Jion the Club: The Washington DC Film Society
Free sneak preview screenings and discounted admission tickets sound like great reasons to join any film group, but for the Washington DC Film Society, membership is not only about freebies but about the exploration and celebration of cinema. And you can’t find a less expensive way to enjoy your love of film.
The DC Film Society’s affinity for film extends far beyond the confines of the nation’s capital. Since its inception in 1991, film lovers from all walks of life have come together for screenings, Q&A sessions with actors and directors, film discussion group meetings, and fundraising events in support of international and independent cinema.
The group was created by staff and volunteers from its parent company, Filmfest DC: The Washington DC International Film Festival, and it aims to explore the rich stories and traditions presented in various films. In addition to its many screenings, events and discussion meetings, the Film Society also provides its members and website visitors with an array of information regarding film festivals, upcoming releases and other interesting information about happenings in the world of cinema.
Cinema Lounge, the DC Film Society’s monthly film discussion group, meets at Barnes & Noble to discuss a variety of topics concerning films of yesterday, today and tomorrow; the group has discussed themes ranging from “Journalism in Movies” and “Cookie-Cutter Formulas in Films” to debates about “Can Syd Field’s Three-Act Structure be Broken?” and “Are Animated Films for Children or Adults?” The next cinema lounge meeting topic will center on the Oscars.
The Film Society is now accepting registration for six-month memberships; members receive the monthly Film Society newsletter, tickets for preview screenings, discounted tickets for FilmFestDC, reduced admissions for local films and events, as well as the opportunity to interact with a host of movie connoisseurs, critics, writers and producers. This past month members had the opportunity to check out “Youth in Revolt,” “Leap Year,” and “The Lovely Bones.” Membership prices range from $25-40. For more information, visit www.dcfilmsociety.org
Our City Film Festival artfully explores various aspects of DC history. Photo courtesy Esther McBride.
Our City Film Festival is Back for Thirds
In its third year, the Our City Film Festival is back to showcase more independent films that delve deep into the often overlooked culture and rich blend of people that make up the District. This year’s festival is divided into four screening blocks: Our Body, Our Mind, Our Heart, and Our Soul, and it will showcase 14 films with subjects ranging from the history of the Silver Spring train station and the Capital Pool Checkers Men’s Club to the history of Jews in Washington and Go-Go culture.
The festival was organized by Yachad, Inc., a non-profit promoting community development and affordable housing, and it will be held from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 14 at Goethe-Institut, located at 812 7th St. in Northwest DC.
According to Kendra Rubinfield, the Yachad program director, these films help to facilitate community pride and raise awareness about the city’s unique history.
For Rubinfield, “bringing people together and just celebrating what Washington really is and really means to the people that have lived here for so long” is key.
For more information about the Our City Film Festival and to purchase tickets at $10 for a screening block or $35 for an all-day pass, visit www.yachad-dc.org/OurCityFilmFestival.shtml
And the Oscar Goes To…
The 82nd Annual Academy Awards presentation co-hosted by Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin airs March 7 — and for the many individuals miles away from Hollywood, venues scattered around the city are bringing the red carpet closer.
The American Red Cross of the National Capitol Area hosts its Oscar viewing party at the National Museum of Women in the Arts in DC from 7 p.m. to midnight. The black-tie event hosted by Pamela Brown, a correspondent for ABC7, benefits the regional American Red Cross. Admission for the event is $100 and VIP tickets are $175. For tickets visit: www.redcrossdc.org.
National Museum of Women in the Arts: 1250 New York Avenue, NW, DC; www.nmwa.org
The DC Film Society’s 18th Annual “AND THE WINNER IS…” Oscar party will be held at the Arlington Cinema ‘N’ Drafthouse. At this annual “Fun-raiser,” patrons can see the show on the big screen and participate in silent auctions with dinner giveaways and film paraphernalia. The celebration starts at 7 p.m. and tickets are $20.
Arlington Cinema N’ Drafthouse: 2903 Columbia Pike, Arlington, VA; 703-486-2345; www.arlingtondrafthouse.com
Nellie’s Sports Bar, at 900 U Street in Northwest, will host an Oscar watching party from 5 p.m. until midnight where patrons can view the show for free and take advantage of Nellie’s “$2 Beer Blast” and weekend drink specials.
Nellie’s Sports Bar: 900 U Street NW, DC; 202-332-6355; www.nelliessportsbar.com
The Washington Film Institute Oscar Party at the Goethe-Institut features an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and film contests. Door open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35 in advance, $50 at the door.
Goethe-Institut: 812 Seventh Street, NW, DC; 202-289-1200; www.dcfilminstitute.org
February 2010 Film Events
Experience the story behind "The Counterfeiters" at the International Spy Museum.
February 4 at 6:30 p.m.
Spies On Screen: The Counterfeiters
In 1942, the Nazis initiated Operation Bernhard, a plan to destabilize the British economy by flooding the market with counterfeit pound notes. This Oscar-winning 2007 film tells the story of the largest forgery program in history through the experience of master forger Salomon Sorowitsch. Arrested and interned at Sachsenhausen concentration camp, Sorowitsch’s skills are essential to the German plan. The operation’s complexity and the moral dilemma for the prisoners involved make for a challenging and engrossing film. Hosted by International Spy Museum Historian Thomas Boghardt, guests will have a special opportunity to view an authentic Operation Bernhard forged ten pound note from the Museum’s collection. Cost $6.25.
International Spy Museum: 800 F Street, NW, DC; 202-EYE-SPY-U; www.spymuseum.org
February 5 at 9:15 p.m.
The Secret to a Happy Ending
Presented by MARS: Mid-Atlantic Regional Showcase
In Person: Director Barr Weissman and the Drive-By Truckers’ Patterson Hood
This is a film about the redemptive power of rock and roll; it’s about the American South, where rock was born; it’s about a band straddling the borders of rock, punk and country; it’s about making art, making love and making a living; it’s about the Drive-By Truckers. With unparalleled access, this documentary encompasses three critical years of touring and recording as the band struggles to overcome trauma and survives a near breakup, in a persistent search for a happy ending.
AFI Silver: 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring, MD; 301-495-6700; www.afi.com
- The short film, “Pigeon Impossible,” is featured in this “Best of the Fest” short film festival.
FEBRUARY 5 & 6, 2010
DC Shorts “Best of the Fest”
This “Best of the Fest” showing has something for everyone — including comedies, documentaries, dramas, animation and films by local and foreign filmmakers. Many prior-year presentations have gone on to play numerous festivals, theaters and television broadcasts around the globe. This is a three-hour double feature with a 15-minute intermission from 7 to 10 p.m. each night. Cost is $15. Purchase your tickets online at DC Shorts.com/winners.
United States Navy Memorial Burke Theater: 710 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, DC; 202-393-4266; www.dcshorts.com
February 26
North Face at the Avalon Theatre
Based on a true story, North Face is a gripping adventure drama about a competition to climb the most dangerous rock face in the Alps. In 1936, Nazi propaganda urges German Alpinists to conquer the unclimbed north face of the Swiss massif, the Eiger, prompting two reluctant climbers, Toni Kurz and Andi Hinterstoisser, to begin their daring ascent and attempt to scale the infamous rock face, often called the Murder Wall. Add in a past lover — now a journalist reporting about the first ascent — and director and scriptwriter Philipp Stölzl has all the pieces needed to create a spectacular film. Winner: Best Screenplay, German Film Critics Awards. In German with English subtitles. www.northfacethemovie.com
Avalon Theatre: 5612 Connecticut Avenue NW; DC; 202-966-3464; www.theavalon.org
