"Dread Beat an Blood," directed by Franco Rosso, is a documentary celebrating Linton Kwesi Johnson, a pivotal figure in dub poetry and Black activism in Britain. The film features Johnson's performances and activism, marking the 50th anniversary of his iconic poem. It showcases Jamaican culture's impact on 1970s England, restored beautifully for North American audiences. Preceded by a screening of the short film "Freeman Vines."
Randall Kendrick's documentary explores the challenges faced by a grassroots metal music festival in Tennessee amid backlash from religious groups and conservative politicians. Following organizers Zach and Raven, the film reveals their struggle against censorship while fostering a diverse community of outsiders.
A film by Michael Almereyda and Courtney Stephens explores consciousness and communication through John C. Lilly, a neurophysiologist known for his unconventional experiments with dolphins and psychedelics. The documentary delves into Lilly's self-exploration and contributions to understanding marine mammals. Released in 2025, it runs for 89 minutes.
The documentary by S.C.A.M.S. showcases Tatsuya Nakatani's innovative performances in Monticello, Florida, on October 18, 2024. It features community participants in the "Nakatani Gong Orchestra," presenting interviews and performances. Running for 45 minutes, this 2025 film explores themes of music, art, and community engagement.
Join us at Kleman Plaza on Saturday, September 27, for the Live & Local festival featuring Bench Warmer, a project by Cameron Gilson, offering a mix of acoustic and shoegaze sounds. Enjoy local food, shops, and a special film screening of Empire Records under the stars. Celebrate music and community!
This program of seven short films explores the tension between performance and authenticity — from influencer baiting in Central Park to a home assistant’s existential crisis. Whether it’s a third martini that opens the door to mystery, a stoner’s worldview shaken by an old friend, or a chef devoured by perfectionism, each story blends absurdity with raw emotion. These are tales of connection, confusion, and the strange flavors of being human.
The film by Farihah Lara Zaman, Jeff David Reichert, and Jim McKay documents a December 2019 protest by the New Sanctuary Coalition in New York, where volunteers express solidarity with migrants facing deportation and family separation amid a harsh immigration system. It highlights a 3,000-year tradition of protest and silent prayer.
Set in a New York dive bar before Christmas 2019, Adam Volerich's film follows Chet, a bartender struggling with maturity. He navigates the needs of his aging, misanthropic regulars while yearning for holiday cheer. The film, blending drama and comedy, explores themes of responsibility and the holiday spirit.
In this program, boundaries blur and perspectives drift. This collection of eight experimental shorts invites viewers into liminal spaces—between land and sea, memory and myth, ritual and rebellion. Each film offers a distinct lens on transformation, whether through decaying landscapes, fractured identities, or surreal encounters.
The film by Xander Robin documents Florida's annual invasive python removal contest in the Everglades, where amateur hunters face challenges and fears while a professional undermines the competition. The film explores the urgency of protecting the ecosystem amidst the python hysteria, blending documentary, comedy, and environmental themes. The filmmaker and one of the subjects from the film will be in attendance for a post-film discussion.
The Live & Local event at Kleman Plaza on September 27 features indie band Sleep John B, known for their emotional performances. Attendees can enjoy food from local vendors, explore pop-up shops, and watch a special 30th anniversary screening of Empire Records. The event celebrates music, community, and local culture.
This compelling double feature explores the dangerous intersections of love and oppressive societal structures. First, in "My Comrade", a wounded rebel and a tribal villager find themselves entangled in a tense story of politics and forbidden love when the rebel seeks refuge. Then, "Two People Exchanging Saliva" presents an absurdist tragedy set in a world where kissing is a capital offense and slaps are currency. An unhappy woman's fascination with a salesgirl leads to a burgeoning connection, attracting suspicion in this surreal dystopia.