Long Island Cinema Festival Opens Monday at The Plaza Cinema in Patchogue — What to Expect

The inaugural Long Island Cinema Festival kicks off Monday, April 13, at The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center in Patchogue, running April 13–18 across six South Shore and central Suffolk venues. Founded by three local filmmakers, the festival spotlights independent shorts, features, documentaries, and screenplays — with a Marquee Night on Thursday, April 17, at South Bay Cinema in West Babylon.

What Is the Long Island Cinema Festival?

This is the first year for the Long Island Cinema Festival, built from the ground up by three local filmmakers: George Massimillo, TJ Kiss, and Keith Rugen. Their goal was straightforward — create a real independent film festival rooted in Long Island communities, with screenings spread across towns rather than locked into one multiplex.

Where Is the Festival Happening?

• The Plaza Cinema & Media Arts Center — 20 Terry Street, Patchogue
• South Bay Cinema — West Babylon (Marquee Night, April 17)
• Hunter and Thief — Lindenhurst
• Calderone Theater — Saint James
• Necromantic Brew Co. — Farmingdale
• The Stone Goat Restaurant and Brewery — Saint James

What Makes This Festival Different?

One standout feature is the "Legacy" category — films from three to five years back that shaped a filmmaker's development but never got wide exposure. The multi-venue format also sets it apart: screenings at a brewery or restaurant create a different atmosphere than a traditional cinema.

What Is Marquee Night and When Is It?

Thursday, April 17, is Marquee Night at South Bay Cinema in West Babylon — the flagship event of the festival week. Details on what screens that night are being announced at longislandcinemafestival.com.

How Do You Get Tickets?

Tickets and the full schedule are available at longislandcinemafestival.com. The Plaza Cinema box office opens one hour before the first show each day. Phone: (631) 438-0083.