Celebrating the life and career of our friend Leon Vitali, Filmworker (July 26, 1948 – August 19, 2022). Vitali grew up in England, where his passion for acting first emerged and he guest-starred in a number of TV programs and feature films. As a rising actor, he first met Stanley Kubrick in 1974, joining the cast of BARRY LYNDON with his brilliant portrayal of Lord Bullingdon. Ever passionate about every aspect of the cinematic process, Vitali convinced Kubrick to let him observe the film’s editing process and would eventually collaborate both in front of the camera and behind the scenes on productions like THE SHINING, FULL METAL JACKET, and EYES WIDE SHUT. Leon was instrumental in the casting process of Kubrick’s later films, including his intensely thorough search for THE SHINING’S Danny, meeting over 1000 potential child actors. Among his many accomplishments, he is remembered for his stunning picture and sound restorations of Kubrick’s filmography. He is remembered by the American Cinematheque for his generosity and passion, introducing numerous Kubrick productions at the theatres while watching alongside the crowd. The 2017 documentary FILMWORKER premiered at the Cannes Film Festival detailing Vitali’s life and work. Directed by Tony Zierra, the film portrays Vitali as the endlessly curious, creative, and cinema-loving man he was.