Movie fans have made their way to the quaint Manlius Cinema southeast of Syracuse for over 100 years.
This week, the New York State Senate gave its coveted Empire Award to that theater.
It's cultural significance is traced to its longtime commitment to films both old and new. But, it’s especially known for honoring vintage film work.
“People kinda come and relive the past and celebrate movies that they grew up and sort of shaped who they are as human beings,” said manager Derek Walter. “But, we also still bring in a lot of documentaries of local significance.”
Walter says the cinema has about 100 seats and offers a personable environment inviting all film making genres, including documentaries.
He strives to reflect on the diversity of the region.
“There’s a lot of really hot issues in Syracuse right now at the very local level and we’ve been proud to be able to invite people from different sides of debates to come and have a voice here and join the discussion,” said Walter.
Next month a movie about Syracuse’s housing crisis, “Blurring the Lines” features a discussion panel including Mayor Sharon Owens. The Manlius Cinema turns 108 years old this year.
