Directors

We are looking forward meeting up with filmmakers in DC! This will be an in-person event in the Dupont Circle Neighborhood. Register to let us know how many seats to save! Co-hosted with ReelAbilities Film Festival this month! Organized by Anna Griesshammer and Melissa Houghton. You MUST register here: https://www.wifv.org/calendar/#id=32373&cid=783&wid=401&type=Cal

We've attended this in the past. The films are always good and the Irish Embassy does a great job with the reception. The cost is just $25 for film and reception - pretty reasonable. **SAIPAN -** This nail-biting, darkly comic drama recounts one of the most fractious fallings-outs in the history of sport: the explosive clash between soccer star Roy Keane (Éanna Hardwicke) and manager Mick McCarthy (the great Steve Coogan) on the island of Saipan just days before the Irish national football team competed in the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Japan and South Korea. Reviews have been very good - says you don't need to be a soccer fan to enjoy immensely. Q&A with directors Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn\, moderated by Professor Darragh Gannon\, Associate Director of Global Irish Studies\, Georgetown University \| Post\-screening reception sponsored by the Embassy of Ireland\, Washington\, DC **TO PURCHASE A TICKET, USE [THIS LINK](https://silver.afi.com/movies/detail/0100005437/). Click on the "7:00 pm" bottom left and then follow the instructions.** Rooted in clashing standards and personalities, their feud transcended the game and gripped the entire nation of Ireland as hopes for glory went into a tailspin that not even the Taoiseach could remedy. Keane’s headline-grabbing eleventh hour departure from Ireland’s squad briefly left a weakened McCarthy to hold together a crumbling situation without his team’s talisman amidst a wealth of negativity from press and fans alike. On the surface it was all about standards, but deep down it was a hugely emotive story of two men whose rivalry and contempt came to surpass the sport they loved. With riveting performances from Coogan and Hardwicke, this gripping true story goes beyond sport to tell a tale of leadership, loyalty and rivalry that captured global attention — and as Ireland are on the cusp of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, it is the perfect time to learn about a historic moment for the Boys in Green. (Note adapted from Vertigo Releasing.) DIR Lisa Barros D’Sa, Glenn Leyburn; SCR Paul Fraser; PROD Macdara Kelleher, John Keville, Trevor Birney, Oliver Butler. Ireland/UK, 2025, color, 91 min. NOT RATED

Experience GALA's contemporary staging of the modern classic ***La casa de Bernarda Alba (The House of Bernarda Alba)*** by Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca. Directed by José Zayas and with original music by Koki Lortkipanidze, the play explores themes of female oppression, sexual repression, and the conflict between tradition and modernity, all universal topics that resonate with audiences today. García Lorca’s ***The House of Bernarda Alba*** brims with tension, desire, and rebellion as five sisters are forced into strict mourning for their father under the iron rule of their mother, Bernarda. In this electrifying new production, passions simmer behind closed doors, secrets spark dangerous rivalries, and the pressure of a house built on control threatens to explode. This contemporary staging infuses Lorca’s classic with a sensuous, modern pulse and a dark Gothic mystery, illuminating why Bernarda Alba remains as urgent and thrilling today as ever. CAST: Luz Nicolás as Bernarda, Evelyn Rosario Vega as Poncia, María Coral as Adela, María del Mar Rodríguez as Angustias, Giselle González as Martirio, Anna Malavé as Magdalena, Alicia Kaplan an as María Josefa, and Ixchel as Amelia. PERFORMANCES: February 5 through March 1, 2026. The production is presented in Spanish with English surtitles, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Community Night is Thursday, Feberuary 5 at 8 pm. Press Night and Noche de GALA, which includes a post-performance reception with the creative team and cast, is Saturday, February 7 at 8 pm. TICKETS: $50 Premium Center, $45 Orchestra Standard, $35 Orchestra Value, and $25 Balcony Value; $35 Seniors (65+), Military, Teachers, and Groups (10+); $25 25 and Under; Community Night $20; and Noche de GALA: Chosen ticket price + $5 (per person). **[GET TICKETS](https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/production/1245608)** This production is made possible with the generous support from the Embassy of Spain in Washington, DC, Spain Arts & Culture, and of our Honorary Producers Circle for The House of Bernarda Alba that includes Janet Farrell, Patricia Sosa, and Wanda Báez.

**About the Book:** A major new history from the author of the Pulitzer Prize–winning *Founding Brothers* and the National Book Award winner *American Sphinx*, on how America’s founders—Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Adams—regarded the issue of slavery as they drafted the Declaration of Independence and Constitution. In this daring and important work, our most trusted voice on the founding era reckons with the realities and regrets of our founding and the tragedy of its two great the failure to end slavery and the failure to avoid Indian removal. **About the Club:** The book club is hosted by the staff at Kramers in Dupont Circle and meets in their event space (ask at the register if it's your first time). Come by for a relaxed conversation with fellow history enthusiasts. Light snacks will be provided and drinks are available at the bar.

This February, we're leaning into the cold and dark with Steve Niles and Ben Templesmith's cold weather classic, 30 Days of Night. From Amazon: "In a sleepy, secluded Alaska town called Barrow, the sun sets and doesn't rise for over thirty consecutive days and nights. From the darkness, across the frozen wasteland, an evil will come that will bring the residents of Barrow to their knees. The only hope for the town is the Sheriff and Deputy, husband and wife who are torn between their own survival and saving the town they love." Note: Our location isn't wheelchair accessible. Please let us know if that's an issue for you. We want everyone to be able to join us!

Change and uncertainty are a constant part of modern life—and when the future feels unclear, it’s easy to feel anxious, unsettled, or overwhelmed. In this four-week meditation series, we’ll explore practical tools for working skillfully with uncertainty, fear, and change. Rather than trying to control what happens around us, these classes focus on developing inner stability, flexibility, and confidence. Through accessible teachings, guided meditations, and time for questions, learn how to remain calm and grounded even when life feels unpredictable. This series is suitable for beginners and beneficial for those with meditation experience. No prior knowledge of Buddhism is required. February 5: Why Uncertainty Feels So Uncomfortable February 12: Impermanence Without Fear February 19: Finding Inner Stability February 26: Confidence in an Unclear Future **REGISTRATION** Standard: $12 \| Financial Hardship: $6 \| Free for [Members](https://meditation-dc.org/membership/) [Pre-Register Here](https://meditation-dc.org/thursday-evenings/) Each class is available by drop in. Everyone is welcome to attend, no previous experience is required. **LOCATION** Kadampa Meditation Center DC 1200 Canal St\. SW \| Washington\, DC 20024 **Metro Stop:** Waterfront or Navy Yard

Playtesting Agent and Battle-scale of the Zone-17 role-playing and miniatures game.

Based on the *Ramayana*, a Sanskrit epic from roughly 500BC, this animated feature is as close to the work of one person as possible. Writer/director/animator Nina Paley starts with the classic tale of Sita, a long-suffering woman in a world where men deny much to her, demand much of her, and take much from her. She’s married to and deeply in love with the mighty hunter and warrior Rama. The heroine remains resilient and hopeful even as she occasionally sings about how she’d like things to be a bit better. Interspersed with this story are scenes from modern times based on Paley’s own experiences, and the visuals – animated in a variety of styles – are accompanied by songs from the 1920s. The narrative is clear, the conflicts well defined, and the visuals wildly imaginative. The result is a dazzling and easy-to-follow adventure despite the many characters and locations. If ever a film could be called Oddball Required Viewing, this is it! ■ Title — *Sita Sings the Blues* ■ Director — Nina Paley ■ Cast — Annette Hanshaw, Aseem Chhabra, Bhavana Nagulapally ■ Unrated, suitable for general audiences ■ ©2008 \| 1h 22m \| Animation\, Comedy\, Fantasy\, Music\, Musical\, Romance

**Real connection with fellow Catholics who are eager to grow in Faith and friendship!** This 3 year--- 45min deep dive into the Catholic faith is a great way to spend your Sunday rest day. When you are ready to dig deeper and live the faith more fully this is an optimal opportunity. Talk yourself into this! You may start whenever and can come as often or as little as you desire. Coffee is served w/ small donation. It is taught by the priest and/or OCIA director at St Louis Parish who are ALL fabulous- faithful educators filled with theologically inspired knowledge. You can ask questions at the end, which I love. It is just a wonderful experience to grow. Afterwards if you wish, you can also find your way over to the Little Way Cafe Coffee shop across the parking lot to stay for more community time or read some of the excellent books that line the shelves throughout. If you are new to the community of Alexandria and want to meet like minded folks or a veteran of it, this is a special and unique opportunity and did I mention it is free? :) Hard to believe! Please join me every Sunday at 945 am.

The Oddball Adventures series continues in a parallel universe where the year 1941 is radically different from the one we know from history books. Emperor Napoleon V rules France, and for the last 70 years scientists have been mysteriously disappearing, depriving mankind of their inventions. Without radio, television, electricity, aviation, and the internal combustion engine, the world is mired in outdated technology powered by coal and steam. April, a gifted young inventor, her grandfather, her talking cat, and Julius, a young ruffian, begin a daunting quest to find April's parents, two of the missing scientists. ■ Title — *April and the Extraordinary World* ■ A.K.A. — *Avril et le monde truqué* ■ Directors — Christian Desmares, Franck Ekinci ■ Cast — Marion Cotillard, Marc-André Grondin, Philippe Katerine ■ Rating — PG ■ ©2015 \| 1h 45m \| Adventure\, Animation\, Comedy\, Fantasy\, Sci\-Fi

Friends Join Us for a Transformative Two-Day Workshop on Authentic Relating on Feb 28th and March 1st. ART Level 1! Authentic Relating is about creating deeper, more meaningful connections by being open, honest, and present with others. In this workshop, you will learn practical tools to communicate more effectively, understand and express your true self, and cultivate empathy and trust in your relationships. **What to Expect:** * **Interactive Exercises:** Engage in a variety of activities designed to help you practice authentic relating principles. * **Group Discussions:** Share experiences and insights in a safe and supportive environment. * **Personal Growth:** Discover new ways to connect with yourself and others on a deeper level. Please RSVP to secure your spot, as space is limited. To learn more please click the link below. You can register online by going here: [https://authenticrelating.co/product/level-1-washington-dc-feb2026/](https://authenticrelating.co/product/level-1-washington-dc-feb2026/) *Enroll before January 28th and get 100 dollars off.*

Join us as we host our next screening of Alma’s Rainbow (1994) by Ayoka Chenzira! This film is 85 minutes and an optional short discussion with the group will follow. **This event will tentatively be hosted at the MLK Library.** Synopsis: A rediscovered treasure of independent cinema, this incisive comedic drama follows Rainbow Gold (Victoria Gabrielle Platt), a teenager coming of age in Brooklyn, as she looks to two vastly different models of womanhood: her straitlaced mother, Alma (Kim Weston-Moran), who runs a hair salon in the parlor of their home and disapproves of her daughter’s newfound interest in boys; and her free-spirited, larger-than-life aunt Ruby (Mizan Kirby), who has just returned from Paris after a ten-year absence and whose presence shakes up the household. Bursting with the bold Day-Glo colors of nineties fashion, this dazzling feature from feminist filmmaker and animator Ayoka Chenzira grapples with questions of Black women’s sexuality, agency, and self-image from a multigenerational perspective. (Criterion) Closest Metro will be Virginia Square (7 min walk)

Join us as we get together to see SIRAT, an Oscar-nominated Best International Film from Spain that follows a father, accompanied by his son, goes looking for his missing daughter in North Africa. Here’s a description, trailer and our plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: A father, accompanied by his son arrive at a rave deep in the mountains of southern Morocco while searching for his daughter who vanished months ago at one of these endless, sleepless parties. As their search continues, the journey forces them to confront their own limits. The film is directed by Oliver Laxe and stars Sergi Lopez, Bruno Nunez Arjona and Richard Bellamy. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ww-IXHXvS70 BUZZ & ACCLAIM: SIRAT has already won numerous awards, including 4 at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, along with the Chicago, Montclair and Toronto International Film Festivals! It also earned a whopping 11 nominations at the 40th Goya Awards, including Best Film and Director, and was nominated for Best International Feature Film and Best Sound at this year’s Academy Awards. The film is earning a stellar 92% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes which calls it “an unforgettable exercise in tension” and “a brutal reminder that the journey can be more important than the destination.” PLAN: We’ll plan for a 7pm-ish showing and will confirm/announce details as the date gets closer. Once showtime is confirmed, advance purchase (via GFC website preferred) is advised! Once you have your ticket, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Connected Westerville Night of Networking flips the script on networking, with surprises and connections that'll make you say, "Who knew networking could be this much fun?!"

Our Fun Friday event just got better! Our event has been expanded to include your choice of TWO great films: EPIC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT or SCREAM 7! EPiC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT is directed by Baz Luhrmann and uses rare and previously unseen interviews and videos of Elvis in concert to create “one of the most exciting concert films you’ve ever seen!” SCREAM 7 assembles previous cast members and great newcomers for the next chapter of one of the most reliable horror franchises! In this film, a new Ghostface killer emerges with the daughter of Sidney Prescott becomes the next target. Here are details, trailers and our plan for this event: EPiC: ELVIS PRESLEY IN CONCERT uses rare and previously unseen interviews and concert footage to create “one of the most exciting concert films you’ve ever seen!” In addition to the stellar reviews, the film was runner up for the People’s Choice Award for Documentaries at the Toronto Film Festival. The film is earning a Certified Fresh 95% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes (and a 99% positive rating audiences)! The RT site declares, “Resurrecting Elvis Presley at the peak of his showmanship, Baz Luhrmann's truly epic concert documentary restores some joy into The King's legacy.” Film Threat adds, “The most beautiful thing about EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert is that in connecting us so intimately to the man and showing him in all his complexity, Luhrmann cuts through the baggage we bring and gives us a fresh look at one of the most fascinating and accomplished musicians who has ever lived.” TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NmqWusmzp0k SCREAM 7: This is an opening night showing of next chapter in one of the best and most reliable horror franchises! In this film, Sidney Prescott has built a new life in the quiet town of Pine Grove, Indiana, until a new Ghostface killer begins to target her daughter, forcing her to face her past to end the killings once and for all. The stellar ensemble case includes Neve Campbell, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, David Arquette, Matthew Lillard and Courteney Cox all reprising their roles from the previous films, along with Isabel May, Anna Camp, Mckenna Grace, Asa Germann, Celeste O'Connor and Joel McHale! TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CsHBPYVFd3Y PLAN: For the bite before the show, BOTH GROUPS meet in the Bar Area at BRAVO at 5:00pm. Should be pretty open, but keep an eye out for us and we’ll keep one out for you! For EITHER MOVIE, please purchase your ticket for the 6:30pm showing and meet in the lobby area between 6:10 and 6:20pm. Advance ticket purchase advised. Once you have yours please list your movie of choice and seat number in the Comments section of this event. Should be a fun one! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

The topic for March is "Our Bodies, Ourselves" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Join us as we get together to see the period drama / classic monster movie, THE BRIDE! The film is written/directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and stars Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale in a new take on the classic tale, The Bride of Frankenstein. We'll be seeing this one on Thurs, 3/5 one day ahead of the film's opening on Friday. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In 1930s Chicago, Frankenstein's creature asks Dr. Euphronius to create a companion for him. They give life to a murdered woman as "the Bride," sparking romance, police interest and radical social change. It is written, directed and co-produced by Maggie Gyllenhaal and stars Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal and Penélope Cruz. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-qJkAXLfYM PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and we’ll meet inside the upstairs lobby between 6:40 and 6:50pm. Advance ticket purchase is advised (via Gateway website preferred). Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below! Pre-show bite at Cazuela’s next door at 5:30pm. Please arrive by 5:30pm and ask for the Movie Group! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Evolve exists to connect women entrepreneurs connect with one another, serve one another, and help one another overcome challenges in marketing, sales, networking, and professional development. [Add to Calendar](evolvecolumbus.eventcalendarapp.com) What to Expect: \~ Welcome team to greet you, introduce you to others, and make sure you feel a part of the group from your very first meeting \~ Welcome & Introductions: 15 second introductions \~ 15 Minute Speaker Spotlight: Member speaker who shares a bit of her story, how she got to doing what she does, and a tangible tip she uses to gain success in her business. No hard selling...no expectations. Simply giving the group an opportunity to get to know her and her journey. \~ 20 Minute Break Out Sessions: Small groups is where we connect best. Extroverted and Introverted alike get the opportunity to share on a deeper level and learn from one another. \~ Take Aways: Hear what the other groups talked about and share resources to grow yourself and your business \~ Grow Time!: Do you need a specific connection to a person, company, or industry? Share it with us! We love to open our networks to one another and grow together! Guests are always welcome. Please contact Mentor Director Donna Schomer at Donna@EvolveWomensNetwork.com for more information. We'd love to meet you!

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! For this event, we’ll help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents, wash dishes and clean surfaces at Fath Mission – Grant Kitchen. We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “Create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. Our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:15am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1, indicated in the attached map. On-site and street parking are available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: \* LSS Volunteer Guidelines: Uploaded to photos. \* Parking Map Info: Uploaded to photos. \* LSS Faith Mission Orientation Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bp46_6ay6iA \* Link with Additional Details / Info: https://lss.vomo.org/opportunity/faith-mission-grant-kitchen-2025 IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing the all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With very few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. THANK YOU: This CMG Gives Back event provides an opportunity for YOU to get involved in helping others! Benefits go well beyond the help we give to others. Volunteering provides a wide range of personal benefits, including positive effects on mental and physical health, reduced stress/depression/anxiety, increased happiness and improved purpose, life-satisfaction and personal well-being! Plus, the opportunity to get involved, connect with others and help those in need. PARTNER AGENCY: This event is hosted by Lutheran Social Services (LSS), which serves thousands of people in need each day in 27 Ohio counties by addressing the four core societal issues of food, shelter, safety and healing. LSS offers food through the LSS Food Pantries, housing and supportive services through LSS Faith Mission and LSS Faith Mission of Fairfield County homeless shelters, domestic violence services through LSS CHOICES for Victims of Domestic Violence, senior living and health care, affordable housing communities, and other services that uplift families and strengthen communities. Look forward to seeing you there, Dan