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
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Nobuhiko Obayashi’s 1977 surrealist masterpiece Hausu (aka House) is back for two late night encores!
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. So 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 truly needs to be seen on the big screen to be believed.
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Winner of the Oscar and Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature, The Frida Cinema is proud to present the wondrous animated film Flow for an extended run of matinees!
A wondrous journey, through realms natural and mystical, Flow follows a courageous cat after his home is devastated by a great flood. Teaming up with a capybara, a lemur, a bird, and a dog to navigate a boat in search of dry land, they must rely on trust, courage, and wits to survive the perils of a newly aquatic planet. From the boundless imagination of the award-winning Gints Zilbalodis (Away) comes a thrilling animated spectacle as well as a profound meditation on the fragility of the environment and the spirit of friendship and community. Steeped in the soaring possibilities of visual storytelling, Flow is a feast for the senses and a treasure for the heart.
Upon premiering at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival, the film has received critical acclaim and won numerous film and animation awards, including Best Animated Film at the European Film Awards, the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards, the National Board of Review Awards, and many more! The film is selected as the Latvian entry for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards!
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See It On 16mm starts the new year off with Tim Burton’s original 1988 horror comedy Beetlejuice!
The story follows a recently deceased couple, Adam and Barbara Maitland (Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis), who find themselves stuck haunting their beloved home when an eccentric and obnoxious family moves in. Desperate to reclaim their house, the Maitlands unwittingly summon Beetlejuice (Michael Keaton), a mischievous and unpredictable “bio-exorcist” from the netherworld, to scare away the new occupants. Chaos ensues as Beetlejuice’s antics spiral out of control, leading to an alliance with the couple’s unexpected ally, the quirky and goth-spirited Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder).
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Our In Defense of… series returns with Tank Girl, Rachel Talalay’s post apocalyptic sci-fi film and our Director of Volunteers and Interns Jill Georgieff’s pick!
After a comet disrupts the rain cycle of Earth, the planet has become a desolate, barren desert by the year 2033. With resources scarce, Kesslee — head of the powerful and evil Water & Power Corporation, the de facto government — has taken control of the water supply. Unwilling to cower under Kesslee’s tyrannical rule, a pair of outlaws known as Tank Girl and Jet Girl rise up, joining the mysterious rebel Rippers to destroy the corrupt system.
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Join us at The Frida Cinema as we continue to celebrate the work of legendary filmmaker David Lynch, presenting his final directorial feature: INLAND EMPIRE.
Nikki (Laura Dern), an actress, takes on a role in a new film, and because her husband (Peter J. Lucas) is very jealous, her co-star Devon (Justin Theroux) gets a warning not to make any romantic overtures — especially since the characters they play are having an affair. Both actors learn that the project is a remake of an unfinished film in which the stars were murdered.
Regarded by many as the most cryptic film of Lynch’s extensive oeuvre, INLAND EMPIRE was named the second best film of 2007 by Cahiers du cinema.
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Our 80s Sword and Sorcery series winds down with The Dark Crystal, Jim Henson and Frank Oz’s groundbreaking fantasy epic!
Set in the mystical world of Thra, the story follows Jen (voiced by Stephen Garlick), the last of the peaceful Gelfling race, who embarks on a quest to heal the titular Dark Crystal, a powerful artifact corrupted by the malevolent Skeksis. Guided by ancient prophecies, Jen must locate the missing shard of the Crystal and reunite it before a great conjunction of Thra’s three suns, which would grant the Skeksis eternal dominion. Along the way, Jen is joined by Kira (voiced by Lisa Maxwell), another surviving Gelfling, and her animal companion Fizzgig, as they face trials of courage and self-discovery.
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Our 80s Sword and Sorcery series continues with Krull, Peter Yates’ 1983 science fantasy favorite!
Set in a magical world under siege by an evil alien overlord known as the Beast, the film follows Prince Colwyn (Ken Marshall). Embarking on a daring quest after his bride, Princess Lyssa (Lysette Anthony) is kidnapped by the Beast’s forces, Colwyn journeys to the villain’s fortress to rescue her. Armed with the legendary weapon called the Glaive, a mystical, star-shaped blade, the prince gathers an eclectic band of companions, including a wise seer, a comical thief (Alun Armstrong), and a skilled cyclops warrior (Bernard Bresslaw). Together, they traverse breathtaking landscapes, confront deadly traps, and battle monstrous creatures in their journey to defeat the Beast and restore peace to the planet.
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Up next in our 80s Sword and Sorcery series is Matthew Robbins’ 1981 dark fantasy Dragonslayer!
The story follows Galen (Peter MacNicol), a young sorcerer’s apprentice, who is thrust into a perilous quest when a desperate village seeks help to vanquish a monstrous dragon named Vermithrax Pejorative. With his master Ulrich (Ralph Richardson) unable to lead, Galen must summon his courage and skills to confront the fearsome creature, which has long terrorized the kingdom under a grim pact of human sacrifice. Alongside the brave and determined Princess Elspeth (Caitlin Clarke), Galen grapples with the limits of his power and the weight of his destiny.
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Our 80s Sword and Sorcery series opens with Excalibur, John Boorman’s 1981 Arthurian retelling.
The film follows the rise and fall of King Arthur (Nigel Terry), beginning with the forging of the enchanted sword Excalibur and its role in uniting a fractured England. Guided by the enigmatic wizard Merlin (Nicol Williamson), Arthur ascends to the throne and creates the legendary Round Table, fostering ideals of chivalry and justice. However, internal strife, the forbidden love between Sir Lancelot (Nicholas Clay) and Queen Guinevere (Cherie Lunghi), and the malevolent sorcery of Morgana (Helen Mirren) threaten to destroy Camelot from within.
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