The Encampments is a groundbreaking documentary that chronicles the Columbia University Gaza Solidarity Encampment and the international wave of student activism it ignited. Executive Produced by Grammy Award-winning artist Macklemore, the film is directed by Kei Pritsker, a journalist and producer at Break Through News, and award-winning filmmaker Michael T. Workman (Meantime).

Through exclusive footage and intimate interviews, The Encampments provides an unprecedented look atone of the most significant student movements in modern history. The film captures the passion, resilience, and challenges faced by students who risked everything to demand justice. The film delves into how universities responded with mass arrests and force rather than engagement and dialogue, and it sheds light on the institutions’ efforts to suppress student activism. In doing so, it offers a deeper understanding of both the power and the costs of grassroots movements.

IFC Films presents the thrilling true story of an audacious game show gambit with The Luckiest Man in America, a gripping drama that delves into the life of Michael Larson, who in 1984 exploited the patterns of CBS’s “Press Your Luck” to win a fortune. Starring Paul Walter Hauser as Michael Larson, the film portrays Larson’s transformation from an unemployed ice cream truck driver to a national sensation.

Directed by Samir Oliveros, The Luckiest Man in America features a stellar ensemble cast, including Walton Goggins, Maisie Williams, Haley Bennett, and Johnny Knoxville. 

Critics have lauded the film for its engaging narrative and stellar performances. Christian Zilko of IndieWire commented, “A delightfully sleazy ensemble thriller that goes down easy in 90 minutes—and yet another reminder that Hauser is one of his generation’s most interesting movie stars.”

Up next in our Andrei Tarkovsky Retrospective is Stalker, the director’s gripping philosophical journey into the unknown.

Set in a desolate, mysterious landscape known only as “The Zone,” Stalker follows three men—a writer, a scientist, and the titular guide—who venture into this dangerous, otherworldly place in search of a room that supposedly grants the deepest desires of its visitors.

With its existential questions and eerie atmosphere, Stalker is a masterpiece of science fiction and philosophical cinema, offering a powerful meditation on the human condition and our unyielding search for meaning.

Get ready for one of the wildest cinematic experiences of your life as we present some encore screenings of Nobuhiko Obayashi’s 1977 surrealist masterpiece Hausu (aka House).

The story follows a group of schoolgirls headed to a haunted house for summer vacation, only for things to go from weird to…weirder. From floating pianos to killer stuffed animals, the film is an explosion of colors and chaos.

Join us for this Japanese cult classic (and certified Frida Cinema Favorite) that has become legendary for its bizarre special effects, haunting visuals, and wacky storytelling. It needs to be seen (on the big screen) to be believed.

All good things must come to an end. Join us on Friday, November 28th for our final recurring screening of Stop Making Sense, and the last one for 2025. Over the last two years, it has been The Frida Cinema’s privilege to be able to play Jonathan Demme’s 1984 concert film masterpiece monthly or every other month to packed crowds, but for now we will be ending playing the film with its current regularity. Join us for one last chance to dance before we officially retire the tradition!  

Stop Making Sense is an iconic concert film documenting Talking Heads at the height of their popularity, while on tour for their 1983 album “Speaking in Tongues.” The band takes the stage one by one and is joined by a cadre of guest musicians for a career-spanning, cinematic performance that features creative choreography and visuals. Featuring masterful performances by David Byrne and photography by Jordan Cronenweth (Blade Runner), Stop Making Sense is a concert experience at its most colorful and life-affirming.

For those wondering, of course the film will return to our screens someday, we just don’t know when! Stop Making Sense is forever!

Our award-winning resident performance troupe K.A.O.S. returns for their celebrated all-costumed, all-choreographed, all-leg-kicking live shadowcast presentation of 1975 cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show, performed on stage in front of the film!

Director Jim (Don’t squeeze the…) Sharman’s cult classic stars Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon as Brad and Janet, two virginal small-town lovers whose car breaks down in the shadows of a creepy old castle, where they encounter an odd collective of “unconventional conventionalists” gathered to witness transvestite scientist’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s latest creation – a muscular man named Rocky. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including tap-dancing Columbia, rocking biker Eddie, and of course, the castle’s “Sweet Transvestite” himself, Frank-N-Furter!

Adapted from the 1973 stage musical by Richard O’Brien, this glam cult classic is a cinematic experience unlike any other. Sing-along (and shout-along!) to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a classic that still packs houses 50 years after its initial release! Get your tickets now before it sells out!

Doors open at 11:00pm  Official K.A.O.S. preshow starts at 11:30pm!  Movie at midnight!

SENSORY WARNING: Flashing Lights and Fog effects may be used during the event.

This program is a venue rental engagement. The views and opinions expressed in this program do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of The Frida Cinema or its staff. Member discounts and Frida Cinema comp passes not valid.