DER SCHWARZE KANAL
Der schwarze Kanal (The Black Channel) was a series of political propaganda programs aired weekly between 1960 and 1989 by East German state television broadcaster DFF. A perfect name for our line-up of films that are currently playing or coming soon.
March 28-30: ULTIMATE CITIZENS
USA | 52 min. | 2024 | English
Director: Francine Strickwerda
ULTIMATE CITIZENS is the story of Jamshid Khajavi, an extraordinary 65-year-old Iranian American public school counselor who uses the sport of Ultimate Frisbee to help children heal. In an America where many families are quietly, barely getting by, Mr. Jamshid coaches an underdog team of kids on their way to compete in the world’s largest youth tournament. ULTIMATE CITIZENS is a celebration of resilience and belonging, and the third independent feature documentary from award-winning filmmaker Francine Strickwerda.
April 4: THE ENCAMPMENTS
USA | 1 hour 23 minutes | 2025 | English
Directors: Michael T. Workman and Kei Pritsker
When a group of students at Columbia University in New York launch a movement protesting the war in Gaza, they spark a nationwide uprising in solidarity with the people of Gaza. Encampments spring up at hundreds of campuses as students object to their own university’s investment in the US and Israeli arms industry. Featuring detained student activist Mahmoud Khalil, The Encampments takes viewers inside America’s student uprising with incredible intimacy and urgency. Professors, whistleblowers, and student activists shed light on a moment that captivated the nation’s attention and continues to make headlines today.
May 7: THE STROLL
USA | 1 hour 25 min. | 2023 | English
Directors: Kristen Lovell and Zackary Drucker
The history of New York’s Meatpacking District told from the point of view of transgender sex workers who lived and worked there. They recount the violence, policing, and gentrification that lead to a movement for transgender rights.
We proudly present this film for free, but suggest a donation. Kristen Lovell will be in attendance.
May 14: BYE BYE TIBERIAS
Palestine, France, Belgium, Qatar | 1 hour 22 min. | 2023 | Arabic and French with English subtitles
Director: Lina Soualem
Bye Bye Tiberias (باي باي طبريا) is a 2023 documentary film directed by Lina Soualem, written by Soualem and Nadine Naous, in collaboration with Gladys Joujou. It follows Hiam Abbass, who leaves her Palestinian village of Deir Hanna in the Lower Galilee, Israel to pursue her dream of becoming an actress, leaving behind her mother, grandmother, and sisters. Abbass returns to her village, with her daughter, Soulaem, to explore her mother’s choices, and family influence.
We proudly present this film for free, but suggest a donation.