Full Breakdown
Cinema Club Piacere: A Cultural Hub in Gentrifying Brooklyn
4/17/2026, 12:01:53 AM
The Rise of Cinema Club Piacere
Cinema Club Piacere, hosted at the St. Mary’s of the Snow Society in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, has emerged as a vibrant community event, attracting a diverse audience of young hipsters and senior citizens. Founded by filmmaker Kevin D’Angelo, the monthly film club screens classic Italian-American films such as “Moonstruck” and “My Cousin Vinny,” while serving traditional dishes like baked ziti and sausage and peppers. The event, which celebrates its one-year anniversary on April 29, has grown significantly, with recent gatherings drawing over 150 attendees.
A Space for Community and Culture
D’Angelo emphasizes the importance of intergenerational mingling at the club, stating, “The mingling of different communities — intergenerational ones — is what I’m really proud of.” The event has become a focal point for community engagement, fostering connections among attendees from various backgrounds. The St. Mary’s of the Snow Society, established in 1888, has historically served as a support network for Italian immigrants, providing essential services such as access to healthcare and housing.
Adapting to a Changing Neighborhood
As Williamsburg undergoes significant gentrification, D’Angelo recognized the need for the club to adapt to the evolving community. He noted, “We had been around for so long, we’re a part of the neighborhood — but the neighborhood is changing, and I think it’s important for us to be acquainted with one another.” This sentiment reflects a broader effort to maintain cultural relevance and community ties amidst demographic shifts.
Challenges of Cultural Preservation
Despite the club's success, members face challenges in preserving their cultural heritage. Alessandro Grimaldi, the society's Vice President, remarked, “It’s been challenging over the years, especially since no one’s coming over from Italy anymore.” The club's efforts to maintain its identity are crucial, as D’Angelo pointed out, “the more people that have a relationship with the space, the less likely it is to disappear.”
Official Statements & Responses
Kevin D’Angelo highlighted the significance of the club in fostering community, stating, “You’ll see tables of our senior members with a young couple from Bushwick, or like my mom sitting with my friends from Tokyo.” This illustrates the club's role in bridging generational and cultural divides in a rapidly changing urban landscape.
Criticism & Opposition
While the club has garnered positive attention, some community members may feel that the gentrification associated with such events could lead to the displacement of long-standing residents. The balance between maintaining cultural traditions and adapting to new demographics remains a point of discussion among local stakeholders.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The mingling of different communities — intergenerational ones — is what I’m really proud of,” — Kevin D’Angelo, Founder of Cinema Club Piacere
- “We had been around for so long, we’re a part of the neighborhood — but the neighborhood is changing, and I think it’s important for us to be acquainted with one another,” — Kevin D’Angelo
- “It’s been challenging over the years, especially since no one’s coming over from Italy anymore,” — Alessandro Grimaldi, Vice President of St. Mary’s of the Snow Society
Cinema Club Piacere stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Italian-American culture in Brooklyn, while also adapting to the realities of a changing community. Its success reflects a broader desire for connection and cultural preservation in an increasingly diverse urban environment.
