Some places were made for more than just watching movies and The Milford Theater is one of them. Here, the past comes to life on screen, frame by frame, story by story. Every screening offers a chance to connect with history, community, and the enduring magic of cinema. In 2020, two passionate and like-minded film lovers, Beth O'Neil and John DiLeo, joined forces to create something truly special and PTN host, Deanna Fontanez had an opportunity to talk with them and learn about their story.

"I had recently taken the job of restoring and renovating the theater and needed to start programming once we were going to be opening in 2021," said O'Neil. "I did my research on who was already doing really cool, artistic, interesting things in town, and I heard about John DiLeo doing historic film series events at the Hotel Fauchère on a small screen. He already had a built-in following. So, I called him and we started to talk about what a historic film series could look like, would look like.

DiLeo, known locally for his work with the Black Bear Film Festival and his books on classic film, was already a recognizable figure in the area.

“I always dreamed this would be a thriving performing arts center and it’s happened, and I’m thrilled to be a part of it and have my own little niche.”  For DiLeo, the experience has become a dream outlet for his passion. “It’s such an amazing way for me to express my love for classic movies, to have this forum and curate with Beth and Chiara, and to open people’s eyes to movies of the past that they thought they’d already seen. It’s about giving them an experience. I can’t wait to share it.”

For John, classic films offer something timeless. “The movies stay the same, we change. And when you revisit something at a different age, suddenly you're identifying with a different character. It's an ongoing process.” Both Beth and John invested their time and passion into the venture. “It was a no-brainer to bring film back into this historic theater,” said Beth. “It started as a silent film house back in 1911. Because my career was as a film producer for twenty years, it was really important to me on a personal level that we have an outstanding roster of films. And certainly, John has brought that to the theater.”

John describes the experience as “like making the Turner Classic Movies experience live.” He explained, “The host comes out in the room with you, you get to watch the movie with other people, have the communal experience, then the host comes back and we have a Q&A. It's kind of my dream gig.” He takes it a step further, often dressing in costumes inspired by the film, and making each event feel like something more than just a movie screening. “Someone might say, ‘I can see this movie on Turner Classics or wherever.’ So you try to make it special, an event. I want people to say, ‘I learned something, I met people, the conversation continued into the lobby.’  It’s more than just seeing the movie.”

What began five years ago has grown into more than just a series of screenings, it’s a revival of a historic theater, a creative partnership, and a community hub. Their story is not over yet. It’s just getting started.