September 12- Found

Leader: Clare Pokorny

Eight 2021 documentary/drama that follows the story of three American teenage girls – each adopted from China – who discover they are blood related cousins. They online meeting inspires the young woman to confront the burning question that they have about their lost history. When they meet for the first time, they embark on a once in a lifetime journey to China in search of answers. Available on Netflix and fubo TV.

October 10-Laapataa Ladies

Leader:  Sue Nagubadi

A 2023 Indian comedy/drama. Two newlyweds find themselves in advertently separated from their husbands moments after their respective weddings. This film is a simple yet adorable and highlights the key issues faced by women in society. There is a good amount of entertainment, and the film never gets preachy. on Netflix.

November 7- The Lady in the Van

Leader:  MaryAnn Thompson

A 2015 British comedy/drama film, starring Maggie Smith and Alex Jennings, based on the memoir of the same name, created by Alan Bennett. It tells the mostly true story of his interactions with Mary Shepherd, an elderly  woman who lived in a dilapidated van on his driveway in North London for 15 years. Be forewarned that you are about to be subjected both verbally and, more  regretfully, visually to the none-too-tidy lavatory habits of an elderly British vagrant, who resides in her vehicle and rarely has an actual bathroom at her disposal. The upside  is that said lady is brought to life by the magnificent Maggie Smith. At the very least, you have to admire her on unmitigated gall and survival instincts. She has mastered the art of preying upon the liberal guilt in the artist-laden borough of Camden.
Available on Amazon prime, Apple TV, and fandango.

December 12- The Artist

Leader:  Sandy Holt
A 2011 French comedy drama in the 1920s.  Actor George Valentine (Jeanne Dugard) is a bona fide matinee idol with many adoring fans.  While working on his latest film, George finds himself falling in love with the ingenue named Peppy Miller (Bernice Bijo) and, what’s more it seems Peppy feels the same way. But George is reluctant to cheat on his wife with the beautiful young actress. The growing popularity of sound movies further separates the potential lovers, as George’s career begins to fade while Peppy’s star rises. This is a mostly silent film, black-and-white.  It won an Academy award for Best Picture in 2011.  Available on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and Fandango.

January 9 – Four Daughters

Leader:  Carla Banks

A 2023 Tunisian Arabic documentary/drama is the story of Olfa Hamrouni, who his two eldest daughters were radicalized by Islamic extremist. This is a documentary unlike any other. It weaves  a heartbreaking narrative around Olfa Hamrouni, a mother grappling with a loss of her two eldest daughters to Islamic extremism. Throughout the film, the visual impact is carefully and beautifully composed: the story messy and disturbing. It was nominated for best international film at the Academy Awards. Available Netflix and Kanopy.

February 13- Portrait of a Woman on Fire

Leader:  Renee Caprile

France, 1770, Marianne, a painter, is commissioned to do the wedding portrait of Heloise, a young woman who has just left the convent. Heloise is a reluctant bride-to-be, and Mary Ann must paint her without her knowing. She observes her by day, to paint her secretly.

March 19- LFG

Leader:  Cindy Hesemann

LFG, which stand for Let’s F…ing Go, is a 2021 American documentary film, directed and produced by Andrea Nix Fine and Sean Fine, with Andrea Nix  Fine also serving as a writer. It follows Megan Rapinoe, Jessica McDonald, Becky Sauerbrunn, Kelley O’Hara, Christen Press, Sam, Mewis, and Julie Foudy as they sue the United States soccer Federation for paid 

discrimination.  Available on HBO Max.

April 10- Lars and the Real Girl

Leader:  Karen Hug

2007 comedy/romance. Extremely shy Lars played by Ryan Gosling find it impossible to make friends or socialize. His brother and sister-in-law worry about him, so when he announces that he has a girlfriend that he met on the Internet, they are overjoyed. But Lars’ new lady is a life-size plastic woman. On the advice of a doctor, the family and the rest of the community go along with the delusion. Available on YouTube TV, Apple TV, fandango, Amazon prime, 

May 8- Origin

Leader:  Cindy Hesemann

2023 drama/history. Origin is based on the life of Isabel Wilkerson, played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, dealing with tremendous personal tragedy, as she writes the book Caste: the Origins of our Disconnect. Over the course of the film, Wilkerson travels throughout Germany, India, and the United States to research the caste systems in each countries history. Available on Amazon prime and Apple TV.

June 12-The Whale

Leader:  Anita Quinlan

A 2022 American psychological drama film, directed by Darren Aronofsky and written by Samuel D Hunter based on his 2012 play of the same name. The film stars Brendon Fraser, Sadie Sink, Hong Chau, Ty Simpkins, and Samantha Morton. The plot follows a reclusive, morbidly obese English teacher, who tries to restore his relationship with his teenage daughter, whom he abandoned eight years earlier. Fraser won the Academy award for best actor in a leading role. Available on Hulu, YouTube,  Amazon prime, fandango, Paramount, Google TV, Apple TV. 

July 10- The Umbrellas of Cherbourg

Leader:   Kathy Evans

1964 French musical. And angelically beautiful Catherine Deneuve was launched to stardom by this dazzling musical heart hugger from Jacques Demi. She plays the umbrella shop owners, delicate daughter, glowing with first love for a handsome Garage mechanic. When the boy is shipped off to fight in Algiers, the two lovers must grow up quickly. Exquisitely designed and kaleidoscope of colors, and toed entirely through the lifting songs of the great composer, Michael LeGrand, the Umbrellas of Cherbourg is one of the most revered and unorthodox movie musicals of all time. “It is not for everyone, but if you are romantic, you will love it.”  Available on Apple TV, Max, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Google play.

August 14-Petite Maman

Leader:  Diane Woolever
A 2021 French fantasy/drama follows a young girl coping with the death of her maternal grandmother by bonding with her mother. The film was nominated for and won numerous awards. “Small in and narrative scope but deeply impactful. Petite Manon is delicate, powerfully acted meditation on grief.”  Available on Hulu, fandango, and Amazon prime.