David Cronenberg delivers an entirely new take on body horror, reinventing the game yet again with his new film The Shrouds. This dramatic sci-fi thriller is a reflective stunner that combines the maestro’s signature body horror with profound elder-statesman reflection. Entering his 80s, Cronenberg (The Fly, Dead Ringers, History of Violence) continues to find new ways to innovate what can be done with bodies in cinema, losing none of his edge while demonstrating a true sense of empathy; the result is a film that astonishes while also being his most accessible film since Eastern Promises.
In an eerie, deceptively placid near-future, a techno-entrepreneur named Karsh (Vincent Cassel) has developed a new software that will allow the bereaved to bear witness to the gradual decay of loved ones dead and buried in the earth. While Karsh is still reeling from the loss of his wife (Diane Kruger) from cancer—and falling into a peculiar sexual relationship with his wife’s sister (also Kruger)—a spate of vandalized graves utilizing his “shroud” technology begins to put his enterprise at risk, leading him to uncover a potentially vast conspiracy.
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Jump straight in to the electrifying world of psychic espionage with Push, our In Denfense Of… pick for April, courtesy of Martin, our Director Of Operations.
After his father, an assassin, is brutally murdered, Nick Gant vows revenge on Division, the covert government agency that dabbles in psychic warfare and experimental drugs. Hiding in Hong Kong’s underworld, Nick assembles a band of rogue psychics dedicated to destroying Division. Together with Cassie, a teenage clairvoyant, Nick goes in search of a missing girl and a stolen suitcase that could be the key to accomplishing their mutual goal.
Critically maligned at the time, has the film held over better over time? Hear Martin’s plea and be the judge for yourself.
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Closing out our Andrei Tarkovsky Retrospective is Solaris, one of cinema’s most renowned and thought-provoking sci-fi masterpieces.
Based on the novel by Stanisław Lem, Solaris is set on a distant planet where a research station has been established to study a mysterious ocean that covers the planet’s surface. The film follows psychologist Kris Kelvin, who is sent to the station to investigate the strange occurrences happening among the crew members. As the ocean’s inexplicable powers begin to manifest, the crew members are confronted with physical manifestations of their deepest memories and regrets—projections of their pasts that challenge the boundaries of reality, identity, and the human psyche.
Upon its release, Solaris was met with critical acclaim for its intellectual depth and emotional resonance, distinguishing itself from other science fiction films of the era. It was widely praised for its psychological depth and is often cited as one of the greatest sci-fi films of all time. Solaris was also recognized at the 1972 Cannes Film Festival, where it won the Special Jury Prize. In Tarkovsky’s hands, the genre becomes a platform for profound philosophical inquiry, making Solaris a timeless exploration of the human experience, the fragility of the mind, and the mysteries of existence.
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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.
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Our day of Mechagodzilla movies continues as Creature Bazaar presents the 1975 sequel Terror Of Mechagodzilla, celebrating its 50th anniversary!
A submarine expedition to salvage the remains of Mechagodzilla is thwarted by a massive dinosaur named Titanosaurus. An Interpol investigation leads biologist Ichinose to uncover the work of Dr. Mafune and his mysterious daughter Katsura. Aligned with the Black Hole Aliens, Katsura’s life becomes entwined with the resurrected machine.
Edit: this screening was originally planned to play on 16mm film, but will be running digitally now. Apologies for any inconveniences this might cause!
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See the mighty Godzilla in a fight to the death with his mechanical double as Creature Bazaar and The Frida Cinema are teaming up to bring Godzilla vs Mechagodzilla to the big screen! There will be plenty of fun surprises, and even a special message before the film from the original Mechagodzilla designer Akihiku Iguchi!
An Okinawan prophecy that foretells the destruction of the Earth is seeming fulfilled when Godzilla emerges to return to his destructive roots. But not all is what it seems after Godzilla breaks his ally Anguirus’s jaw. Matters are further complicated when a second Godzilla emerges, revealing the doppelgänger as a mechanical weapon.
Doors open at 4:00PM and the movie starts at 4:30PM! Get there early to hang out and talk with real Godzilla fans and newbies alike!
Edit: this screening was originally planned to play on 16mm film, but will be running digitally now. Apologies for any inconveniences this might cause!
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Our friends at Creepy AF are back to sponsor a screening to celebrate Halloween and St. Patrick’s Day with Halloween III: Season of the Witch! This is truly, at its roots, the most Irish horror film there is. If you know, you know! And if you don’t…well…don’t miss it on the big screen!
Every movie ticket purchased comes with a free raffle ticket! Horror Producer Ace Jordan will introduce the film and raffle off some cool prizes before the show, so get there early and don’t miss out! Anyone wearing green or wearing a costume (related to Halloween 3: Season of the Witch) will receive an additional raffle ticket! Those who don’t wear green at all will get pinched!*
The film follows Dr. Daniel Challis (Tom Atkins) and Ellie Grimbridge (Stacey Nelkin) as they investigate the mysterious death of Ellie’s father, which leads them to the eerie town of Santa Mira. There, they uncover a sinister plot by Conal Cochran (Dan O’Herlihy), the owner of Silver Shamrock Novelties, who plans to unleash a deadly Halloween night massacre through his popular masks, embedded with ancient Celtic magic and microchips that trigger lethal transformations when activated by a televised jingle. Racing against time, Challis must stop the broadcast before millions of children fall victim to Cochran’s horrifying scheme.
*we will not really be pinching anybody–we promise!
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Just added: actor Sean Gunn (Guardians Of The Galaxy, The Suicide Squad, Gilmore Girls) has agreed to moderate the post-screening Q&A!
Join us for a free screening of the new indie found footage paranormal drama The Buildout, written and directed by local filmmaker and former Frida Cinema Board President Zeshaan Younus! Stick around after the screening as Zeshaan, Natasha Halevi, and other cast and crew from the film take part in a Q&A!
Produced by The Frida Cinema’s Programming Director Trevor Dillon, The Buildout stars Jenna Kanell (Terrifier, Faceless After Dark, Renfield), Hannah Alline (Doom Patrol, Mayfair Witches, The Hunt), and Natasha Halevi (Give Me An A). This Terrence Malick-inspired tale of high strangeness follows a friendship that is put to the ultimate test as two women experience something strange in the desert.
The Buildout is a feature film that was shot in 7 days, on a crowdfunded budget, entirely on location in the Southern California wilderness.
An official selection at Panic Fest, Chattanooga Film Festival, Popcorn Frights Film Festival, SoHo Horror Film Festival, MidWest Weirdfest, Oceanside Film Festival, and many more, this is a community event celebrating the VOD release of the film on 2/25/25.
Thank you to Ethos Releasing for making this screening possible.
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You’re invited to an exclusive screening of the 1997 Special Edition of Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Stikes Back with special guests Craig Miller & Mark Marshall! Craig was director of Fan Relations for Lucasfilm from 1977-1980. He created and oversaw the official Star Wars Fan Club as well as having edited and written virtually all of the first two years of Bantha Tracks as well as being a producer for Lucasfilm Ltd. Mark served as a Production Assistant on Empire and went on to join Amblin Entertainment as personal assistant to Steven Spielberg.
Craig and Mark will be appearing for an on-stage discussion after the film moderated by Scott Zillner. Craig and Mark will also be available to meet fans before the film, and both will be signing their books Star Wars Memories and Goonies, Droids and Killer Whales, respectively.
The epic saga continues as Luke Skywalker, in hopes of defeating the evil Galactic Empire, learns the ways of the Jedi from aging master Yoda. But Darth Vader is more determined than ever to capture Luke. Meanwhile, rebel leader Princess Leia, cocky Han Solo, Chewbacca, and droids C-3PO and R2-D2 are thrown into various stages of capture, betrayal and despair.
This program is a venue rental engagement. Member discounts and Frida Cinema comp passes not valid. The views and opinions expressed in this program do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of The Frida Cinema or its staff.
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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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