Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center Re-Launches In-Person World Cinema Series Screenings

For the first time since March, the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center (WHBPAC) will open its doors and welcome the community back on Friday, November 6 – to launch a weekend movie series. The re-opening was made possible under new state guidelines unveiled by Governor Andrew Cuomo.

“This is the first step towards us re-opening, and we’re thrilled to have an audience once again,” said Executive Director Julienne Penza-Boone. “We will have new protocols in place to limit contact and all attendees must submit to temperature checks so that we can ensure a safe experience for everyone.”

Upon learning about the executive order, which was issued on Saturday, October 17, Director of Sales Allison Frost immediately began working with distributors to curate a full slate of films to be featured as part of WHBPAC’s Rose and Don Ciampa World Cinema Series. Upcoming screenings from IFC Films and the Indie Theatre Revival Project will highlight acclaimed independent films from the past two decades.

The screenings will kick-off with a New York State of Mind themed weekend that will feature Gimme the Loot on Friday, November 6 at 8:00 p.m., Time Out of Mind on Saturday, November 7 at 4:30 p.m., followed by How to Survive A Plague at 8 p.m. and Frances Ha on Sunday, November 8 at 4:30 p.m.

The Stage on Screen Series will include A Ballerina’s Tale on Friday, November 13 at 8:00 p.m. and Joan Rivers: A Piece of Work on Sunday, November 15 at 4:30 p.m.

Foodie Films will encompass Kampai! For the Love of Sake on Friday, November 20 at 8:00 p.m., The Search for General Tso on Saturday, November 21 at 4:30 p.m., followed by City of Gold at 8 p.m. and King Georges on Sunday, November 22 at 4:30 p.m.

French Masters will showcase A Christmas Tale on Friday, November 27 at 8:00 p.m., Let the Sunshine In on Saturday, November 28 at 4:30 p.m., followed by Things to Come at 8:00 p.m. and Two Days, One Night on Sunday, November 29 at 4:30 p.m.

“The film industry quickly moved to virtual cinema platforms, which enabled us to bring critically acclaimed movies to our patrons in the midst of the pandemic,” added Penza-Boone. “We virtually presented a Korean series in June and a BLM series in July, and more recently, RBG about the life of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. This really highlights our mission to bring the performing arts to the communities we serve and promote inclusivity through the power of film.”

Viewings will be limited to a maximum of 50 movie-goers. Attendees must don a mask, practice social distancing and consent to temperature checks and a health waiver before entering WHBPAC.

To commemorate the first step in WHBPAC’s re-opening, admission has been reduced to $9 per ticket.

Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center is located at 76 Main Street in Westhampton Beach. For more information, visit whbpac.org.