Filmfest DC Returns for 39th year!
Washington DC’s longest-running film festival is back with exciting features, timely documentaries and poignant local films. From April 24 through May 4, Filmfest DC returns for its 39th year with a vast array of new and exciting films. Over 11 movie-packed days, the festival spans a variety of categories with 63 films from 36 countries, including World View (international cinema), The Lighter Side (comedies), Trust No One (thrillers), Global Rhythms (international music), Justice Matters (social issues), and Shorts.
With the recent closure of Landmark’s E Street Cinema, this year’s festival will primarily take place at Regal Gallery Place (701 7th Street, NW), maintaining its central downtown presence.
Opening Night kicks off on April 24 at the Embassy of France (4101 Reservoir Rd, NW) with The Marching Band (France), winner of the Audience Award at the San Sebastián Film Festival. A post-screening discussion with noted film critic Arch Campbell and a reception will follow.
Closing Night of the festival will take place on May 4 at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library in downtown DC (901 G St, NW) with Grand Finale, an Icelandic comedy about a chamber music orchestra trying to avoid bankruptcy. A post-screening reception on the library’s balcony follows.
Other highlights of this year’s festival include Reading Lolita in Tehran, a new film based on the popular New York Times best-selling book, with author Azar Nafisi in attendance, and the U.S. premiere of Frieda’s Case (Switzerland). From the Cannes Film Festival, Filmfest DC will feature award-winners Souleymane’s Story (France) and Visiting Hours (France). Venice Film Festival award winners include Stranger Eyes (Indonesia/Taiwan), Aicha (Tunisia), and Yalla Parkour (Palestine).
Also featured is Monsieur Aznavour, a biopic starring Tahar Rahim as the legendary French singer Charles Aznavour, often referred to as the “French Frank Sinatra.” Mauritanian auteur Abderrahmane Sissako’s new drama Black Tea follows an Ivorian woman who flees her wedding and emigrates to China to start a new life working in a tea shop. Costa Gavras’ newest film Last Breath stars Kad Merad and the remarkable Charlotte Rampling.
The festival also showcases timely and political films, including the documentary The Last Republican, which explores former Congressman Adam Kinzinger’s decision to leave the Republican Party, and BORDERLAND: The Line Within, an exposé on the profitable business of immigration.
As always, Filmfest DC highlights local films and filmmakers. This year’s DC4Reel selections include documentaries such as The Dalai Lama’s Gift, which recounts how in 1981, His Holiness the Dalai Lama initiated over a thousand young Americans into the ancient Kalachakra Tantra, the Wheel of Time; The Most Beautiful Deaths in the World, which explores the lives of DC artists from the El Salvadoran diaspora living in Columbia Heights/Mt. Pleasant, and Salad Days: A Decade of Punk in Washington, DC.
Marking a milestone, Filmfest DC’s Arabian Sights celebrates its 30th anniversary with a compelling lineup of films from the Arab world. This year’s selection includes the aforementioned award-winning Aicha from Tunisia, Disorder from Lebanon, and Fez Summer 55 from Morocco. Two films from Palestine take center stage: Happy Holidays, a family drama set in Haifa, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Scandar Copti, and Yalla Parkour, a documentary by DC filmmaker Areeb Zuaiter, who explores her connection to her homeland while chronicling her friendship with a Palestinian parkour athlete in Gaza. Zuaiter will be present for one of her screenings.
“Our goal is to make life more connected and meaningful through film”, said Filmfest DC Director Tony Gittens.
Continuing its efforts to expand film opportunities throughout the city, Filmfest DC will also host several films and programs beyond traditional theater spaces. The annual Movies Under the Stars at The Wharf will feature the Argentine audience favorite Lion’s Heart. Meanwhile, Filmfest DC’s Impact Project will bring filmmakers into the city’s public schools. Additionally, PBS stations WETA and WHUT will host “Filmfest DC Select,” showcasing many local films from the festival.
Throughout the festival, many filmmakers, subjects, and performers will be present for post-film conversations and panels.
For more information and to view the growing list of films, please visit the website
Tickets go on sale beginning April 4. The full catalog of films is now available online and will be featured in a 20-page insert in The Washington Post on Friday, April 18.
DC Film Society Celebrates the 32nd Annual “And the Winner Is…” Oscar Night Viewing Party: The Show Must Go On!
By Cheryl L. Dixon, D.C. Film Society Member
Amidst the backdrop of the tragic L.A. fires, the 97th edition of the Oscars and the 32nd edition of the DC Film Society’s Oscars Watch Party, “And the Winner Is…” took place on Sunday, March 2, 2025. L.A. and the Hollywood community demonstrated endurance and resilience with the determination that the show must go on. And it did, indeed, witnessing the rise of Anora soaring to great heights with five Oscar wins, including Best Actress and Best Picture.
A full house of film fans filled the seats at the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse (2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA) to celebrate the evening’s broadcast on the BIG screen. DC’s favorite film critics, co-hosts Tim Gordon and Travis Hopson, once again, guided attendees through the night with insightful commentary, background movie insider information, and the always-fun trivia questions, during the commercial breaks.
Undeterred by an AI “goof” resulting in an incorrect answer, Tim and Travis tested our knowledge on movie facts past and present, and awarded prizes to those guessing correctly. These prizes supplemented the many promotional items offered to each attendee upon entrance to the art deco theater, including an assortment of movie-branded hats, t-shirts, tote bags, key chains, and even socks.
After selecting an item from the swag table, as attendees entered, at 6:30 pm, it was time to catch the Red Carpet Show to critique the fashion, purchase affordable food and drinks, and view and bid on many autographed items in the Silent Auction (including The Hunting Party poster signed by Oscar nominee Jesse Eisenberg), Conclave, The Nickel Boys, and Queer adapted books, DVDs, and movie/theater tickets and passes, including two tickets to the Filmfest DC Opening Night Premiere and Gala Reception. Tickets to performances at the GALA Hispanic Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Studio Theatre, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre were amongst the items subject to bidding. Or attendees could hunker down in their seats to engage in the Predict-the-Winners contest. The highest number of predictions of Oscar winners guessed correctly won the grand prize: winner takes all.
Attendees mulled over their choices in the following six categories: Lead Actor, Supporting Actress, Cinematography, Documentary Feature, Adapted Screenplay, and Visual Effects, not the easiest, nor most predictable. Completing the ballot stimulated discussion over one’s personal preferences for winners, as well as the expected winners of these and the remaining contenders. Otherwise, during the pre-show, attendees gazed close-up at the dazzling display of Oscar finery. The audience raved over the architectural looks of Ariana Grande’s and Cynthia Erivo’s gowns, as well as the many silver-themed and mirror looks, the gents’ looks departing from classic Black tuxedo looks included Timothee Chalamet’s bright yellow rendition and Colman Domingo’s “Valentino red” ensemble.
And then, showtime. Attendees appreciated the acknowledgement of the devastating impact of the L.A. fires on the Hollywood “craftpersons, technicians, and costumers” and many others in the “unusual” opening featuring the opening montage of clips from movies filmed in L.A. (and later an onstage tribute to first responders) although Tim and Travis thought it a bit long for the show’s opening. A show of hands and applause indicated the attendees’ full support for Conan O’Brien’s debut as Oscar host with appreciation for his humor.
The audience warmed up to just about every segment: the James Bond music tribute, the Quincy Jones memorial tribute, Mick Jagger as presenter, and the “In Memoriam” section….
DC Film Society’s Critic-at-Large and Cinema Lounge Director Adam Spector had pondered whether Demi Moore would win as Best Actress for The Substance and Timothee Chalamet as Best Actor in A Complete Unknown, so attendees did seem surprised by the wins instead of Mikey Madison in Anora and Adrien Brody in The Brutalist in these respective categories. I had wondered whether Cynthia Erivo would get the EGOT. And while there were historic moments tonight, which thrilled our audience, including Paul Tazewell’s win as the first Black male winner for Costume Design for Wicked Brazil’s first Oscar win for International Feature Film for I’m Still Here, and Latvia’s first Oscar win for Best Animated Film Flow, this was not the EGOT night for the super-talented Ms. Erivo. Yet. Best acceptance speech, by audience applause vote, included Zoe Saldana’s acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress, referencing her immigrant parents, and the controversial acceptance speech by filmmakers for Best Documentary Feature Film No Other Land suggesting “There is another way” to resolve differences on the political front in Gaza.
As the Oscars ended, on time, attendees filed out of the theater happily selecting movie posters to take home. A great night. Special thanks to our audience for supporting us and the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse management and staff for being our choice venue. Here’s to another great night of celebrating film! Let the excitement continue. See you at Filmfest DC from April 24-May 4, 2025!
Thanks to all of the DC Film Society Directors, Coordinating Committee Members, and Volunteers for putting together this annual film event. And thanks to our uber co-hosts, Tim Gordon and Travis Hopson, for providing their commentary, sharing their opinions, and tolerating ours, Silent Auction Donors, Studios, and ABC 7 WJLA-TV for Media coverage.
Calendar of Events
FILMS
American Film Institute Silver Theater
"AFI Silver After Dark" is a series of midnight-style movies. The films for April are Flesh for Frankenstein (Paul Morrissey, 1973) and Blood for Dracula (Paul Morrissey, 1974).
"Stage and Screen" presents filmed performances including stage productions from the National Theatre and concert performances. "Dr. Strangelove" presented by NTL (Sean Foley) with Steve Coogan playing four roles and the concert performance Pink Floyd at Pompeii-MCMLXXII (Adrian Maben, 1972) in a new 4k remaster.
"Dylan in the Movies" (April 4-24) The music documentary Don't Look Back (D. A. Pennebaker, 1967); the experimental biopic I'm Not There (Todd Haynes, 2007); Inside Lleweyn Davis (Ethan Coen, Joel Coe, 2013) with Oscar Isaac playing a Dylan-like singer; the documentary Joan Baez: I Am a Noise (Miri Navasky, Karen O'Connor, 2023); and the concert documentary The Last Waltz (Martin Scorsese, 1978).
"Recent Restorations" (April 25-July 10) is a selection of recently restored films, most of which are 4k restorations. Films in April include El (Luis Bunuel, 1953); Picnic at Hanging Rock (Peter Weir, 1985); and Little Shop of Horrors (Roger Corman, 1960). More in May, June and July.
"Wild at Heart: The Films of David Lynch" (April 25-July 8) commemorates the late director who died earlier this year. The series starts with Lynch's first film Eraserhead (1977) in a 4k restoration. Other films in April are the documentary David Lynch: the Art Life (Jon Nguyen, 2016); and a program of short films. More in May, June and July.
"Silvia Pinal Remembered" (April 11–24) focuses on three films Silvia Pinal (1931-2024) made with Luis Bunuel: Viridiana (1961); The Exterminating Angel (1962) and Simon of the Desert (1965).
"Oh Mai! The Films of Mai Zetterling" (April 25-June 3) starts with Torment (Alf Sjoberg, 1944). More in May, June, and July.
"Art Deco on Screen: A Centennial Celebration" (April 5–26) celebrates the 100th anniversary of Art Deco, the iconic global design movement with an enduring legacy that has inspired architecture, graphic arts, fashion, interior design, jewelry, music, transportation, furniture and — of course — movies. Films include Broadway (Paul Fejos, 1929), recently restored including the technicolor sequence, with an introduction by film historian and archivist David Pierce; Grand Hotel (Edmund Goulding, 1930) with an introduction by Karen Burditt, Art Deco Society of Washington; Madam Satan (Cecil B. DeMille, 1930) in 35mm with an introduction by Driving for Deco co-founders Chris Arena and Anthony L’Abbate; and Trouble in Paradise (Ernst Lubitsch, 1932) with an introduction by David Lefever, Art Deco Society of Washington.
"Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker!" (March 28–April 24). Kentucky Fried Movie (John Landis, 1977) begins this series of the team's comedy spoofs. Other films in April are Airplane! (Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker, 1980); The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad! (David Zucker, 1983); Top Secret! (Jim Abrahams, David Zucker, Jerry Zucker, 1984)
"Anime Expo Cinema Nights" (September 11, 2024-April 9, 2025) presents some of the most influential anime films. The series continues in April with Vampire Hunter D (Toyoo Ashida, 1985) from Japan, shown in both dubbed and subtitled versions and with a pre-recorded introduction by Star Butler of HIDIVE.
"Special Engagements" for April include the comedy Up in Smoke (Lou Adler, 1978); Funny Pages (Owen Kline, 2022) in 35mm with a director Q&A; the 30th anniversary of Se7en (David Fincher, 1995) in a new 4k restoration; the music documentary Neil Young: Coastal (Daryl Hannah, 2025); Eno (Gary Hustwit, 2024); the art documentary Dawn of Impressionism: Paris 1874 (Ali Ray, 2025); a new 4k restoration of Compensation (Zeinabu Irene Davis, 1999); and Clue (Jonathan Lynn, 1985) with live shadowcast by Bloody Mayhem Theatrical.
"James Earl Jones Remembered" (January 31-April 3) is a short series showcasing Jones' versatility. The last film in the series is Lion King (Roger Allers, Rob Minkoff, 1994).
"Scores by Quincy Jones" (February 1–April 17) ends with Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery (Jay Roach, 1997).
"Monsieur Delon: The Films of Alain Delon" (Jan. 31–April 24). Films in April include Borsalino (Jacques Deray, 1970); Le Cercle Rouge (Jean-Pierre Melville, 1970) in a new 4K restoration; Mr. Klein (Joseph Lose, 1976); Three Men to Kill (Jacques Deray, 1980); Un Flic (Jacques Delray, 1972); and Red Sun (Terence Young, 1971).
"George Pelecanos Presents: Peckinpah in the ‘70s" (January 31-April 13). Local author, producer and screenwriter George Pelecanos is back with a new series dedicated to the 1970s films celebrating the centennial of writer/director Sam Peckinpah. Films in April are Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia (1974); Cross of Iron (1977); Killer Elite (1975). Some films have introductions by George Pelecanos--check the website.
National Museum of Asian Art (Freer Gallery of Art)
On April 9 at 2:00pm is The Makioka Sisters (Kon Ichikawa, 1983) part of the "Japanese Classics" series of films.
On April 11 at 7:00pm is "Lost Migrations," three animated short films recount the 1947 Partition of India through personal stories from communities normally excluded from the narrative. After the screening, discuss with the filmmakers Sparsh Ahuja and Sam Darlrymple.
The series "Iconic Influences: Kurosawa and Ozu" starts on April 6 at 2:00pm is the great classic film Seven Samurai (Akira Kurosawa, 1954). On April 13 at 2:00pm is Walk Cheerfully (Yasujiro Ozu, 1930, a silent film with accompaniment by Andrew Simpson.
"Rom-Com Exclusives" series begins April 5 at 7:00pm with Asian Persuasion (Jhett Tolentino, 2023) with the filmmaker and stars Dante Basco and Kevin Kreider in person for Qa&A. On April 5 at 2:00pm is The Wedding Banquet (Andrew Ahn, 2025).
National Gallery of Art
The on-going series "Art Films and Special Screenings" has two programs in April. On April 20 at 2:00pm is "Another Horizon: Stephanie Barber's Cinema" with a series of recent and new short films. On April 26 at 2:00pm is "Film Restorations from the Chicago Film Society" with Julian Antos from the Chicago Film Society in person to introduce the short films.
The series "Legends: the Films of Juan Mora Catlett" begins April 5 at 3:00pm with two documentary portraits of his mother Elizabeth Catlett: Betty y Pancho (1998) about his parents' marriage and collaboration and EC: The Work of Elizabeth Catlett (1977) about her studio work. On April 6 at 2:00pm is Anger (2019), a three-part work: the documentary Juan, or the World, and two fictional tales Eva, or Paradise and Pedro or Hell On April 12 at 2:00pm is Erendira the Untameable (2016), a 16th century legend filmed in the indigenous Purepech language.
"Friday Afternoons with Elizabeth Catlett" shows Betty y Pancho (1998) on April 11 at 12:00pm and Standing Strong (2023) on April 18 at 12:00pm. The series continues March through June and accompanies the exhibit "Elizabeth Catlett: A Black Revolutionary Artist."
National Museum of the American Indian
The program "Living Earth Festival: Protecting the Elements" includes two films. On April 26 and 27 at 11:00am is Scha'nexw Elhtal'nexw Salmon People: Preserving a Way of Life (Darrell Hillaire and Beth Basa Pielert, 2024) follows Lummi fishers for salmon. On April 26 at 2:00pm is Resident Orca (Sarah Sharkey Pearce and Simon Schneider, 2024), about a captive whale and those who try to free her.
Museum of American History
On April 19 at 6:30pm is the award-winning documentary Soundtrack for a Coup d'Etat (Johan Grimonprez, 2024). On April 24 at 6:30pm is Marcella (Peter Miller, 2024) and featuring a discussion with the director, Marcella's husband Victor and their son, Giuliano. Both films are presented by the History Film Forum. Location: The Warner Bros. Theater.
National Portrait Gallery
On April 19 at 12:00 noon is It Happened One Night (Frank Capra, 1934) starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert. Part of a series of 1930s films to accompany the exhibit "Star Power: Photographs from Hollywood’s Golden Age by George Hurrell.” Location: McEvoy Auditorium.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
On April 30 at 6:00pm is the documentary War Paint--Women at War (Margy Kinmonth, 2025), giving us a female perspective on conflict through painting, photography, sculpture, prints and more. Followed by a discussion.
Cinema Arts Bethesda
"Cinema Arts Bethesda" is a monthly Sunday morning film discussion series held at Landmark's Bethesda Row Cinema. On April 6 at 10:00am is Evil Does Not Exist (Ryusuke Hamaguchi, 2023) from Japan.
Breakfast is at 9:30am, the film is at 10:00am and discussion follows, moderated by Adam Spector, host of the DC Film Society's Cinema Lounge and author of the column "Adam's Rib." A season pass is available.
The Avalon
On April 2 at 8:00pm is the award-winning No Other Land (Basel Adra, 2024) for the "Avalon Docs" series. Note that the first show is sold out but there are two additional screenings on April 12 at 10:30am and April 13 at 10:30pm.
On April 9 at 8:00pm is Becoming Led Zeppelin (Bernard MacMahon, 2024) for the "Programmer's Choice" series.
The National Theater Live program for April is "Dr. Strangelove" (Sean Foley) on April 6 at 10:30am and April 8 at 10:30am.
The "French Cinematheque" film for April is The Count of Monte Cristo (Matthieu Delaporte, 2024) on April 16 at 7:30pm (note earlier time).
New York University Abramson Family Auditorium
On April 9 at 6:30pm is the documentary Lithium Rising: The Race for Critical Minerals (Samuel George, 2025) followed by Q&A.
Kennedy Center
On April 2 at 6:30pm is STARMUS VI, a collection of some of the most exciting moments of 2022's STARMUS Festival in Armenia.
On April 6 at 3:00pm is Hidden Figures (Theodore Melfi, 2016). On April 13 at 3:00pm is Woman in Motion (Todd Thompson, 2019), both part of the Kennedy Center's "Earth to Space" festival. On April 20 at 3:00pm is the documentary Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story (Bruce David Klein, 2024). On April 27 at 3:00pm is A Real Pain (Jesse Eisenberg, 2024). Location: The Justice Forum.
Old Greenbelt Theater
On April 7 at 1:00pm and April 10 at 8:00pm is Sullivan's Travels (Preston Sturges, 1941), part of the "Cinema Classics" series, shown on the first Monday and first Thursday of the month.
On April 14 at 8:00pm and April 19 at 1:00pm is Blade (Stephen Norrington, 1998), part of the "Cinema Pop!" series shown on the second Monday at 8:00pm and second Saturdays at 1:00pm.
On April 17 at 8:00pm is Snowpiercer (Bong Joon-ho, 2013) part of the "Cult Classics" series shown on the third Thursday of the month.
On April 28 at 7:00pm is Joyless Street (G.W. Pabst, 1925) starring Greta Garbo, part of the "Film in Focus" series.
Alden Theater
The foreign film for April is The Time That Remains (Elia Suleiman, 2009) from France on April 9 at 6:30pm and April 10 at 1:00pm. The performing arts film this month is “The SpongeBob Musical Live on Stage!” (Glenn Weiss and Tina Landau, 2019) on April 17 at 1:00pm.
Angelika Film Center Mosaic
The "Angelika Classics" series shows classic films on the first Monday of the month at 7:00pm. On April 7 at 7:00pm is The Big Lebowski (Joel and Ethan Coen, 1998).
"Sunday Epics" is a new series shown on the second Sunday of the month at 2:00pm. On April 13 at 2:00pm is Ben Hur (William Wyler, 1959).
On April 28 at 7:00pm is Singin' in the Rain (Stanley Donen, 1952) for the series "Musical Mondays."
"Classics in Black and White" features a classic B&W film on the third Monday of each month at 4:00pm and 7:00pm. On April 21 at 4:00pm and 7:00pm is Winchester 73 (Anthony Mann, 1950).
Korean Cultural Center
On April 9 at 6:00pm is My Brilliant Life (E J-Yong, 2014); and on April 22 at 6:00pm is Swing Kids (Kang Hyeong-cheol, 2016). Check the website for RSVP information.
FILM FESTIVALS
