Photo of Cinema Arts Centre by Ron Laible
Please Fix This
I generally try to use this website to promote things that I think are good and uplifting, focusing on positive actions and giving my best to help us all lead more fulfilling lives. I try to stay out of the muck. There are enough people out there who are really good at shining light in dark places and I think folks doing the right thing need all the positive reinforcement they can get.
This, unfortunately, just makes my stomach turn.
On September 2nd a fairly new and shaken up board of directors of the Cinema Arts Centre in Huntington announced the firing of lifelong director, Dylan Skolnick, alleging “serious misconduct.” This, frankly, led many people to sit in silent terror wondering if a dear friend to the community was about to be charged with something horrible. What now seems to be the case is that Skolnick, who earned about $70,000 per year to invest, by all accounts, the balance of his life to serve this theater, was doing some side work to assist bookings in other independent theaters. People in the industry have asserted that this is neither unusual nor “serious misconduct.” Such art houses generally work more in cooperation than competition to support that niche field and the artists they depend on. Further, this work had reportedly been approved by the Board over a decade ago. A board member, who now has Dylan’s job, also made some personal accusations of “founders syndrome.”
This action has been met with shock, disbelief and strong protest by folks who have long supported this theater. Subsequent behavior of this board and the folks who replaced Dylan have only served to inflame that most dedicated membership, former staff and many artists. Many have sincere questions regarding the new administration’s expertise. It’s further been noted by longtime members that nearly all the members have been on the board less than two years, and that three long time members left “due to the atmostphere that developed.”
Skolnick, who organized his first film festival at age ten, has long been considered a master in his field.
Photo credit: Mike van Schoonderwalt for Pexels
Read All About It
A brief search of Social Media will reveal a wealth of conversation on this topic. It’s received extensive local news coverage as well:
Pam Robinson of Huntington Now has written a series of articles:
9/2/26, Update: Cinema Arts Centre Alleges “Misconduct “in Ousting Co-Director Dylan Skolnick
9/4/26, UPDATE: Skolnick’s Supporters Push Back Against His Ouster
9/29/26, Cinema Arts Controversy Continues; Protest Planned
Rafer Guzmán has been covering this extensively for Newsday:
This early report came from Ken Buffa on 9/2, “Longtime co-director of Huntington’s Cinema Arts Centre Fired”
9/2/26 (with Nicholas Grasso), Co-directors of Huntington’s Cinema Arts Centre, Dylan Skolnick, fired over what board believes was ‘serious misconduct’
9/14/26, Presenters at Huntington’s Cinema Arts Centre reconsider appearances after Dylan Skolnick’s firing
Here’s a “Letter to the Editor” published 9/13
9/15/26, “Cinema Arts Centre’s Dylan Skolnick addresses ‘serious misconduct’ charges
9/16/26, “Huntington meeting a show of support for Cinema Arts Centre’s fired co-director”
9/24/26, Cinema Arts Centre members concerned of theater’s future
Here’s a “Letter to the Editor” published 9/13
9/30, “Demonstration planned at Cinema Arts Centre Saturday over Dylan Skolnick firing,”
Here’s News12 Coverage:
9/2 by Karina Kovac, “Board cites ‘serious misconduct’ in firing of Cinema Arts Centre founder’s Son
9/4 by Jenna Rae Gaertner for News12, “Beloved Cinema Arts Centre director fired, sparking community backlash”
9/15 by Jennifer Skiba, “Former Cinema Arts Centre co-director speaks out after dismissal”
Joe Wilkinson reported this to the East Meadow Daily Voice on 9/29: “Dylan Skolnick Fundraiser Launched After Surprise Firing”
I Know I'm Not Alone: This Feels Personal
Here’s an interview with Dylan on the Donna Drake show that starts to explain why.
For my entire life, the Cinema Arts Centre has been one of my very favorite places. For me, and many others, Founders Vic Skolnick, his wife Charlotte Skye and their son, Dylan are big reasons why. For its entire existence this place has been first and foremost about community through the lens of independent film. When Vic passed and Dylan took the helm many years ago, we all prayed he’d be able to take on that mantle.
Not only did he do so, he has managed to solidify and strengthen this community greatly. Over the decades they’ve overcome all sorts of monumental challenges, built diverse deep friendships, and remarkably grown to become one of the most highly respected independent theaters in the nation. Whether you’re a cinefile, nostalgic, passionate about things and ideas, or just want to see something really cool going on, they have had something deep to offer.
Recently, we reveled in offerings ranging from Marlene Dietrich to The Devil Wears Prada II. We’ve seen amazing foreign films, like The Secret Agent and No Other Choice. Just knowing Pump up the Volume was playing made us smile. My kids have become members and/or made it their theater of choice. My oldest’s 21st birthday was partly celebrated there watching 200 Cigarettes. The concession stand and the “Skye Room” it inhabits are amazing. It’s big enough to weekly hosts our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) veggie pickup. The programming there – often offered on behalf of someone who had something to share and needed a space – has always been diverse and phenomenal.
What the Cinema and very specifically the family that founded it have given to its community over half a century is immeasurable.
Synchronicity presented a grateful review of their Preview Club, which has since been put on hold by its passionate Curator and Host, Isil Bagdadi-Sergio. In a Facebook Post that further told the very human story of the program, Isil said this is, “not just because I stand in solidarity with Dylan, but also because I cannot successfully program and host Preview Club under these conditions.”
This whole situation is devastating. For the Cinema and its well-earned community, and for all I hope get to experience the magic I have been so blessed to feel there, I am praying for the best!
Want to Get Involved?
There is a GoFundMe, as well as a petition that at the time of writing has 2,976 signatures.
A protest is planned for October 3, 5-7pm on the corner of Park & Main in Huntington.
There is now a website where you can get more information.
