Free Movies In Greenport Continue, A 'Win-Win-Win' For Businesses

GREENPORT, NY — A free film series in Greenport is going strong, with hundreds turning out each week — and the crowds are proving to be a boon to local businesses, too, with scores eating, shopping, and enjoying all the village has to offer, even during the winter months.

Tony Spiridakis, one of the co-founders of the Manhattan Film Institute, and his partner Lisa Gillooly teamed up to present the MFI Winter Film Series.

This Saturday wraps up the "Best Picture" series with "Iron Giant" (PG) showing at 6:30 p.m. followed by the classic "An American in Paris" (NR) at 7 p.m. at the Greenport Theater on Front Street.

All screenings are free.

Next Saturday, a brand-new six week program, "Women in Film," launches, with a selection of films showing from March 2 through April 6, followed by "Great Directors," from April 13 to May 18.

Showing next Saturday, March 2, are the Disney favorite "Frozen" at 6:30 p.m. and "Fargo" at 7 p.m.

"The community has shown up in droves," Spiridakis said. "We have been 80 to 100 percent full at our 7 p.m. showings."

While the family films got off to a bit of a slower start, kids and parents alike are catching on an attending the 6:30 p.m. showings, too, he said. Those family-friendly films are free for all, too.

The free film series has infused the village with a new energy during the sometimes sleepy winter season, a boon for the local economy.

"Local businesses are happy by the traffic we have generated on Saturday nights, in large part, thanks to the gift coupons which they have generously provided us," Spiridakis said.

He added that $20 gift coupons are sold at the theater, which goes to help MFI run the free film program, and also gives that audience member a $10 discount at one of the participating businesses sponsoring the effort.

"I got a call two weeks ago from Hellenic at 10 p.m. on a Saturday night, thanking me because their restaurant was packed with moviegoers, who were all talking about the movie they had just seen. It's truly a win-win-win," Spiridakis said.

A full host of Greenport businesses have supported the effort, including Hellenic, American Beech, Andy's Restaurant, Clark's Garden and Home, D'Latte, Flying Point Surf Shop, Front Street Station, 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), the Weathered Barn, and more.

The beautiful theater is reaping the benefits of the love, Spiridakis said. "Curtains were essential to keeping heat in the lobby and theaters, and we've finally hung the first set on the enormous staircase in the lobby. We believe they are beautiful, and enhance the art deco vibe in the theater. Now we can sit in the lobby, where we sign moviegoers to our film club mailing list, sell discount coupons to local businesses, and take donations, without freezing," he said.

There is a tangible "synergy" between the arts and commerce, Spiridakis said. "MFI wants to help generate more business in our village, and the North Fork, as well. When art and commerce find a common goal, so much is possible — when a community comes together, it really can result in improving everyone’s quality life."

Looking ahead, Spiridakis said MFI wants to have great films playing at the Greenport Theater every winter and spring.

"Imagine showing 'Sideways' and partnering with a vineyard to do a wine tasting, or screening 'Big Night' and having a dinner afterward at one of our local Italian restaurants. There are so many opportunities to create and curate special events like these to make the movie theater a real cultural center," he said, his voice filled with enthusiasm and dreams.

In addition, Spiridakis hopes to reach to North Fork high school students who are interested in the arts, "and make sure they come watch an iconic foreign film from Italy, such as 'Cinema Paradiso', or Al Pacino in 'Dog Day Afternoon' — or Barbara Stanwyck in a comedy masterpiece such as 'Lady Eve'. They can learn what great cinema looks like, see what great acting looks like, and do something different with friends. A very cool way to spend two hours on a Saturday night, and it’s free!"

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.

The fruition of a dream has lifted hearts, Spiridakis said seeing patrons pack the house is something he'll never forget: "It's an amazing feeling to see the lobby of our beautiful old movie theater fill up with happy faces right before showtime."

Josh Sapan, CEO of AMC Networks and owner of the Greenport Theater, spoke to Patch about MFI's free 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."