This week at Maine cinemas: Apr. 18–24
L.A. in film at the PMA + short films for kids + a historical supernatural horror film from Ryan Coogler
It is not a big week for new films opening in the area, but there are a couple that we’re highlighting, including Ryan Coogler’s latest film SINNERS. At the Portland Museum of Art, the L.A. in Film series continues, with proceeds from these screenings being donated to the LA Arts Community Wildfire Relief Fund. More on those and other films playing around the state below…
SINNERS
Now showing | Various venues, incl. Black Bear Cinemas, Orono and The Nickelodeon, Portland
Ryan Coogler steps away from the Marvel Cinematic Universe to take on a very different film from his previous two superhero flicks, with Coogler mainstay Michael B. Jordan joining him. Sinners focuses on twin brothers who return to their hometown to start again, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back.
TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A.
Friday, April 18 at 6pm | PMA Films, Portland
This screening is part of a series of films benefiting artists and arts workers impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. Proceeds will be donated to the LA Arts Community Wildfire Relief Fund.
Two cops in Los Angeles try to track down a vicious criminal named Eric Masters. When one of them is killed by Masters, the other swears revenge - no matter what the cost. He becomes obsessed with getting Masters as the law he once swore to uphold becomes meaningless to him and he and his new partner enter a dangerous game where the stakes are life and death.
SUNSET BOULEVARD
Sunday, April 20 at 3pm | PMA Films, Portland
This screening is part of a series of films benefiting artists and arts workers impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. Proceeds will be donated to the LA Arts Community Wildfire Relief Fund.
An aging silent film queen refuses to accept that her stardom has ended. She hires a young screenwriter to help set up her movie comeback. The screenwriter believes he can manipulate her, but he soon finds out he is wrong. The screenwriter’s ambivalence about their relationship and her unwillingness to let go leads to a situation of violence, madness, and death.
NYICFF: BIG KID FLICKS
Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20 at 12pm | Maine Film Center, Waterville
Deep and daring films for ages 8+, curated by the New York International Children's Film Festival.
Big Kid Flicks is full of challenges big and small. With obstacles like learning how to ride a bike and convincing your family you want to be a vampire queen, this program is full of vibrancy and adventure. Part of Fireflies, a family-friendly film series.
THE WEDDING BANQUET
Opens Friday, April 18 | Maine Film Center, Waterville and The Nickelodeon, Portland
Hoping to stay in the country, a gay man proposes a green card marriage to a female friend in exchange for paying for her IVF treatment. However, things soon get complicated when his grandmother surprises them with plans for an extravagant Korean wedding banquet.
THE SERVANT (1963)
Wednesday, April 23 at 7pm | Kinonik, Portland
Presented in 16mm.
Tony (James Fox), a British aristocrat, hires the mysterious Hugo Barrett (Dirk Bogarde) as his household servant. The new employee soon begins to cause unrest in the household, and Tony is forced to send him away. But Barrett's influence extends further than Tony realizes, and he finds himself entangled in an intense psychological war with his former valet. Servant and master square off in a battle that redefines each man's understanding of fear, desire and class.
NEVER ALONE
Wednesday, April 23 at 6:30pm | The Hill Arts, Portland
NEVER ALONE tells the gripping story of Jewish refugees seeking safety in Finland during WWII. As Nazi influence grows, the Finnish-Jewish businessman Abraham Stiller (Ville Virtanen, Netflix's Bordertown) risks everything to protect the refugee community. This powerful film showcases courage, resilience, and the fight for hope amidst overwhelming adversity.
Followed by a discussion with Dr. Robert Bernheim, Assistant Professor of History at the University of Maine at Augusta.
Coming soon…
KILLER OF SHEEP —Friday, April 25 at 2pm | PMA Films, Portland
PRIDE & PREJUDICE — Friday, April 25 at 5:30pm | Strand Theatre, Rockland
ERASERHEAD — Friday, April 25 at 7pm | The Waldo Theatre, Waldoboro
THE PHILADELPHIA STORY — Wednesday, April 30 at 2pm and 7pm | Kinonik, Portland
THE LEGEND OF OCHI — Opening April 25 | Maine Film Center, Waterville
ENO — Thursday, May 1 at 6:30pm | PMA Films, Portland
MAINE PALESTINE FILM FESTIVAL — Throughout May in Bucksport, Bar Harbor, and Damariscotta