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.

A young mother, contending with a rare brain condition and desperate to save money for her daughter’s future, takes a risky job from a mysterious woman with a dark past, and gets entangled in a web of revenge, deceit, and murder. Shot in magnificent 16mm and co-written with the magnetic lead actress, Ariella Mastroianni, Gazer gazes fondly back on the masters of the 70s paranoid thriller while keeping itself grounded firmly in the cutting-edge of today’s independent filmmaking.

From Cannes Film Festival to Fantastic Fest, this indie noir is a potent reminder of how exciting American independent filmmaking can be!

“Critic’s Pick! Marrying the manic paranoia of ‘After Hours’ with a ‘Memento’-esque unreliable protagonist and touches of flesh-bending body horror that could be ripped straight from ‘Videodrome,’ ‘Gazer’ is the kind of debut that should restore your lost faith in independent cinema.” -Indiewire

Jump into the fantastical world of time travel with original The Time Machine (1960), followed by the documentary The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal, following the life and times of its director! Stick around for the intermission as we discuss both films with the producer/director of the documentary, Mr Arnold Leibovit!

Experience the groundbreaking special effects and visionary storytelling of George Pal, one of the most innovative filmmakers of his time. The Time Machine — a thrilling adaptation of H.G. Wells’ timeless novel — takes you on an unforgettable adventure through time, where a daring inventor (Rod Taylor) uses his fantastic creation to travel into the far-flung future. Witness an incredible journey that bridges centuries in vivid Technicolor, and marvel at Pal’s imaginative world-building, which set the standard for future sci-fi cinema.

Then, go behind the scenes with The Fantasy Film World of George Pal, a documentary celebrating the creative genius behind such classics as War of the Worlds and The 7 Faces of Dr. Lao. Before E.T. and Star Wars, there was George Pal. The documentary covers the five-decades life and career of the Academy Award-winning producer-director whose vision and groundbreaking works continue to inspire the filmmakers of today. Presented are interviews with the stars and filmmakers whose lives he touched, along with famous movie scenes, rare footage, and original artist’s renderings.

Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind double feature that brings both the magic of the past and the fantasy of the future together in a way only George Pal can deliver!

This screening is a exclusive arrangement with Warner Brothers Motion Pictures. Thank you to them for making it possible!

Doors – 2:00PM

The Time Machine – 3:00PM

Intermission + Q&A – 5:00PM

The Fantasy Film Worlds of George Pal – 5:30PM

The third film in our Andrei Tarkovsky Retrospective is Ivan’s Childhood, Tarkovsky’s stunning feature debut.

Set during World War II, the film follows Ivan, a young boy who has been orphaned by the war and becomes a scout for the Soviet army. As he navigates the horrors of war, his childhood innocence clashes with the brutality surrounding him, creating a haunting portrait of loss, survival, and the effects of violence on the human soul.

Tarkovsky’s masterful use of imagery—particularly his iconic dream sequences—imbues the film with a surreal, almost poetic quality, making Ivan’s Childhood a deeply emotional and visually striking meditation on the impact of war on the psyche. With this remarkable debut, Tarkovsky established the thematic depth and visual precision that would define his career, making Ivan’s Childhood an unforgettable exploration of memory, trauma, and the fragility of innocence.

Join us at The Frida Cinema for a special run of Selena, celebrating the legendary life and music of Selena Quintanilla in honor of her birthday on April 16th.

Directed by Gregory Nava, Selena tells the story of the Queen of Tejano music, from her early years growing up in Texas to her rise to stardom and tragic, untimely death. The film beautifully portrays Selena’s determination, talent, and her unwavering connection to her family, particularly her father (Edward James Olmos), who pushed her to reach her full potential.

Jennifer Lopez’s powerful portrayal of Selena earned her critical acclaim, and the film remains a heartfelt tribute to the artist’s legacy. Selena is more than just a biopic; it’s a celebration of her music, her influence on Latin culture, and the indelible mark she left on the world.

Our annual 4/20 weekend tradition continues as we do our third annual Scooby-Doo + Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed double feature!

Scooby-Doo: When the Mystery Inc. gang is invited to Spooky Island, a popular amusement park, they soon discover that the attractions aren’t the only things that are spooky. Strange things are happening, and it’s up to Scooby, Shaggy, Fred, Daphne, and Velma to uncover the truth behind the mysterious happenings.

Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed: After solving their last mystery at Spooky Island, the Mystery Inc. gang is back in Coolsville, where they are being honored with their very own exhibit at the Coolsonian Criminology Museum. However, when a masked villain steals costumes of classic monsters on display and brings them to life, the gang must come out of retirement to solve the case.

If you’ve got the munchies for Scooby Snacks, we’ve got exactly what you need, one night only at The Frida Cinema!

Kicking off our A24orror series, celebrating 10 years of A24 horror since the Sundance premiere of The VVitch, is writer/director Ari Aster’s Hereditary, a film that shocked an entire generation of new horror fans.

This chilling, family-centered nightmare follows Annie (Toni Collette), a mother reeling from the death of her estranged mother, and her family as they begin to unravel dark, supernatural secrets. As tragedy and terror pile on, the Graham family’s dark legacy comes to light in ways that will make your skin crawl.

With Hereditary, Aster doesn’t just bring jump scares—he dives deep into grief, trauma, and generational curses, crafting a horror experience that sticks with you long after the credits roll. Toni Collette gives an iconic, Oscar-worthy performance (snub of the century, anybody?) that’ll leave you shaken up long after the credits roll.