Cinematique Returns to Wilmington with Landmark Film Lineup at Jengo’s Playhouse

The Cucalorus Film Foundation and WHQR Public Media are proud to announce the return of the beloved Cinematique screening series, relaunching this month with a curated selection of landmark films that have shaped cinematic history.

This new season embraces a “return of the classics,” building on Cinematique’s long-standing tradition of bringing essential international and independent films back to the big screen. Screenings will take place at Jengo's Playhouse, continuing the series’ role as a cultural touchstone for Wilmington film lovers.

Each event will also feature a Cinematique Social Hour at Jengo’s Bar, offering audiences a chance to gather, reflect, and extend the conversation around each film.

Opening Night: Citizen Kane

The series opens on Friday, April 24 with two screenings of Citizen Kane, the same film that launched the original Cinematique series in 1991 at College Road Cinemas. Widely considered one of the most influential films ever made, the evening screening will include an introduction and post-film discussion led by Todd Berliner, film professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.

Spring and Summer Lineup

On Friday, May 22, the series continues with Do the Right Thing, Spike Lee’s groundbreaking exploration of race, community, and conflict in Brooklyn. “We chose this film because of its groundbreaking style, social significance, and the role it played in opening up the field for Black filmmakers,” said Mary Bradley, WHQR Development Director and Cinematique Coordinator.

The summer slate begins July 10 with Psycho, the genre-defining thriller that transformed horror filmmaking. Screenings will be followed by a discussion led by Juan Carlos Kase, Associate Professor and Chair of Film Studies at UNC Wilmington.

On August 21, audiences will experience The Thin Blue Line, an influential documentary celebrated for its innovative storytelling and lasting impact on the genre. The screening will include an introduction and discussion led by Mariana Johnson, a documentary history professor at UNC Wilmington.

A Wilmington Tradition Reimagined

With its return, Cinematique revives a cherished Wilmington tradition–bringing audiences together to experience iconic films on the big screen while fostering meaningful dialogue with scholars, filmmakers, and the broader community.

The series will continue into the fall, with additional films and dates to be announced later this summer.

Tickets for all screenings are $10 and available now at jengos.eventive.org.

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