ArtFlix  ( Diane Woolever)

This movie group meets to discuss films of interest not currently in local theaters.  We met in members’ homes of via Zoom to discuss the movie.  The group meets on the second Thursday at 6:30.

September 1   Mr. Nobody Against Putin

Pasha Talankin is an unlikely hero – a beloved Russian primary school teacher, known as a mentor and prankster who offers students a safe haven in his office. After Russia invades Ukraine, Pasha’s role in the school changes dramatically, as he is reluctantly drawn into Putin‘s propaganda machine. Forced to promote state-sanctioned messages, and horrified by the transformation of his school and community, he struggles with guilt and a sense of powerlessness, leading him to become an international whistleblower. As the schools videographer, Pasha documents intimate and revealing footage of Putin‘s regime, capturing the rise of militarized children’s groups, repressive laws, fervent nationalism, and the recruitment of graduating students to fight in the war. When he learns that he is own life maybe at risk, he is forced to plan a dangerous escape from Russia. The film showcases rare footage that reveals the profound impact of Putin‘s regime on the lives of everyday Russians, particularly its  children. 

October 8  Sentimental Value Norway  

This is a Norwegian drama directed by JoachimTrier, following sisters Nora and Agnes as they reconnect with their estranged filmmaker father, Gustav, after their mother‘s death, leading to a family conflict when he casts a Hollywood star (Elle Fanning), in the lead role of his new film instead of Nora. The film explores themes of family, trauma, art, and legacy. It premiered at cons in May 2025 and receive critical Acclaim, including an academy award for best international film.  

November 12   Small Change  

This is a French film by François Truffaut, and uses a series of loosely connected vignettes to explore the joys, sorrows, and challenges of childhood in a small French town, focusing on the lives of various children, including a motherless boy and his abused friend. The film is known for its realistic, and non-sentimental portrayal of youth, blending humor, and drama as it covers themes, like first love, school, life, and the harsh realities of child abuse, which ultimately becomes a central plot point. Considered a classic 

December 10 – Nuremberg 

this is a historical drama film about directed by James Vanderbilt, based on the book quotes the Nazi and the ghetto psychiatrist quotes about a Nuremberg trials where U.S. Army psychiatrist played by Remi Malik evaluates high-ranking Nazis, including Herman’s GoringPlayed by Russell Crowe, leading to a psychological duel and an exploration of evil. The film explores the post World War II. And the challenges of bringing perpetrators to Justice, with a focus on the psychological aspects of the trials.

January 14, 2027- Rental Family

The film stars Brendan Fraser as an American actor in Tokyo, who works for rental family agency playing stand roles for strangers and former forming genuine connections. The film explores themes of loneliness, identity, and human connection. It received positive reviews from critics, Who singled out Frasier’s performance

February 11 – The Children Act 

This is a British legal drama film starring Emma Thompson as Fiona Maya, a High Court Judge, who must rule on the life or death case involving a teenager Jehovah’s Witness refusing a blood transfusion for religious reasons. Directed by Richard Eyre and adapted by Ian McEwan from his own novel, the film explores the ethical and personal dilemmas faced by the judge as her ruling impacts the boy (played by Fionn Whitehead) and her own marriage to Jack (Stanley Tucci).  The movie is praised for its performances and complex, moving portrayal of love, duty, and faith.

March 11 Vanya on 42nd Street  

This is a film by Louis Malle that captures a rehearsal of Anton Chekhov’s play “Uncle Vanya” adapted by David Marnet, with a cast of New York actors and a dilapidated theater. The film blurs the line between the actors real lives and their roles, featuring Wallace Shawn and Julianneo Moore and is noted for its minimalist production, emotional depth, and being Malle’s final film. 

April 8th –  Six Triple Eight
This Tyler Perry Directed or drama is about the 6888th Central Postal Battalion, the only all-Black, all-female U.S. Army unit to serve overseas in WWII, who overcame racism and sexism to sort a massive backlog of mail for soldiers in Europe. Starring Kerry Washington as Major Charity Adams, the film follows the 855 women as they tackle the impossible task of delivering hope to the front lines, completing their mission in record time.

May 13 –  The Alabama Solution

This HBO documentary is directed by Andrew Janaki and Charlotte Kaufman, focusing on Alabama‘s prison system through the eyes of incarcerated leaders whose expose a coverup. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival on January 28, 2025, and was released in the United States on October 10, 2025 with an R rating. The film received award nominations, including for best documentary. 

June 10 – The Penguin Lessons 

The film stars Steve Coogan as an English teacher in 1970’s Argentina, who rescues a penguin, leading to personal and political awakening admits a military dictatorship. Directed by Peter Cattaneo, the film is based on the true story from Tom Mitchell‘s memoir and explores, themes of compassion, courage, and unexpected friendship.

July 8 – No Other Land 

A documentary in Arabic is directed by a collaborative collective of Palestinian and Israeli filmmakers. The film chronicles the demolition and displacement of Palestinian communities in Massager Yatta in the West Bank, as Israeli authorities declare the area a military firing zone. It shows the alliance which developed between Palestinian activist, Basil and Israeli journalist, Yuval. The collective conceived and produced the film and what they describe as an active resistance on the path to justice in the Israeli – Palestinian conflict. The film won the award for best documentary feature film at the 97th Academy Awards. The film could not find a US distributor after being picked up for distribution in 24 countries and winning the Oscar, a situation that has been compared to soft censorship.

August 12 – American Symphony 

This film is a documentary about musician, John Batiste, composing his first symphony while his wife, writer Suleika Jaouad faces a recurrence of leukemia, exploring themes of love, art, and perseverance, through their personal and professional challenges. Directed by Matthew Heineman, the film follows Batiste as he works on his ambitious symphony, culminating in a performance at Carnegie Hall, all while supporting Jaouad through her cancer treatment.