Watermelon Pictures is proud to present Palestine 36, their new humanist cinematic tour de force!

1936. As villages across Mandatory Palestine rise against British colonial rule, Yusuf drifts between his rural home and the restless energy of Jerusalem, longing for a future beyond the growing unrest. But history is relentless. With rising numbers of Jewish immigrants escaping antisemitism in Europe, and the Palestinian population uniting in the largest and longest uprising against Britain’s 30-year dominion, all sides spiral towards inevitable collision in a decisive moment for the British Empire and the future of the entire region.

One of the year’s most lauded and highly anticipated films, Palestine 36 has received universal audience and critical acclaim in its festival rollout, including a record-setting 23 minute standing ovation at TIFF, and a win for Best Film at The Tokyo International Film Festival, while holding a rating of 100% Fresh on Rotten Tomatoes.

Bogie Fest rolls on as we revisit one of the most beloved films of all time: Michael Curtiz’s Casablanca!

The story unfolds in the titular Moroccan city, a haven for refugees seeking passage to the Americas. Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), the jaded owner of a popular nightclub, unexpectedly reunites with his former lover, Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), who arrives with her husband, resistance leader Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid). As Rick grapples with lingering feelings for Ilsa, he must decide whether to help the couple escape the clutches of the Nazis, risking his own safety in the process.

With its unforgettable performances and a rich blend of romance and moral dilemmas, Casablanca earned three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and remains one of the most celebrated films in cinematic history. Bogart’s role as Rick continues to be the go-to for fans of hard-shelled man with a soft heart. 

Some search for battle, others are born into it…

Paul Thomas Anderson’s towering epic One Battle After Another, fresh off of its six Oscar wins for Best Picture, Best Director (Paul Thomas Anderson), Best Adapted Screenplay (Paul Thomas Anderson), Best Supporting Actor (Sean Penn), Best Film Editing (Andy Jurgensen), and first ever Best Casting award (Cassandra Kulukundis), is finally coming to The Frida Cinema!

Washed-up revolutionary Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio) exists in a state of stoned paranoia, surviving off-grid with his spirited, self-reliant daughter, Willa (played by the incredible Chase Infiniti, in her first movie role ever). When his evil nemesis (Sean Penn) resurfaces after 16 years and she goes missing, the former radical scrambles to find her, father and daughter both battling the consequences of his past.

Immediately becoming one the defining films, for better or worse, of the 2020s, now is the time see One Battle After Another loud and proud on the big screen.

Just added: our friend Valeria Metz is hosting an ultra-special screening of Selena on the Queen of Tejano Music’s Birthday, April 16th! There will be hair braiding by Ponte Your Monos, pins by Totimontillo, and a live DJ set from DJ Mar! All vendor proceeds will be donated to Lucha Costa Mesa!

Discover the true story of one of America’s brightest stars…that faded too soon.

Celebrate the life and legacy of Selena Quintanilla-Pérez with a special birthday weekend presentation of the biographical drama Selena from 1997.

Starring Jennifer Lopez in her breakthrough role, the film traces Selena’s rise from performing at family gatherings in Texas to becoming the “Queen of Tejano Music.” Guided by her devoted family, she navigates fame, love, and ambition while breaking barriers and bringing her music to a wider audience.

A heartfelt tribute to a beloved icon, Selena captures the enduring spirit of an artist whose impact continues to resonate far beyond her years.