Cinematique film series returns to Wilmington with lineup of classic films
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Cucalorus Film Foundation and WHQR Public Media have announced the relaunch of the Cinematique screening series, bringing a curated selection of landmark films back to the big screen.
Relaunching later this month at Jengo’s Playhouse, the series will celebrate what organizers are calling the “return of the classics,” highlighting films that have had a lasting impact on cinematic history. Cinematique has long been known for showcasing international and independent cinema, and the revived series aims to continue that legacy while creating new opportunities for community engagement.
Each screening will include a Cinematique social hour at Jengo’s Bar, offering audiences a chance to connect and discuss the films in a relaxed setting.
Opening night is set for Friday, April 24, featuring two screenings of Citizen Kane — the same film that launched the original Cinematique series in 1991 at College Road Cinemas. Often cited as one of the most influential films ever made, the evening screening will include an introduction and post-film discussion led by Todd Berliner, a film professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
The series continues Friday, May 22, with Do the Right Thing, director Spike Lee’s seminal film exploring race, community, and conflict. Organizers say the film was selected for its groundbreaking style and its role in expanding opportunities for Black filmmakers.
The summer lineup begins July 10 with two screenings of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, a genre-defining thriller that reshaped horror filmmaking. A discussion led by Juan Carlos Kase, associate professor and chair of Film Studies at UNC Wilmington, will follow the screenings.
On August 21, the series will feature The Thin Blue Line, an influential documentary known for its innovative storytelling and lasting impact on the genre. The screening will include an introduction and discussion led by Mariana Johnson, a documentary history professor at UNC Wilmington.
Organizers say the return of Cinematique is about more than just revisiting classic films — it’s about reviving a shared cultural experience.
“With its return, Cinematique brings audiences together to experience iconic films on the big screen while engaging in meaningful dialogue with scholars, filmmakers, and the community,” organizers said in the announcement.
The series is expected to continue into the fall, with additional films and dates to be announced later this summer.
Tickets for all screenings are $10 and are available online.
