The upcoming restoration of the Fine Arts Theatre near Dallas in Denton, Texas will include significant upgrades such as an installation of the 70mm projection system in addition to the DCP and 35mm, expanded lobby, updated seating, and improved sight and sound. The theater is set to reopen in the summer of 2026.
“The renovation of the Fine Arts Theatre is much more than a cultural project for Denton.” said Christine Taylor, the assistant City Manager who helped with the restoration plan. “By restoring this historic landmark, it not only represents public and private investment in our local arts scene but also provides a critical, additional tourism draw that will generate new activity and revenue in the heart of our city. This revitalized space will also be an important resource for our younger demographic, offering hands-on opportunities and a professional venue that helps attract and retain creative talent emerging from our local universities, ensuring the next generation of artists stays right here in Denton.”
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The Fine Arts Theater was previously the Graham Opera House in 1877, Texas Theatre in 1935, before transitioning to the Fine Arts Theatre in 1957. The Fine Arts Theater has been vacant since 1982, but after a deal between developers and the City of Denton bringing in $1.6 million in tax breaks, the $10 million project will be revitalize the theater space.
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Thursday, October 23
Cate Blanchett To Be Honored With Icon Award At 33rd EnergaCameriage International Film Festival
Camerimage will present Cate Blanchett with the Icon Award at the 33rd annual EnergaCameriage International Film Festival. The event will run through Nov. 15 to Nov. 22 in Toruń, Poland. The award will be presented to Blanchett during the festival’s closing gala.
“Cate is an extraordinary individual who treats every conversation as a singular event. It is this sensitivity and attentiveness to the world around her that make her performances unforgettable, inspiring audiences worldwide,” said Marek Żydowicz, who serves as festival director. “I am deeply honoured to present her with the Icon Award, which she will accept in person at the closing gala. I believe her return to Toruń is tied to fond memories and experiences from last year, when she led the Main Competition jury with remarkable professionalism.”
Previously, Blanchett chaired the jury at the 32nd EnergaCamerimage International Film Festival in 2024.
Cinema United Sets Theo George as Director of Marketing
Theo George has been hired as Cinema United’s Director of Marketing, effective immediately. This position will serve multiple communications and marketing functions such as social media, brand marketing, and creative leadership for the organization.
In addition, George will lead developing and executing social media strategies for Cinema United and CinemaCon, overseeing the growth of consumer interactions through marketing activations and targeted brand and media partnerships.
“I’ve spent a good portion of my career getting audiences excited about going to the movies because I believe deeply in the power of the shared theatrical experience,” said George in a statement. “Cinema United’s mission to unite and promote the industry couldn’t be more urgent or inspiring. I’m thrilled to champion the theatre owners who create those magical moments for millions of moviegoers and ensure that the irreplaceable experience of going to the movies remains a cultural cornerstone.”
In this new position, George will report to Andrew Stewart, Cinema United’s Chief Communications Officer.
Wednesday, October 22
NewportFilm Completes 2025 Cinematography Lab
NewportFilm has wrapped its fifth annual Cinematography Lab program, during which six fellows received mentorship and support on their documentary shorts and features from Oct. 17-19 at the Norman Bird Sanctuary in Middletown, R.I.
This year’s fellows were Fanny Texier, Jennifer Gonzalez, Jia Li, Judy Phu, Matt Andrew and Tom Clement and their mentors were award winning directors of photography Thorsten Thielow and Laura Hudock and A.I. specialist Annie Hanlon.
In addition to intensive workshops and networking events, the program also offered a screening and discussion of Thielow’s film “Love + War” and a new session titled “From Film to AI: Storytelling Through the Lens of Technology,” where Hanlon explored the possibilities that emergent technologies bring to documentary filmmakers.
‘Alex vs ARod,’ ‘Rosemead’ ‘Crutch’ and More Join Lineup For Tribeca Membership Events
Conversations with Tracy Morgan, Alex Rodriguez, Lucy Liu and more will be featured in Tribeca’s new slate of membership events.
The list of events kicks off on Oct. 27 with an advance screening of Paramount+’s original comedy series “Crutch,” starring Morgan. Cast members Kecia Lewis and Adrianna Mitchell will join Morgan alongside executive producer and showrunner Owen Smith. Executive producer and guest star Cedric the Entertainer will also be a part of the conversation.
On Nov. 3, the world premiere of “Alex vs. ARod” will take place, accompanied by a discussion with Rodriguez. A screening of the 2025 Tribeca Festival selection “Rosemead,” starring Liu, will take place on Dec. 2, followed by a conversation with the actress.
On the heels of this year’s TCS New York City Marathon, members are also invited to the world premiere of “26.2” on Oct. 27. Directed by Nicolas Heller, the documentary short film follows New Yorkers training for the 2024 TCS New York City Marathon. Afterward, Heller will join members of the cast to discuss their experience making the film.
Other screenings include “Cat’s in the Cradle” on Oct. 30, followed by “Lost and Found in Cleveland” on Nov. 3.
The events conclude on Dec. 9 with a conversation between actors Lily Rabe and Hamish Linklater.
Tuesday, October 21
Freestyle Digital Media Acquires North American Rights to “Yes Repeat No,” Sets November Release
Freestyle Digital Media has acquired the North American rights to “Yes Repeat No,” a drama exploring Israeli-Palestinian identity. The film releases Nov. 11 on North American VOD platforms and DVD.
“Yes Repeat No” follows the story of three actors who are auditioning to play Juliano Mer-Khamis, a Palestinian-Jewish actor and activist who was assassinated in 2011 on the steps of the theater he founded in Jenin. Born to an anti-Zionist Jewish mother and a Palestinian Christian Communist father, Mer-Khamis became an internationally acclaimed actor who appeared in films including “The Little Drummer Girl” and “Miral,” and later began a career as a director, theater founder and a political activist.
“Yes Repeat No” stars Salome Azizi (“The Director”), Mousa Kraish (“Arab Juliano”), Adam Meir (“Public Juliano”), and Karim Saleh (“Israeli Juliano”).
“Because we made this film before October 7th, we could examine our collective, fraught history with nuance and compassion, without clinging to ‘sides.’ We want to build bridges rather than fan flames, and to challenge our viewers’ understanding of the conflict,” said filmmaker Michael Dahan. “By weaving direct quotes from Palestinian, Israeli, Arab and American leaders throughout the dialogue the film reveals how the meaning of words spoken by political figures such as Arafat, Netanyahu, and others have shifted over time. In a time of conflict, ‘Yes Repeat No’ insists on imagining a better future and encourages its audience to feel more understood and less alone.”
The film is written and directed by Dahan, who also serves as the film’s producer alongside N. Braxton Pope and Sarah Szalavitz.
Watch the trailer for “Yes Repeat No” below.