David Bramante ran the West Newton Cinema for 46 years, turning it into one of Boston’s premier movie theaters for arthouse, international, and independent film. His achievement was celebrated at the theater on March 15 in a surprise party hosted for him by the West Newton Cinema Foundation (WNCF) and his family.
After the ravages of the pandemic forced Bramante to sell the theater, locals had kicked off a campaign to save the 85-year-old neighborhood gem from the wrecking ball. They succeeded, and in August 2024 the West Newton Cinema officially became the property of the nonprofit WNCF. At Saturday’s surprise party, WNCF Board President Elizabeth Heilig said, “We wouldn’t be here today if David hadn’t had the vision for a non-profit to take over, and we thank him for his commitment to keeping the theater open while WNCF raised the funds to purchase it.”
An unsuspecting Bramante opened the door to the balloon-festooned lobby and was greeted by a crowd of well-wishers that included former employees, filmmakers, film festival organizers, friends, and family. Following feasting and socializing in the lobby, people moved to one of the large first-floor theaters for the formal ceremony hosted by Bramante’s daughter, Bridget Bali.
Co-owned by David and his brother Jim since 1978, the West Newton Cinema holds a treasure trove of memories for Bridget and her family. Bridget reminisced about childhood birthday parties and the family events held there.
WNCF board member Jill Bellio, who has frequented the West Newton Cinema since she was a teenager and later a WNC employee, awarded David with a gift and a commemorative plaque to hang in the theater. WNCF Board President Elizabeth Heilig paid tribute to Bramante, presenting him with a framed swatch of the theater’s original lobby rug.
People who worked with David had many stories to share about his generosity. Belmont World Film Executive Director Ellen Gitelman, whose International Film Series will screen in part at the WNC this spring, expressed gratitude for David and Jim’s support. Others told of David hosting pro bono events at the theater. The WNC’s new manager, Jesse Cerrotti, spoke about the wealth of institutional knowledge David has shared with him.
Projectionist Ellen Mills cited David’s calm demeanor under pressure, exemplified by his famous nod. Other tributes came from Jodi Zides, who also grew up at the theater and has taken over booking from her father Marty Zides; Lisa Rivo, Co-Director of The National Center for Jewish Film; and Boston Jewish Film Festival founder and filmmaker Michal Goldman.
Those who could not attend in person sent video messages. Marty Zides reminisced about how he and David turned a three-screen repertory theater into one of the Boston area’s premier six-screen theaters.
Other video messages included ones by the students and staff at the Corwin-Russell School@Broccoli Hall, who thanked David and serenaded him with “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow”; by Boston Jewish Film’s former Executive Director Sara Rubin; and by former BJF Artistic Director and documentary filmmaker Lisa Gossels, whose films were screened at the theater. The BJF Boston Israeli Film Festival will open soon at the WNC.
The event concluded on a high note with a sparkling cider toast and cake in the lobby, as people continued to reminisce about their journeys with David and the theater. It was only fitting that everyone received a beautifully wrapped box of the theater’s popcorn, said to be the best in Boston.
Bramante no longer works at the theater but serves as a consultant to the WNCF. He enjoys spending more time with his grandchildren. However, true to form, on any given day he can be found at the theater helping out. The celebration left no question that David Bramante has touched many lives and made many grateful friends.
