Short Films

Let's see a movie this weekend. Haven't even seen a trailer for Mortal Kombat II but I've been a fan of Karl Urban since Xena: Warrior Princess so let's watch him on the big screen. Your host will be in seat E7. Let's see about getting food afterwards.

This is the sign you've been waiting for. Come write with us Sunday at 7:30 am at Kaldi's Social House in Arlington. Kaldi's opens at 7. Grab a coffee and join the group! We generally have 10 to 14 writers attend each week, and new folks are welcome to drop in anytime. Intros start at 7:30 am. We will write for one hour. After writing, feel free to debrief, share thoughts or get advice. Our meetups are a safe space for writers to work on their craft. No one will read or critique your writing. Kaldi's Social House website: https://www.kaldissocialhouse.net/ \* Resource \* Many thanks to Justin for putting together a shared file of resource discussed at the meetings. Feel free to add to it! [https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13LONNjZvsO5hEXM7NsBnWCgy3GgPgjAbQxE0lPxp7hc/edit?usp=sharing)

Join us for the world premiere of the musical ***Aguardiente: Where Magic Transcends Borders,*** commissioned by GALA and conceived by Helen Hayes multi-award winner Luis Salgado from Puerto Rico and Colombian artist Daniel Alejandro Gutiérrez. Blending Afro-Caribbean rhythms such as bomba, currulao, and cumbia, and Gabriel García Márquez’s magical realism, Aguardiente is a bold new musical about the messy, urgent act of making art in a world on fire. As a group of artists race to finish a new show, their rehearsal room becomes a battleground of ideas, ambition, and lived experience—especially for a composer whose undocumented status makes the dream of success anything but simple. As the team wrestles with what story they should tell, the line between reality and imagination begins to blur, until—like two currents meeting in the same river—the artists’ own struggles spill into the story they are creating: a vibrant tale set in a river town on the brink of environmental collapse, where two young lovers must decide whether to stay and fight for their homeland or leave in pursuit of a dream, making Aguardiente a theatrical journey about migration, memory, and the complicated act of transforming real lives into art. **PERFORMANCES:** ***Aguardiente*** is a bilingual production with surtitles in English and Spanish, and runs April 30 through May 24, 2026. Performances are Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. The show is approximately 160 minutes long and includes one intermission. Community Night is Thursday, April 30. Noche de GALA, which includes a post-performance reception with the cast and creative team, is Saturday, May 2, under the honorary patronage of His Excellency Daniel García-Peña Jaramillo, Ambassador of Colombia to the U.S. **TICKETS:** Regular tickets for ***Aguardiente*** are $60 Premium, $55 Orchestra Standard, $45 Orchestra Value, and $35 Balcony Value; $35 Seniors (65+), Military, Teachers, and Groups (10+); $25 25 and Under; Community Night tickets are $25 each and Noche de GALA: Chosen ticket price + $5 (per person). **[GET TICKETS HERE](https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/production/1245626)** **CAST:** ***Aguardiente: Where Magic Transcends Borders*** features an 18-people multicultural cast that includes Samuel Garnica (Venezuela) as Alberto, Sebastián Treviño (Colombia and Mexico) as Alejandro, Vin Ramos (Puerto Rico) as Azuquita, Ana Luisa Martínez (Mexico) as Anís, Shayla Hernández (Puerto Rico) as Kiara, Emy Ramos (Dominican Republic and United States) as Beta, Eric González (Spain) as Eve, Machirán (Cuba) as Pepe/MC, and Leanna “Leah” Finol (Venezuela and Hungary) as Mamá/Mom. The ensemble includes Ralphie Rivera (Puerto Rico, Dance Captain), Álvaro Medina Molina (Puerto Rico and Colombia, Alberto U/S), Santiago Ayala (Colombia, Alejandro U/S), Brianna Ríos (El Salvador and Puerto Rico, Anís U/S), Ana Daniela Pérez (Panama, Beta U/S), Bibi Sánchez (Mexico, Mamá U/S), Julia Neveu (United States, Eve U/S), Zaramaría Fas (Puerto Rico, Swing), and Rodrigo Calderón (Peru, Swing, Azuquita U/S). **CREATIVE TEAM:** This enthralling new musical is written, directed, and choreographed by Luis Salgado, with music and music direction by Daniel A. Gutiérrez, and lyrics by both Salgado and Gutiérrez. Scenic Design is by Clifton Chadick, Lighting Design is by Colin Bills, Projections Design is by Milton Cordero, and Madeline “Mo” Oslejsek is Sound Designer. Costume Design is by Jeannette Christensen, Properties Design is by Chelsea Dean, and Hair and Makeup Design is by Andre Hopfer. Sorany Gutiérrez is the Dramaturg, Valeria Cossu is Associate Director, and Ralphie Rivera is Associate Choreographer. Cody Von Ruden is Assistant Costume Designer and Elias Hall is Assistant Properties Designer. The band includes Daniel Gutiérrez (Music Director, Conductor, Keys), Sebastián Natal (Assistant Music Director, Multi-instrumentalist), Juan “Juancho” Gómez (Guitar), Iván Navas (Multi-instrumentalist), Jaime Rodríguez (Percussion), Roger Torres (Trumpet), and Michael “Mike” Ventura (Saxophone). Ester Teixeira Vianna is Stage Manager, Rbekah Nogueira is NYC Assistant Stage Manager, Brian Martínez is DC Assistant Stage Manager, Ilyana Rose-Dávila is Production Manager, Amanda Leyva is Assistant Production Manager, Anson Stevie is Technical Director, Delbis Cardona is General Manager for Rehearsal Space, and Lorena Suárez is Company Administrator. Gustavo Ott is the Producer and Rebecca Medrano is the Executive Producer. The production is made possible in part with generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA), the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the Paul Angell Foundation, the National Latinx Theater Initiative, and the Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation. Additionally, GALA Hispanic Theatre is a recipient of the 2026 THRIVE! Grant, funded by the Mark Edelman Theater Fund and administered by Theatre Communications Group, the National organization for theatre leading for a just and thriving theatre ecology.

**LOCATION CHANGE as of APRIL 1, 2026:** **Body Grace has moved to 133 Maple Avenue East, 3rd Floor, above the Bear Branch Tavern.** Whether you're new to Insight meditation or an advanced practitioner looking for like-minded people to sit with, you're welcome to join us at our Sunday morning drop-in group, sponsored by the Insight Meditation Community of Washington. Insight meditation cultivates our natural wisdom and compassion. Meditation practice develops concentration, which allows us to calm and steady the mind. This class includes a 30-minute lightly-guided meditation, followed by a short talk and time for questions and discussion. The size of the group usually runs somewhere between 25-40 people in-person and between 12-25 online. Chairs are provided, or you may bring a sitting cushion or bench. You may also use the blankets and bolsters offered by the yoga studio. **We offer both in-person and online attendance.** To learn more about our topics and teachers, view our videos or **get the Zoom link**, visit our [class page](https://imcw.org/event/?eventId=735&utm_source=MeetUp&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=vienna-drop-in).

Shall we draw at Quill & Crumb, the cafe in the Folger's Great Hall? It's a gorgeous setting where we'll undoubtedly find many interesting things to draw. From the website: "Quill & Crumb is located in the Folger’s historic Great Hall, which was originally designed by architect Paul Philippe Cret to resemble a gallery within a 16th-century English home. The Great Hall features strapwork plaster ceiling, oak-paneled walls, and intricately designed terracotta floors." Look forward to meeting you there!

### Drop-In Improv Class — Beginner Friendly **Improv for good people.** Join us for a fun, beginner-friendly drop-in improv class focused on play, laughter, and connection — in a supportive, no-pressure environment. You don’t need performance experience, improv training, or a “funny personality.” You just need a willingness to try. *** ### What to expect Each session includes: * Friendly introductions * Easy warm-ups * Guided short-form improv games * Lots of laughter in a small, welcoming group The exercises are inspired by shows like *Whose Line Is It Anyway?*, but the focus is on participation, not performance. *** ### A few important reassurances ✔ You don’t need to be “funny” ✔ You don’t need improv experience ✔ You *do* need curiosity and a willingness to play Everything is explained clearly, and you’re never put on the spot. *** ### Who this class is for This class is a great fit if you: * Are curious about improv but a little nervous * Want to meet new people in a genuinely welcoming space * Enjoy playful learning and low-pressure activities * Want a break from overthinking and daily stress Many people arrive unsure and leave smiling. *** ### How Meetup fits in Many participants first discover Laughy Place Improv through Meetup, attend a class or two, and then decide whether they’d like to continue by booking future classes directly through the website. There’s no pressure — Meetup is meant to be an easy, friendly way to try things out. *** ### Location & logistics 📍 **Theatre on the Run** 3700 S Four Mile Run Dr, Arlington, VA Parking and entrance are on the opposite side of the building from Four Mile Run Drive. Use the door labeled **“Arlington Cultural Affairs – Main Entrance.”** Ring the doorbell to be buzzed in. Sunday classes are usually in room 174 and Wednesday classes are usually in room 147, but you can check the class list by the concierge desk to be certain. I’ll be in the room about 20 minutes early to set up and meet folks as they arrive. If you can, please come a few minutes before the scheduled start time so we can kick things off together. *** Looking forward to laughing with you!

Social Sips & Bites family - this is the kind of day we do best. Easy, fun, and full of connection. We’re taking things to the water with a full afternoon of cruising, exploring, eating, and just enjoying the moment together. No stress, no rush… just good vibes and great people from start to finish. ⸻ **MEET UP — 12:00 PM** L’Enfant Plaza (D & 7th St Exit) Metro: Orange, Blue, Silver Drive: 400 7th St SW (free parking on Sunday nearby) ⸻ **THE RIDE 🚤** We’re cruising the Potomac together Wharf → Alexandria: 12:45 – 1:15 Alexandria → Wharf: 5:00 – 5:30 **Round Trip: $44** Grab your ticket: https://share.google/MR4rRnrVghl6t56e8 ⸻ **ALEXANDRIA VIBES** 🍕🍦 We step off the boat and the day just flows 1. Walk the waterfront. Take in the views 2. Andy’s Pizza — one of the best slices around https://share.google/TOnyMxiqTkhTYGXBF 3. Before heading back… Pop’s Old Fashion Ice Cream https://share.google/hWiZ8i8M06mayPbxM ⸻ This is one of those effortless, perfect SSB days Sunshine, water, food, laughs, and that signature SSB energy

## 🛼 Sunday Morning Alley Adventure: The "Trashy" East Side Tour Sometimes you just feel a little behind, a little bumpy, or maybe even a little trashy. This skate is for you! We are ditching the pristine paths to hit a bunch of random alleys throughout the East. Why? Because your wheels are too nice and your feet could use a little more grit. It’s weird, it’s different, and it’s exactly what the weekend ordered. We’ll be keeping a **slow, chill pace**, so just bring some good vibes and come hang out as we rattle through the city. *** ### **When & Where** * **Date:** Tomorrow, Sunday, May 10th. * **Meeting Time:** 10:00 AM. * **Rolling Time:** 10:10 AM sharp. * **Location:** **Pershing Park**, located at the corner of **Pennsylvania Ave and 14th St NW**. * **Note:** We are starting here because Freedom Plaza is currently closed for a massive rehabilitation project. ### **The Route** * **Distance:** Approximately 14.4 miles. * **Terrain:** Expect plenty of alleys and varying road surfaces—it’s an adventure! * **Route Map:** https://onthegomap.com/#/route/019dd035-e6ae-72f0-940e-4b9c67728587 ### **What to Bring** * Your skates (and perhaps your "trashiest" attitude). * Good vibes and a relaxed mindset. * Water and safety gear as needed. Let's get a little numb to the pain and enjoy the ride! For up to the minute details, check Facebook and Instagram. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/WashingtonAreaRoadskaters/events Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/weareskatedc/ We hope to see you Sunday!

No one truly understands AI, not even experts, says Helen Toner, an AI policy researcher and former board member of OpenAI. But that doesn't mean we can't govern it. She shows how we can make smart policies to regulate this technology even as we struggle to predict where it's headed — and why the right actions, right now, can shape the future we want. ​​​​Here is how it works: * ​​​​​​​Prior to the event: **Please watch this YouTube video:** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUn8IjZKBPg](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUn8IjZKBPg) * ​During the event: We will discuss the following questions: 1. Because AI is changing so fast, it is hard to predict what new things it will be able to do next month. What steps can we take to stay open-minded and adaptable as these tools change how we learn and create? 2. There is a big debate about whether using AI helps us learn faster or makes us skip the hard work of thinking. How can we find a healthy balance between using these new tools and keeping our own minds sharp and active? 3. History shows that the people who use a technology should have a say in how it is shaped for the future. How can we ensure that our local communities have a voice in how AI is developed and used? \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- To provide an enjoyable experience for fellow participants, here are three ground rules during discussion events: 1. Step up and step back. (If you feel that you’ve been talking too much, step back to listen more. If you feel that you’ve been relatively quiet, step up to share your perspective or ask a question) 2. Listen to understand, not to respond. 3. Be open-minded and value differences.

As a reminder, since Freedom Plaza is under construction, we will meet at the plaza in front of The International Trade Center near the National Children's Museum (on Pennsylvania Ave). We'll begin with going over a few drills (varies week to week). The skills we drill will be for the first 30 minutes. For the second half, we will casually skate down the bike lanes on Pennsylvania Avenue from the plaza to the U.S.Capitol and stop at 3rd St. and then skate back the same route. This route is about 2 miles in total and is perfect for those who are new to skating in the city but feel comfortable on skates in a parking lot or roller rink. This is also great if you wish to start with shorter routes to increase your physical fitness or stamina for some of the other routes. This is an excellent opportunity to prepare to skate with others on the road. You will also get to meet skaters who will arrive for the Intermediate and Advanced skate routes following the introductory skate. This is great training to feel prepared for the Tuesday Night and Friday Night Skate! Route: [http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7653831](http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7653831) Inline skates (rollerblades), roller skates (quads), bicycles, unicycles, skateboards, longboards and other similar modes of transportation are welcome to join. Helmet and pads are required. Skate at your own risk. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the session

TICKET LINK: [https://bit.ly/YolksMay2026-meetup](https://bit.ly/YolksMay2026-meetup) Join veteran Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey clown Jim Dandy and award-winning burlesque performer Delilah Dentata for Yolks on You, a brunch-time romp that celebrates the funniest, strangest, and most delightful variety performers they can find. Over the show's 8 year run, we’ve welcomed burlesque, clown, live music, flow arts, drag, mime, pole, puppets, and a few things we still don’t quite know how to describe … and we’re doing it all again in May! Settle in with the DC Comedy Loft's rotating lineup of beers, mixed drinks, and brunch menu while you marvel at the cast’s phenomenal (and occasionally baffling) talents.

***Septima*** is a competitive, highly interactive strategy game of witchcraft. As the leader of your coven, you must prove your worth in the town of Noctenburg to become the successor of Septima, the High Witch. Practice your craft and gain Wisdom by collecting herbs, brewing potions, healing the townsfolk, mastering charms and rescuing your brothers and sisters from the trials. But beware: magic, even if used for good, invokes suspicion in the townsfolk...

**Coffee. A Sunday morning. A table of people who get it.** **NoVA Single Parents Village is a new group for single parents in Northern Virginia who want actual community — not advice, not a support group, not a dating app in disguise. Just people navigating the same messy, meaningful reality who could use a few more faces that understand it.** **The first meetup is at Caboose Brewing in Mosaic District. No agenda. No icebreaker games. Show up, grab a drink, and talk to people who know what it’s like to be doing this largely on their own.**

Open gaming at Panera! New players welcome. We have many games on hand or you can bring your own. We are happy to teach or learn one of yours.

***This month we go see The Devil Wears Prada 2!*** Andy Sachs reunites with Miranda Priestly as they navigate their careers amid the decline of traditional magazine publishing. # "Bitchy one-liners, devious double-crossing and Lady Gaga" -sounds like fun I don't want to miss. JOIN ME? I'm in G8. For anyone interested in a meet & greet before the movie, I'll be at the bar for drinks and a snack by 630. Text me at **(571) 293-1316** to connect.

We'll be screening Daughters of the Dust (1991) by L.A. Rebellion filmmaker Julie Dash as part of our monthly series. Bring a friend or join us solo! Water and non-alcoholic drinks provided on a first come first served basis! * **Icebreaker and intro at 2PM** * **Screening at 2:15 PM sharp with a group discussion to follow.** * **Remember to grab your name tag!** 🎥 **Movie Synopsis:** At the dawn of the 20th century, a family in the Gullah community of coastal South Carolina -- former West African slaves who adopted many of their ancestors' Yoruba traditions -- suffers a generational split. Young Haagar wants to move to the mainland away from tradition-bound matriarch Nana. **Run time:** 1h 52m **Themes:** Gullah-Geechee, Faith and Religion, Racism **Fun fact:** Beyonce's Lemonade was inspire by this film! / We hope to see you there!

Regular coffee meetup for people to meet, make new friends, or enjoy general conversations with coffee. Great for those who are new in town or looking for new activities to do! This will be held at Weird Brothers Coffee at Worldgate Centre in Herndon. Afterwards, if anyone is interested, we can grab lunch at whichever nearby restaurant in the shopping center. There’s a TGI Friday’s, a Thai place, a Mexican place, Inchin’s Asian fusion restaurant, and I’m open to alternative preferences. Additional Note: If you are on the Wait List, you can still feel free to attend if you wish.

Joyful Mind Zendo is happy to invite you to our **second Film Night** on Friday, May 22nd. We will be screening Pete Docter's film, Soul. **Details:** * Come at **6:00 PM** to the **basement Zendo (back door)** to help set up. * The screening will begin promptly at **6:30 PM**. * Bring pizza, popcorn, dips, or beverages to share. * The films running time is 101 mins, and will be followed by a short break and discussion. * Our evening will end by 9:00 PM. * Here is the [trailer](https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.youtube.com/watch%3Fv%3DxOsLIiBStEs&ved=2ahUKEwikyd6FhpOUAxW0M1kFHV-7L6UQtwJ6BAgbEAI&usg=AOvVaw1W9KdDXTvHmHJhI5MGLxoZ). * **See you soon and invite a friend!** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-**Film overview**\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Think animation is just for kids and can’t contemplate big themes? Think again, and join us for a screening of Pixar’s Oscar-winning film, Soul. Jamie Foxx voices Joe Gardner, a part-time music teacher and aspiring jazz pianist, whose life is dedicated to making it as a professional musician. On the day of his big break, he is nearly killed in a freak accident. On a conveyor belt to the “Great Beyond”, Joe escapes to the “Great Before”, a bardo in reverse, where the unborn are prepared for life on Earth. There he meets “22”, voiced by Tina Fey, and together they find out what’s makes life worth living. It’s rare that any film, animated or live action, can be so entertaining while simultaneously giving you so much to think about. Stick around after the screening for a discussion of how the film speaks to you.

Shut Up & Write meets at Cascades Library in Room D. We hope to see you there! *Shut Up & Write is not affiliated with the Loudoun County Public Library.*

The Signal Film Festival at Silver Branch Brewing Company is dedicated to the power of short-form storytelling, showcasing films up to 10 minutes in length across narrative, documentary, animation, and more. Benefiting the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter, the Signal Film Festival is dedicated to unique cinematic voices that cut through the static to deliver compelling, impactful, and innovative stories. Submit your short film today on FilmFreeway at [https://filmfreeway.com/SignalFilmFestival](https://filmfreeway.com/SignalFilmFestival). Tickets are required to attend. Get tickets now on Eventbrite: [https://SignalFilmFest.eventbrite.com](https://SignalFilmFest.eventbrite.com). The Festival takes place in-person on May 31, 2026 the Silver Branch Brewing Company from 4:00pm to 8:00pm. The address is 8401 Colesville Road #150, Silver Spring, MD 20910. PARKING: Paid parking available one block away at the county's Cameron Street Garage on 8530 Cameron Street (Better pricing than street or private parking.) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Tentative Schedule: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Doors Open & Networking 5:00 PM - 5:15 PM: Welcome & Opening Remarks 5:15 PM - 7:30 PM: Film Screenings 7:30 PM - 8:00 PM: Audience Voting & Awards Ceremony 8:00 PM - 10:30 PM: After Party & Networking at the Silver Branch Brewing Co. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Submit your short film today on FilmFreeway at [https://filmfreeway.com/SignalFilmFestival](https://filmfreeway.com/SignalFilmFestival). Films to be shown will be announced after May 17, 2026 via FilmFreeway and on our website. Visit [https://www.signalfilmfestival.com](https://www.signalfilmfestival.com/) to keep up to date. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Awards & Prizes: "Silver Branch Award" - Audience Favorite Film "Arlyne Award" - Jury Award for Best Mini Film "Howard Award" - Jury Award for Best Short Film \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- Tickets are required to attend. Get tickets now on Eventbrite: [https://SignalFilmFest.eventbrite.com](https://SignalFilmFest.eventbrite.com). For more information about the Signal Film Festival visit [https://www.signalfilmfestival.com](https://www.signalfilmfestival.com/). To keep up with festival news and details follow us on social media: Facebook - [facebook.com/SignalFilmFestival](facebook.com/SignalFilmFestival) -and- [facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers](facebook.com/groups/dcfilmmakers) Instagram - [instagram.com/signalfilmfestival](instagram.com/signalfilmfestival) Twitter - [x.com/signalfilmfest](x.com/signalfilmfest) -and- [x.com/brianfilms](x.com/brianfilms) TikTok - [tiktok.com/@signalfilmfestival](tiktok.com/@signalfilmfestival) \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- This event is supported by the Brian Frankel Law Firm, DC Filmmakers Group, Wheaton Film Festival, Silver Branch Brewing Company, and the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter.

Shut up & Write! meets at the Gum Springs public library room C. We hope to see you there! Shut Up & Write is not affiliated with the Loudoun County Public Libraries.