Cinecon: The Longest Running Classic Film Festival You've Never Heard Of!

In this episode of Perf Damage, we dive into the world of classic cinema with Bryan Cooper, co-producer of the Cinecon Film Festival-an unmissable hidden gem for film buffs and a must-have on your festival bucket list! Cinecon has been showing hidden gems since 1965, and Bryan, a staple of Cinecon for years, reveals his behind-the-scenes secrets and discusses the meticulous selection process for the festival’s lineup which includes the world premiere of many rare, recently restored classics from Paramount. Hear how he collaborates with Charlotte to bring you films that are virtually unseen anywhere else. With its star-studded atmosphere and unpretentious charm, Cinecon-held every Labor Day weekend-is a mecca for classic film aficionados. From previously lost Clara Bow films like "The Pill Pounder" with a live score to Roy Rogers gems like "Song of Arizona" Cinecon has something for everyone.
Join us for an engaging conversation about this iconic festival and the magic that makes it a haven for lovers of timeless cinema!

[@cherbibler3265]

Sounds absolutely awesome!

[@billqs9974]

Great interview about Cinecon. I'm hoping to make it to one someday. Also, love the Roy Rogers references, he was my dad's favorite actor and film series when he was growing up!

[@TheAllrnthnggrl]

Great interview! Of course, we always do what we can to continue to make Roy Rogers shiny. 😊

[@PerfDamagePodcast]

We love Roy around here!

[@karac.a.]

I've been wanting to see The Lady Wants Mink for the longest time!

[@HuntersCinema]

I hope the restored Roy Rogers films can be available to the public some day. The two films released by Kino were years ago now.

[@JeffryHeise]

Charlotte-you should ask if anyone at Paramount's archive remembers the disaster that was "SuperVistaVision." In the early 90's Paramount Classics had the "brilliant" idea of converting DeMille's THE TEN COMMANDMENTS into 70mm 6-track stereo but instead of just making a new print using the correct aspect ratio of 1.66, they went with 2.35 for the 70mm print while still using the correct ratio for a brand new 35mm print. I attended the premiere of the 70mm print at the Cinerama Dome with Charlton Heston in attendance and while the first half went fine (with the exception of the opening credits having the borders cut off) the second half had a lot of shots look poorly composed and the end title of "So let it be written-so let it be done" actually had the last half actually cut off at the frame line, and the projectionist tried to adjust the frame but that part was missing and we were laughing loudly about it. Not too long afterwards I ran into a friend who worked in the Classics department and asked him about the print and he said that DeMille shot an alternate CinemaScope version simultaneously, in other words, he lied (Paramount would not have used a process they were competing with at the time). Some months later, at studio day at the now long gone Dave's Video in Sherman Oaks, I asked the Paramount rep if the upcoming 40th anniversary Laserdisc set was using that print for their master and he rolled his eyes and said that both that SVV negative and any surviving prints had been junked and that they were going back to the original 8-perf negative for that box set. I wonder if anyone who was working there at the time is still there and remembers that debacle.

[@Vjaynd88]

I want to see Murder Horse!!! Bryan is so interesting and fun to listen to.

[@PerfDamagePodcast]

Trigger Jr. (1950) is an absolute must watch! Not only for the Murder Horse, but also for the beautiful Trucolor. And At just under 70 minutes, I cannot think of a better way to spend an hour. And in case I haven’t mentioned … it has a freakin’ Murder Horse in it!!!! Kino Lorber put out a nice Bluray of Charlotte’s restoration.

[@stanedwards309]

I can't get to Cinecon, but am happy it exists. I think film restoration is important, but lament that there are so few places to see vintage films (projected.)

[@PerfDamagePodcast]

Cinecon is great, and we’re sorry to hear that you can’t make it.
We’re very lucky in LA to have so many places that project film, but usually the “old movies” they show don’t go past the 80s! At least places like AMC Theaters are starting to really embrace showing more classic films, and new restorations, albeit only on DCP. We’re just happy to see them getting out there.

[@edryba4867]

“Our Miss Brooks” goes back to TELEVISION? Try RADIO! And Gale Gordon, who played the Principal, starred opposite Lucille Ball in CBS Radio’s “My Favorite Husband”.

[@terrijohnson6204]

I wish I could go to Cinecon. Murder Horse!!!

[@PerfDamagePodcast]

No murder horses at Cinecon this year, but maybe there will be by popular demand in 2026 (since as the rumor we’re starting suggests, 2025 will be all VistaVision)