses including American Beech, Andy's Restaurant, Clark's Garden and Home, D'Latte, Flying Point Surf Shop, Front Street Station (possibly $20 if you get the mystery gift card), Greenport Harbor Brewing Co., Greenport Wine's and Spirits, Kate's Cheese, Layla Sailing Charters, Lido Clothing and Gifts, Lucharitos, The Market, Salon 48 by Myles Hair Salon, Special Effects Day Spa, Sterlington Deli, Sweet Indulgences, Underground Training ($10 off group lesson), and the Weathered Barn.

It's a win-win, Spiridakis said. "Along with the artistic, cultural benefits, bringing vitality to the village and North Fork communities, I didn't realize how successful re-opening the movie theater in the winter could be for cross-marketing opportunities with local businesses. Working with ideas from owners, donations at the movies earn discount coupons to favorite restaurants and shops. So, going to the movies encourages our audiences to go visit our amazing restaurants and shops," he said.

Greenport is alive even when the temperatures drop, he added. "We have so much now in the winter. Roller skating at the VFW, ice skating in Mitchell Park, a fantastic library which also shows movies for free! It's really a very alive place in the winter."

Buying goodies at the concession stand also supports the mission of keeping the theater in the winter — and steady public support is definitely needed to keep the winter program viable, Spiridakis said. After the costs for purchasing the popcorn, soda and candy, profits go to filling up the oil tanks for the heat in the theater.

Based on the overwhelming response, a new lineup of films has been planned, as follows, for the Saturdays @ 7 Winter Series at the Greenport movie theater.

Best Picture Winners

Jan. 23 : "The Sting," 1973
Feb. 2: "The Apartment," 1960
Feb. 9: "Shakespeare in Love," 1998
Feb. 16 : "Unforgiven," 1992
Feb. 23: "An American In Paris," 1951

Films will be screened every Saturday at 7 p.m. through May 18, with additional films still to be added to the schedule.

The fruition of a dream lifted hearts, Spiridakis said seeing patrons pack the house is something he'll never forget.

When the film series was first announced, Spiridakis said a lot of effort went into making the dream a reality; he first approached theater owner Josh Sapan about the possibility in September.
Reflecting on how the idea was born to bring Christmas magic to the Greenport movie theater, Spiridakis said, for so many years, seeing the lights off at the theater sparked his curiosity.

"When I asked the reason, I discovered it was that the heat didn't work," he said. "I have developed a wonderful working relationship with Josh Sapan, who has let MFI screen our short films on Sunday mornings for the past eight years."

After MFI's two-week program wraps up each year, all 25 original films are shown at the Greenport theater, Spiridakis said. "It's always packed." In September, Spiridakis sent Sapan an email. "I said, 'Hey, this is crazy, but what if I take a shot at fixing the heat?'" he said.

Spiridakis had just moved from Orient to Greenport Village and knew great individuals who'd worked on his house and could help, he said. Heating issues were resolved, Spiridakis said. "This is a heating system that hasn't been used in the winter in 16 years," he said.

Spiridakis thanked two men who, he said, he could not have done the project without — Sean Cambell of C&H Air Corp. and Joe Whitecavage of Vanetten Plumbing & Heating.

While the films are free, donations are gratefully accepted, Spiridakis said.

Sapan spoke to Patch about MFI's new winter film series: "The opening of the theatre is the work of the indefatigable Tony Spiridakis, coordinated by the extraordinary theatre manager John McCabe. Tony's love of film, his generous spirit and his tirelessness made it happen," Sapan said. "Though we all carry more screens than ever, there's nothing quite like the magic of watching great movies on the silver screen with an audience of friends and neighbors. I'm so glad the people of Greenport will get to do this."

For additional information on MFI's Saturdays @ 7 Winter Film Series, or to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit MFI's website at: www.ManhattanFilmInstitute.com or call (646) 653-2634.

Films are subject to change; check the website for any changes.

Patch photos courtesy Tony Spiridakis.