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.”

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.

Next up in our A24orror series is our Robert Eggers Double Feature, diving into the twisted, atmospheric worlds of The VVitch and The Lighthouse. 

The VVitch takes us back to 17th-century New England, where a Puritan family is slowly undone by supernatural forces lurking in the woods. With its haunting period detail and chilling sense of isolation, this film redefined indie folk horror and set the stage for Eggers’ obsession with unraveling the human psyche. Plus, Black Phillip is still the ultimate horror mascot.

Then, we take a ship to The Lighthouse, a surreal, mind-bending descent into madness starring Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe as two lighthouse keepers trapped in a storm. The intensity of their growing obsession with one another, paired with the claustrophobic, monochrome cinematography, makes this one of the most disturbing (and surprisingly funny) films of the decade.

This is a double feature that’s equal parts unnerving and artsy—hallmarks of A24 horror films. Prepare yourself for a night of isolation, madness, and dread, all on the big screen with like-minded fans. 

RENDEZVOUS is back at The Frida Cinema presenting a Spanish exploitation double-feature with writer/director M.B. Montes in-person!

First up is Sexion Continua, as Martanuelle invites you to revel in her most depraved tales. This film describes, with rawness and realism, the lowest human perversions. Dare to question your moral principles. DARING! SHOCKING! RAVISHING!

“John Villain is the connecting link that develops this feature film, narrated in different episodes with the common thread of eroticism and sensuality, whose dramatic structure revolves around the biography of a strange diva…MARTANUELLE!”

— Followed by —

Whirlpool (a.k.a. Remolino) from director Jose Ramon Larraz! 

One of the most neglected genre filmmakers of his generation, José Ramón Larraz (Vampyres) finally receives his due with this new 2K restoration. Larraz’s debut feature — the hitherto ultra-rare horror-thriller Whirlpool — stars Swinging London era fashion model Vivian Neves as Tulia, an ingenue invited to a photographer’s secluded country home for what’s supposed to be a weekend retreat, but transpires to be anything but. This one’s full of classic warped touches: the perverse young Englishman harboring a dark secret, an equally perverse aunt, velvety interiors and voyeurism!

Plus: Merch table, trailer show, and RENDEZVOUS DJs before and during intermission!