Manlius Cinema’s ‘In Memoriam’ series pays homage to passed actors, filmmakers
Manlius was once a pass-through community. But with establishments like Manlius Cinema, the village has become an enriched arts and entertainment destination, newly elected Manlius Mayor Hank Chapman said. Tara Deluca | Asst. Photo Editor
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Each year, the Academy Awards feature a remembrance segment, pausing the show for a brief, somber moment to honor late visionaries who paved the way for future Hollywood stars. This month, Manlius Cinema will replicate a similar sentiment with its new “In Memoriam” series.
“We’re going into awards season here,” longtime Manlius Cinema patron Thomas Hitchcock said. “(It’s great) to show that these famous directors and stars have been contributory all these years to such great films.”
Manlius Cinema’s “In Memoriam” series, which begins Wednesday and runs through Jan. 29, celebrates the work of legendary actors and directors who died in 2025 through a curated film lineup. The series includes Diane Keaton’s “Annie Hall,” Gene Hackman’s “Unforgiven” and Robert Redford’s “The Sting.”
Though Manlius Cinema initially started by screening new releases, the theater has expanded to include a more eclectic mix of films. The theater has worked to incorporate more foreign and lesser-known independent films. Tara Deluca | Asst. Photo Editor
Though each film only has one screening, Manlius Cinema will be showing “The Princess Bride” from Jan. 30 to Feb. 5. A fan favorite, the movie will be an extension to the series in honor of director Rob Reiner, alongside his film “This Is Spinal Tap,” which was already set to be featured.
The 107-year-old cinema — which was a silent theater before adding sound in 1931 — started by screening new releases. However, over the last several decades, the theater has worked to incorporate an eclectic mix of films by including lesser-known independent and foreign films, including Tatsuya Nakadai’s “Yojimbo,” a classic Japanese samurai movie that will also be featured in the series.
Hitchcock said the theater’s attendance has improved compared to past years, and he thinks the “In Memoriam” series is a great way to increase Manlius Cinema’s attendance.
With a variety of movies to choose from for each actor and director, Derek Walter, Manlius Cinema’s general manager and series programmer, had dedicated customers, like Hitchcock, in mind when selecting the films, he said.
“It’s really stepping back and recognizing the type of people that have been loyal and supportive patrons of ours and really trying to honor what I know they’re going to like,” Walter said. “But also thinking forward and with the intention of always wanting to grow and reach out to new people.”
Hitchcock is most excited to see director David Lynch’s “Mulholland Drive,” a film he first watched at the Manlius Cinema over two decades ago.
The Liverpool resident has made trips to the theater since the mid-1990s, praising its “quaintness,” personality and welcoming environment.
“I’ve never really had much to do with the Village of Manlius, except the Manlius theater, and now it keeps me going back more than ever,” Hitchcock said. “It’s a wonderful cultural building and a cultural activity to go to, and it does promote cultural discussions.”
Hank Chapman, the Village of Manlius’ newly elected mayor, recalled a business owner telling him that Manlius transformed from a pass-through community to a charming destination; Chapman credits the Manlius Cinema as a “big part” of that change, allowing other arts and entertainment establishments to open in the area.
“It’s really, honestly, a cornerstone in our village right now. It’s kind of the centerpiece on our main drag,” Chapman said. “A couple of years ago, we deemed that block our Arts & Entertainment District, and obviously that’s largely because of the Manlius Cinema.”
Liverpool local Thomas Hitchcock usually doesn’t venture to the Village of Manlius — unless it is to watch a film at Manlius Cinema. The longtime patron, who praises Manlius Cinema’s quaintness and welcoming nature, has made trips to the theater since the mid-1990s. Tara Deluca | Asst. Photo Editor
Chapman, who grew up in Manlius, has been watching movies at his local cinema for over 50 years. He even said he remembers going there to see “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” 17 times with his best friend as a kid.
Like Hitchcock, Chapman thinks creative events — like the “In Memoriam” series — keep the theater distinct and exciting, still drawing in patrons after many decades.
This won’t be the last film series shown at the Manlius Cinema in 2026, with the “Strides Toward Democracy” lineup debuting in February. In collaboration with the Onondaga Historical Association, the series examines principles of democracy with a focus on films about central New York.
But, during this awards season, the Manlius Cinema’s “In Memoriam” series gives customers a chance to say goodbye to legendary auteurs and stars, Walter said.
“When you get a theater full of people, and they’re all just having a great time, and for how stressful the world is, they forget their worries for a couple hours and just enjoy cinema,” Walter said. “There’s no better feeling for me in the world.”
