It probably won’ t surprise you to know tha tI’ve always been a rule follower, which has its ups and downs. The most recent (and relevant) downside, is that when I inquired about showing THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA for our craft-a-long night this upcoming Friday, Criterion Pictures told me the film wasn’t available until July 7, and to “please take down your Instagram post immediately.”

The goodie-two-shoes in me FREAKED out and complied. Luckily we were able to pivot and legally acquire the rights to screen THE PRINCESS DIARIES, but I’m still left with so many questions about this whole “licensing” thing.

Despite paying a couple hundred bucks to show the film, we still need to rent it on whatever streaming service has it. I (sort of) understand the concept of paying for the right to show a movie (though I think it should be heavily discounted if the movie is 20+ years old), but if I have to buy it anyway, why isn’t it available until July??

Much like ebook availability, this is something I just do not understand!! But if anyone reading this is a licensing wiz, or has thoughts/opinions/advice on how to go about this in the future, I’m all ears!

With that in mind, I can’t wait to craft and rewatch THE PRINCESS DIARIES with you all. Whether she’s a sad-girl pop star, a fashion intern, a bald prostitute, or a reluctant princess, Anne Hathaway is a star in everything she touches!

See ya at the movies,
Abbie

Editor’s Note

Hi all! With the spring’s biggest album release (“Mother Mary: Greatest Hits”) as my soundtrack, I write to you excited for another great month ahead for DC Movie Club events. I’m especially excited that my puppy, Bruce (named for the shark from “Jaws”), will be able to attend his first DCMC event at the end of the month at Aslin. So, if anyone needs another reason to come hang out with a great group of movie lovers at happy hour, you’ll also get to meet a 4-month-old Golden Retriever.

Can’t wait to see everyone there!

-Drew

Event Recaps:

Short Film Fest

DC Movie Club’s inaugural Short Film Fest took place on Sunday, April 26, and was a powerful celebration of the creativity of filmmakers in the DC area! Films spanned a range of genres and styles, from horror and comedy narrative films, to documentaries about communities within the city.

“Learning more about the filmmakers’ creative processes through their panels was such a cool way to engage with the DMV film scene,” said Casey Roepke, co-organizer of the Film Fest. “I was excited to overhear some new connections and potential collaborations being forged at the happy hour following the film fest!”

“What we saw in the wide range of shorts featured last Sunday is just a snippet of the amount of talent we know is here in the DC metro area,” said Malavika Sahai, co-organizer of the Film Fest. “I hope that folks continue seeking out ways to connect with and support filmmakers in the city.”

You can learn more about all featured films, and log them on Letterboxd here!

Film Takes on Tap

A note from Matthew Zernis, planner behind Film Takes on Tap:
”Thanks to everyone who attended our latest Film Takes on Tap presentation party, and a special thank you to Red Bear for their amazing hospitality. We hope you enjoyed the expertise of our incredible presenters!

To recap:

“From John Woo to John Wick: How Wuxia Transformed Modern Action Films” by James Lagasse traced the influence of wuxia from films like Dragon Inn to John Woo action movies such as A Better Tomorrow. The presentation highlighted the genre’s defining qualities, including tragedy, the knight-errant hero, and inn- or teahouse-style fights, and then showed how the John Wick films rework those traditions in their own modern language.

“Nagisa Ōshima and the Purpose of Art” by Avery Gagne explored the work of an underwatched Japanese director whose films constantly challenged both form and subject matter. The presentation traced Ōshima’s career from Cruel Story of Youth and Violence at Noon to In the Realm of the Senses and Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence, emphasizing how each film developed its own visual language while taking on a wide range of topics, including tradition, patriarchy, politics, and obscenity.

“Nowhere: Searching for Queer Love and Meaning During the Apocalypse” by Dorothy Tong explored the final film in Gregg Araki’s Teen Apocalypse Trilogy, focusing on how one wild party becomes a portrait of young queer life in the 1990s. The presentation unpacked how the film uses apocalyptic imagery to capture the stigma and risk surrounding love and sex, while also reflecting on the feeling of being doomed and mourning a future that already feels lost.

Interested in presenting at an upcoming event? We’re currently seeking your most wonderfully bizarre or oddly specific topics — the sillier the better. Submit your idea here!

Submit your idea here!

DC Movie Club Events

5/8: The Princess Diaries Craft-a-Long at Hook Hall

Join us at Hook Hall on Friday, May 8th for a special screening of the “The Princess Diaries”! Doors open at 6:30 and the screening starts at 7:30.

Your ticket covers the cost of entry and one drink from the bar. Feel free to bring your own craft, we just ask that you keep it mess free (crochet, embroidery, knitting, etc.!).

Don’t have a craft? No problem! Relume will be providing a free Floral Bookmark Bouquet craft for those who need one.

Purchase tickets!

5/13: Movie Trivia at Penn Social

6 p.m. - Happy Hour
7-9 p.m. - Trivia

Trivia will start promptly at 7 p.m., so please come as early as 6 p.m. to find a team, take advantage of happy hour, and get settled. Solo players are welcome and encouraged -- if you need help finding a team, please find one of the hosts and we’ll be happy to help out.

Free Registration

5/19: Screening: IS GOD IS at Alamo Drafthouse

Happy hour: 5:30PM Alamo Drafthouse
Screening: 6:45PM

Tickets here!

5/21: Genre Circle: Femme Fatales at Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market

Wielding her feminine wiles and seduction, it’s impossible not to become ensnared by the femme fatale’s manipulation. Since her heyday, in the 1940s and 1950s, she has charmed the socks and pants off audiences for years. However, her status has no doubt been influenced by changes in women’s rights as they pursued education and careers and attained autonomy outside of male partners. How has this expansion in women’s rights impacted the archetype of the femme fatale? Is this an archetype even worth preserving?

We’ll be watching (at home on your own) & talking about “Decision to Leave” by Park Chan-wook (2022) and “Double Indemnity” by Billy Wilder (1944). As you watch the films, keep a close eye on how the noir genre has evolved in both the status of women and technology.

Join the waitlist!

5/26: Screening: I LOVE BOOSTERS at Alamo Drafthouse

Happy Hour: 5:30 p.m.
Screening: 6:45 p.m.

Additional theater added!

Buy Tickets Here!

5/28: Happy Hour/Discussion at Aslin Brewery DC

6 p.m.-???

We’ve technically got happy hour most every week, but this event is purely for drinking and schmoozing. There will be some discussion questions around movies we’ve seen so far this year in case you need an ice breaker (or just want to discuss movies)!

The event is free, but please register just so we can keep an eye on numbers to keep the bar in the loop :)

Register here!

Future Events

6/2: Screening | BACKROOMS
6/4: Outdoor Screening | SHE’S THE MAN
6/18: Genre Circle | Food & Nostalgia
6/25: Happy Hour/Discussion | TBD

Subscribe to the DCMC Events Calendar

Want to get involved? Volunteer to:

• Be an event host

• Host trivia

• Lead a genre circle

Screenings/Events Around Town

DC/DOX Announces the 2026 Signature Slate

DC/DOX has announced the Signature Slate for its fourth edition: four exceptional new documentaries that embody the power of nonfiction storytelling to illuminate culture, history, music, and sport.

The festival opens June 11 with GIVE ME THE BALL! (Liz Garbus & Elizabeth Wolff), an intimate portrait of tennis icon Billie Jean King, and closes with EARTH, WIND & FIRE (Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson), celebrating the legendary band and its visionary founder, Maurice White. The Centerpiece, SARA BAREILLES: GOOD GRIEF (Josh Alexander), follows the artist’s return to the studio after seven years, navigating grief, growth, and a new creative chapter, while THE LORRAINE (Sam Pollard) chronicles the extraordinary story of the Black family who transformed the Lorraine Motel into a vital center of culture, community, and civil rights history.

Pass holders can now reserve seats for these screenings ahead of the full lineup reveal on May 6, when single tickets go on sale.

Use code FILMCLUB10 for discounted tix!

AFI Silver - Series & Events Calendar
Alamo Drafthouse - May Throwback Screenings
Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market - Calendar
DC Outdoor Movies - Calendar
The Kennedy Center - Film Calendar
The Miracle Theater - Calendar
National Air and Space Museum - 50th Anniversary Film Series
National Gallery of Art - Film Calendar
National Museum of Asian Art - Film Calendar
Suns Cinema - Calendar

Have an event we should know about/you want to promote? Submit it here!

Letterboxd List of the Month

In honor of the Short Film Fest, which celebrated filmmakers from around the DC area, this Letterboxd list of the month highlights movies set in and around DC. Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

Letterboxd List: DC Movies

Follow DC Movie Club on Letterboxd

Want to submit a review for a group screening? Use this form to submit your post-movie thoughts.

Subscribe to the calendar for all the latest events and details here.

Tickets here!

If we sell it out, we’ll likely get another screen, so don’t panic!!

About the film:

Director: Boots Riley
Runtime: 114 minutes
Synopsis: An absurdist, maximalist satire following Corvette and her crew, the "Velvet Gang," who shoplift high-end fashion and resell it to the community

From May’s Genre Circle host, Randhika:

“Wielding her feminine wiles and seduction, it’s impossible not to become ensnared by the femme fatale’s manipulation. Since her heyday, in the 1940s and 1950s, she has charmed the socks and pants off audiences for years. However, her status has no doubt been influenced by changes in women’s rights as they pursued education & careers and attained autonomy outside of male partners. How has this expansion in women’s rights impacted the archetype of the femme fatale? Is this an archetype even worth preserving?

We’ll be watching (at home on your own) & talking about Decision to Leave by Park Chan-wook (2022) and Double Indemnity by Billy Wilder (1944). As you watch the films, keep a close eye on how the noir genre has evolved in both the status of women and technology.”

Tickets here!

Want to host a genre circle? Submit your idea here!

I am so excited to share that we are partnering with Relume for a craft-a-long movie night!

Join us at Hook Hall on Friday, May 8th for a special screening of the original Devil Wears Prada in anticipation of the sequel! Doors open at 6:30 and the screening starts at 7:30

Your ticket covers the cost of entry and one drink from the bar. Feel free to bring your own craft, we just ask that you keep it mess free (crochet, embroidery, knitting, etc.!).

Don’t have a craft? No problem! Relume will be providing some easy craft kits for you to purchase.

Florals for Spring? Groundbreaking Crafts:

• Floral Bookmark Bouquet $5

• Mini flower Pot Decorating $10

We hope to see you there!

Tickets here!

Tickets here!

About the film:

Director: David Lowery
Runtime: 112 minutes
Synopsis: Long-buried wounds rise to the surface when iconic pop star Mother Mary reunites with her estranged best friend and former costume designer on the eve of her comeback performance.

Since starting DC Movie Club, my actual movie-watching has decreased (a bummer! what the heck!), but I’m proud to announce that I returned to my roots this weekend and watched THREE movies in ONE day! Unheard of, I know.

When’s the last time you guys watched It Takes Two?? Highly recommend a rewatch.

Anyway, The Prince of Egypt is WAY god-heavier than I remember (still a banger though).

See ya at the movies,
Abbie

Editor’s Note

The biggest night in movies may be over, but DC Movie Club events show no sign of slowing down! This month we’ll have several events digging into relationships and marriage on screen between “The Drama” and the April Genre Circle. One of my favorite theaters in the DMV, AFI Silver Theatre, will play host to DCMC for a screening of “The Birds”. And we’ll be showcasing some of the best moviemaking talent in the DMV with the Short Film Fest on April 26, along with some of our members’ most niche movie-related knowledge in another round of Film Takes on Tap on April 30!

We can’t wait for y’all to join us!

-Drew

Event Recap: Academy Awards Watch Party

Thank you so much to everyone who came out — who dressed up, who filled out a ballot, who played bingo, who was kind to a stranger. Every year keeps getting better, and that’s thanks to all of you!

In case you haven’t yet seen, the photo booth pics are live and can be downloaded here. Thank you to our incredible photographer Mike Kim, to the incredible folks who helped put this event on, and a final shout out to our generous sponsors. This event wouldn’t have been as awesome as it was without you all!

Now that award’s season is officially over we can start planning for next year’s watch party! Save the dates for March 14, 2027, and March 5, 2028!

Merch anyone?

Are you looking for a way to support DC Movie Club and get something in return (besides community and kick-ass friends?)? Then might I suggest purchasing some of the exclusive, one of a kind (redundant?), super duper cool merch designed by the lovely and talented Hannah Honeycutt??

Not only will people stop you on the street to say, “Hey, what’s DC Movie Club?” or “Where’d you get that super sick, one-of-a-kind hat?” (true stories!), but you’ll be supporting a community that you care about to ensure that we can keep growing sustainably.

And also, my apartment is small with limited storage, so you’d also be doing me a personal favor!

If my marketing/sales tactics have worked and you’re interested in taking the next steps, please respond to this email with your preferred items and sizing, and I’ll get ya sorted out :)

Thank you so much for your support and super rad style!

DC Movie Club Events

4/13: THE BIRDS @ AFI Silver Theatre

Happy Hour: 5:30 p.m. in the Theater Cafe
Screening: 6:45 p.m.

Reserved group seating requests are closed, but purchase general admission tickets below! If you purchased a ticket through the club, please make sure to find Abbie when you arrive to check in!

Purchase tickets!

4/16: Genre Circle: Happily Never After @ Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market

How can dreams deferred destroy a marriage? What could look like a picturesque marriage on the outside may be treacherous on the inside. In this genre circle, we'll talk about how gender roles inside of relationships can impact the mental health and outcomes of couples over time, and ask the question: is love enough? What does love evolve into once the wedding party is over? While love is inherently about sacrifice, does love weigh more than sacrificing your dreams?

We'll be watching (at home on your own) & talking about “Revolutionary Road” by Sam Mendes (2005) and “Marriage Story” by Noah Baumbach (2019).

Buy tickets here!

4/26: Short Film Fest @ Penn Social

2:00-6:00PM

We’re celebrating local talent with a one-day showcase of short films made by DMV Filmmakers followed by a brief Q&A with some of the creators.

More details/registration link coming soon!

4/28: Screening: MOTHER MARY @ Alamo Drafthouse

Tickets coming Friday!

4/30: Film Takes on Tap @ Red Bear Brewing Co

Happy Hour: 6 p.m.
Presentations: 7 p.m.

Join fellow film lovers for an evening of learning (the fun kind), friendship, and of course, film.

Here’s how it’ll work:

• Show up anytime after 6 for social/happy hour and to get settled

• Presentations start promptly at 7 — we’ll have 3 short-ish presentations, followed by a short Q&A for each presenter

• Listen, learn, ask questions, make friends, enjoy!

  Register Here!

5/5: SCREENING: HOKUM

More info to come!

Future Events

5/8: Craft Movie Night | The Devil Wears Prada
5/13: Movie Trivia
5/19: Screening | IS GOD IS
5/21: Genre Circle TBD
5/26: Screening | I LOVE BOOSTERS
5/28: Happy hour @ Aslin
6/4: Outdoor screening

Subscribe to the DCMC Events Calendar

Want to get involved? Volunteer to:

• Be an event host

• Host trivia

• Lead a genre circle

Screenings/Events Around Town

AFI Silver - Series & Events Calendar
Alamo Drafthouse - April Throwback Screenings
Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market - Calendar
The Kennedy Center - Film Calendar
The Miracle Theater - Calendar
National Air and Space Museum - 50th Anniversary Film Series
National Gallery of Art - Film Calendar
National Museum of Asian Art - Film Calendar
Suns Cinema - Calendar

Have an event we should know about/you want to promote? Submit it here!

Letterboxd List of the Month

Between “Project Hail Mary” and the Artemis II mission, outer space has dominated at the box office and in the headlines. Our Letterboxd List of the Month highlights some of the best the big screen has to offer in depicting the beauty, horror, and thrill of outer space.

Outer Space Movies

Follow DC Movie Club on Letterboxd

Want to submit a review for a group screening? Use this form to submit your post-movie thoughts.

Tickets!

We’re so excited for this new partnership that will allow us to have screenings of older/specialized films on additional week nights.

AFI doesn’t typically offer reserved seating, but when you purchase tickets with the group you get:

• Discounted group tix ($10 instead of $14)

• Reserved seating with the group

• Access to happy hour and speciality/themed cocktails!

Details:
Happy hour in theater cafe: 5:30PM
Screening: 6:45PM
Post film discussion following the film back in the cafe!

Please RSVP and complete payment by April 6 at 12:00PM to confirm your spot with the group. Tickets are not secured until you Venmo me (Abbie, @abbieginis) since I will have to place one large order so we can sit together!

About the film:

Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Runtime: 119 minutes
Synopsis: Melanie Daniels meets Mitch Brenner in a San Francisco pet store and decides to follow him home. She brings with her the gift of two love birds, and they strike up a romance. One day birds start attacking children at Mitch's sister's party. A huge assault starts on the town by attacking birds.

Subscribe to the calendar for all the latest events and details here.

Tix for additional screening!

About the film:

Director: Kristoffer Borgli
Runtime: 105 minutes
Synopsis: A happily engaged couple get put to the test when an unexpected revelation sends their wedding week off the rails.

Tickets!

About the film:

Director: Kristoffer Borgli
Runtime: 105 minutes
Synopsis: A happily engaged couple get put to the test when an unexpected revelation sends their wedding week off the rails.

From April’s Genre Circle host, Kendra:

“How can dreams deferred destroy a marriage? What could look like a picturesque marriage on the outside may be treacherous on the inside. In this genre circle, we'll talk about how gender roles inside of relationships can impact the mental health and outcomes of couples over time, and ask the question: is love enough? What does love evolve into once the wedding party is over? While love is inherently about sacrifice, does love weigh more than sacrificing your dreams?

We'll be watching (at home on your own) & talking about Revolutionary Road by Sam Mendes (2005) and Marriage Story by Noah Baumbach (2019).”

Limited Tickets Here!

Want to host a genre circle? Submit your idea here!

February was a DOOZY! I’ve never sent so many emails in my LIFE! But these are the fun kinds of emails where I get to humble brag about this community and how cool we all are.

Although taking the time to pause and admire how much this club has grown is not a strong point of mine, I AM really proud of all I’ve built, so here I am acknowledging it publicly to all of you.

I’m really proud of how hard I work behind the scenes to create and put on up to six (6!) thoughtful events each month. I’m proud of how warm and welcoming this community is. I was talking with my friend the other day and she noted the same thing, saying that at DCMC events, anyone can (and will) just come up to you and start a conversation.

Guys, that’s so rare and special! You should all be so proud of how cool and kind you are!

A lot of awesome stuff has happened in just over 2 years, and that’s pretty rad.

I want to continue growing this community, so that everyone who is seeking community can find it in DC Movie Club. Growth requires asking for and accepting help, aka my March intention (shoutout to my therapist for calling this out!).

Things I’ve successfully asked for this month (in a DCMC capacity):

• In-kind donations for the Academy Award’s Watch Party

• Tickets for an Instagram giveaway

• Discount codes/collabs!!

  • DC Environmental Film Festival: DCMCEFF26

  • Hamnet at Shakespeare Theatre Company (see below for deets)

I didn’t mean to ramble so long, so thank you for reading. This newsletter is jam-packed with info and cool events (Hamnet! Academy Awards! Etc!) so keep reading for a good time (and a long time).

See ya at the movies,
Abbie

Editor’s Note

We have some exciting new voices featured in this month’s newsletter! Randhika, Samuel, and Greg each reflected on the film they’ll be rooting hardest for at this Thursday’s inaugural DCMC Awards, and Randhika shared their incredibly compelling case for why you should add these 10 movies to your watchlist for Women’s History Month (and beyond).

That’s all from me for this month - looking forward to seeing everyone at all the great events we have coming up!

-Drew

Women’s History Month Watchlist
by Randhika Aturaliya

Happy Women’s History Month! I always like to take this month to reflect on how far we’ve come and the work that still must be done. Female directors have historically received disproportionate recognition for their work in comparison to their male counterparts. A staggering mere nine women have been nominated for Best Director at the Oscars. So I’d like to spotlight several women directors, some of whom you may know and others you may not be familiar with. Let’s celebrate women and their voices in film!

Read more here!

Academy Awards Watch Party - Next Week!

The 3rd Annual Academy Awards Watch Party is just under two weeks away! We’ve been hard at work to ensure this is the best event yet! We secured some amazing sponsors who have generously donated some incredible prizes/giveaways. I can’t wait to share all our hard work with you all!

More details will be sent out next week to ticket holders, so keep an eye out for that!

The last batch of tickets will be released in the next day or so to those on the waitlist first, so be sure to sign up for that if you’re still looking!

Sign up for the waitlist!

3/31: Shakespeare Theatre Company: Hamnet (!)

Hamnet: First, a book, then a movie, and now a play (actually, I’m not sure that’s the correct order, but stick with me).

The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s production of Hamnet runs from March 17-April 12, and as lovers of Hamnet, we get to go (for a heavily discounted rate— $40!!).

Come cry publicly with your fellow Hamnet/Shakespeare lovers on Tuesday, March 31. Fill out the form below and complete payment before 3/4 to join.

Secure tickets here!

For those who can’t make the group date, use code DCMC25 for 25% off tickets during the duration of the production.

Fan Favorites

With voting closed and the inaugural DC Movie Club Awards ceremony coming up later this week, we asked some of our members to make these case for the movie they will be pulling for when the (metaphorical) trophies are handed out on March 5.

Read more here!

DC Movie Club Events

3/5 - DCMC Internal Award Presentation at Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market

Because this is a seated event in a theater, tickets are required as there is a limited quantity. Please be sure to purchase if you plan to attend.

Tickets here!

3/10: Screening: The Bride! at Alamo Drafthouse DC

Happy Hour: 5:30 p.m. at Alamo Bar
Screening: 7 p.m.

Tickets here!

3/15: The Third Annual Academy Awards Watch Party at Penn Social

More details above!

Tickets here!

3/19: Genre Circle - Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Theme: Problematic Queens
Discussing: “Marie Antoinette” by Sofia Coppola (2006) and “The Favourite” by Yorgos Lanthimos (2018)

Sign up for waitlist!

3/24: Screening: Ready or Not 2: Here I Come at Alamo Drafthouse DC

Happy Hour: 5:30 p.m. at Alamo Bar
Screening: 7 p.m.

Tickets!

3/26: Happy Hour/Discussion

6 p.m. - ???
Roofer’s Union

The event is free, but please register just so we can keep an eye on numbers to keep the bar in the loop :)

Register here!

3/31: Hamnet

More details above!

Future Events

4/16: Genre Circle
4/26: Local Filmmakers Showcase
4/30: Film Takes on Tap
5/13: Movie Trivia
6/4: Outdoor screening

Subscribe to the DCMC Events Calendar

Want to get involved? Volunteer to:

• Be an event host

• Host trivia

• Lead a genre circle

Screenings/Events Around Town

Featured event:
3/10: Oscars Pregame: Comedy Show (Rails Comedy)
Prepare for this year's Academy Awards by watching DC's funniest film nerds compete to see who knows the most about the past year in film.

Use code "CLUB" for discounted tix!

AFI Silver - Series & Events Calendar
Alamo Drafthouse - March Throwback Screenings
Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market - Calendar
The Kennedy Center - Film Calendar
The Miracle Theater - Calendar
National Air and Space Museum - 50th Anniversary Film Series
National Gallery of Art - Film Calendar
National Museum of Asian Art - Film Calendar
Suns Cinema - Calendar

Have an event we should know about/you want to promote? Submit it here!

Letterboxd List of the Month

Inspired by Randhika’s piece for the newsletter, this month’s list highlights an expansive (but not comprehensive) list of movies directed by women. Did we miss one of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

Women's History Month

Follow DC Movie Club on Letterboxd

Want to submit a review for a group screening? Use this form to submit your post-movie thoughts.

Wadjda (2012) dir. Haifaa al-Mansour

“Wadjda” is a remarkable feat of a film, paving the way for so many other women. The director, Haifaa al-Mansour is the first Saudi Arabian female filmmaker and has gone on to direct several other films. “Wadjda” presents the plight of women in Saudi Arabia who are stripped of their autonomy and denied basic opportunities such as riding a bike. However, Wadjda refuses to be bound by such norms and diligently sells bracelets and mixtapes to save up for a bike of her own. Wadjda is a tangible character, and her rebellious nature and the radiant optimism of youth shine brightly through Waad Mohammed’s performance.

Working Girls (1986) dir. Lizzie Borden

“Working Girls” is a raw and honest portrait of the lives of sex workers in New York City. Borden doesn’t glamorize sex work like most films; she presents it as it is. The sex scenes are depicted with a clinical lens more concerned with rote monotony rather than eroticism. Sex work is a draining job where bosses squeeze as much money as they can, and clients are disrespectful and feel entitled to women’s bodies. Sex work is ultimately about selling a fantasy. At the brothel, Molly obediently fulfills her male clients’ requests, but at home, she is a dutiful girlfriend and aspiring photographer. Something I really loved about this film was the sisterhood between the other sex workers as they cared for and encouraged each other.

Fat Girl (2001) dir. Catherine Breillat

TW: Sexual Violence

If you attended the Film Takes on Tap in January, you are probably acquainted with Catherine Breillat and her film “Last Summer.” So I have another film for you all! “Fat Girl” is a hard watch, but it is a profoundly important one. The film follows two polar opposite sisters, Elena and Anaïs, as they navigate their sexualities. Elena is beautiful, but she is saving her first sexual experience for someone who truly loves her, while ugly duckling Anaïs would rather sleep with a man she doesn’t love. Through this film, Breillat delves into horrific patriarchal violence, the objectification of girls, and the way men take advantage of teenage innocence. The ending is jarring and highly divisive but it will certainly make you think about how survivors reconcile with the way victimhood is thrust upon them.

Om Shanti Om (2007) dir. Farah Khan

Farah Khan is an immensely talented woman who has choreographed hundreds of songs, produced several films, and directed four films. “Om Shanti Om” is an absolute delight of a film. Shah Rukh Khan and Deepika Padukone offer fantastic performances, and their chemistry is unreal. Shah Rukh Khan does a great job playing a doe-eyed simp for the absolutely ethereal Deepika Padukone. The film is a Bollywood staple with vibrant colors, gorgeous Indian textiles, energizing dance sequences, and catchy songs. Also, there’s a song at the end where the main character distills the entire 2 hour and 49 minute film into a seven minute song. Diabolically genius, I tell you! You will have a fantastic time watching this film, I promise!

The Virgin Suicides (1999) dir. Sofia Coppola

Of course, this list would be incomplete without the Sofia Coppola. This is my personal favorite of hers. What a way to begin her film career. The film is dream-like, reminiscent of “Picnic at Hanging Rock” but with Coppola’s girlish aesthetics. This film is honed in on the male gaze and how the body of a teenage girl is no longer her own; she is merely an object for boys and men to fantasize about. Really great cast; Kirsten Dunst kills it as always. And the Air score is to die for; it further enhances the moody and hazy atmosphere.

The People’s Joker (2022) dir. Vera Drew

“The People’s Joker” is a unique take on the transgender experience, parodying DC Comics and utilizing it as a backdrop to tell the story of a transgender woman reconciling with her identity. This film is so unapologetically queer. Many of the jokes probably won’t hit as hard if you’re not in the LGBT community, but regardless, you will definitely still laugh. It’s wacky, psychedelic, and all over the place, and the low-budget, mixed-media approach enhances the punk vibe. I especially liked how this film explored the liberation a T4T relationship brings while also demonstrating that it’s not always sunshine and rainbows. Abuse is still prevalent in the queer community, but Vera Drew handles it deftly and honestly.

Pariah (2011) dir. Dee Rees

I am glad there are more queer stories in film, but we are severely lacking in films about queer people of color, especially films where both romantic leads are people of color. “Pariah” follows a teenager, Alike, coming to terms with her butch lesbian identity in a conservative environment. She finds herself at odds with her mother, who pressures her to align herself with heterosexuality by dressing more femininely and befriending a fellow church-goer over her lesbian best friend, Audrey. Poetry is a running motif throughout this film, serving as the only means by which Alike can express herself freely. And by the end, Alike accepts that her self-expression can’t be contained on a page, she must go out and live as her authentic self.

Girls Will Be Girls (2024) dir. Shuchi Talati

Yes, I know this is the umpteenth coming-of-age film on this list, but it’s a great watch. I’m sure all of us could use more modern Indian arthouse recommendations. The main character, Mira is trapped in her oppressive school environment, where girls are blamed for sexual harassment and admonished for expressing interest in boys. Mira finds no escape in her home with her strict mother. However, Mira finds freedom through her flirtation with new student, Sri, as they stargaze and make phone calls late into the night. But tensions begin to arise between her and her mother. And that’s all I’ll say without revealing the entire film.

Past Lives (2023) dir. Celine Song

God, this movie is just so dear to me. I rewatched this last year at AFI Silver, and I’m pretty sure I was crying for like 80% of the movie. The way Celine Song explores the experience of the Asian diaspora, love, and destiny is so moving. I just love the what-ifs of the film. What if Nora didn’t immigrate to America? What if Nora and Hae Sung dated? So many of us cling to the past, yearning for things that are out of reach. “Past Lives” is a lesson in letting things go and learning to make peace with reality. Love never dies; it lingers in our hearts like a melody that we can’t place. Perhaps in another life we’ll hear that song again.

Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019) dir. Céline Sciamma

Closing off this list with one of my favorite films of all time. The central romance between Héloïse and Marianne is utterly heart-wrenching and captivating. This film is poetry brought to life from the beautiful screenplay, rich cinematography, and allusions to Orpheus and Eurydice. One of my favorite lines is “In the solitude, I felt the liberty you spoke of. But I also felt your absence.” The right person can light a fire inside us and show us that we hadn’t been truly living until that moment. However, we might not get eternity with them, but a short-lived solace that we will cherish. And that ending. Tragic. Always destroys me. If you were Orpheus, would you look back?

Tickets Here!

The Testament of Ann Lee
by Randhika Aturaliya

“The Testament of Ann Lee” is such a spectacular film, and it’s a shame that it hasn’t been nominated for more awards! The film’s rich emotionality shines through the vibrant Shaker sequences, immersing the audience in the communion and catharsis of “The Testament of Ann Lee.” The film is helmed by the brilliant Amanda Seyfried, who offers a multi-faceted performance of a woman entrenched in rigid patriarchal norms. She exhibits disdain towards sexual desire, which is in no part influenced by the men in her life. The weight of her numerous miscarriages further adds to the distance from her husband’s sexual appetite. She thus begins her religious pursuit, which serves as a release and freedom. Rather than allowing her trauma to cause harm to others, she fosters and builds a community. Director Mona Fastvold expertly balances invigorating musical sequences, harrowing depictions of miscarriages, and angry mobs who fear what they cannot understand to craft a beautiful journey of the rise of Mother Ann.

Follow Randhika on Letterboxd

Hamnet
by Samuel Intrater

As we see with Agnes and William in Chloé Zhao’s “Hamnet,” we all grieve in different ways. Sometimes we seek out art that helps us to escape our sorrows. Sometimes we seek out art that engages directly with our sorrows and helps us to make sense of it all. The former may entertain us for an hour or two, but the latter has the potential to permanently alter the way we process the world around us. This film has permanently changed the way I view death. Just as the young boy remembers to think about his hawk friend right before he crosses over to the other side, I’m going to think about this movie whenever I face profound loss in the future, and I’m going to remember that no one’s ever truly gone as long as we can still remember them and tell their story. That, to me, makes “Hamnet” perhaps the most optimistic film I’ve ever seen.

Write-In Awards: MegaDoc
by Greg Follin

Picture this. You’re at the office, working at your desk, and all of a sudden your coworker and your boss start arguing loudly in the next room with the door open. Are you going to mind your own business and finish that data forecast? Or are you going to take a pause and watch them argue until conclusion? I think we all know the answer. That’s the sensation I got while watching “MegaDoc,” the behind the scenes documentary on the making of Frances Ford Coppola’s “Megalopolis” (a movie I have never seen). I don’t know what it is, maybe it’s because I’m extremely avoidant of conflict myself, but I can’t look away from a public argument. It’s also why I love multiple Bravo shows that revolve around various groups of friends yelling at each other. Needless to say Coppola and Shia LaBeouf go several rounds in this doc, a surprise to no one.

Most modern access to celebrities is extremely curated, which makes the earnestness of all the famous actors involved just trying to make the best of this very weird project quite riveting. At one point the cast is doing group exercises to build chemistry that look straight out of “Waiting for Guffman.” Even the director of the doc is overly transparent, telling the audience that he’s no longer allowed to film a certain actress while she’s eating after a call from her agent. Finally, a lasting impression is this small 30-second interaction between Shia and Dustin Hoffman. Shia asks him what his favorite movie role was and Dustin says Ratso in “Midnight Cowboy.” Shia appears surprised and says “Really? That’s so cool because your actual persona is so different from Ratso” and Dustin, first softly says, “I was Ratso” and Shia still looks surprised and Dustin takes a step towards Shia and sternly exclaims “I WAS RATSO.” Anyways, I’ve thought about that interaction just as much as I’ve thought about the climactic car chase in “One Battle After Another.”

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From March’s Genre Circle host, Malavika:

Who knew that 18th century monarchs could be so dramatic? Between power grabs, policies set on a whim, materialism, and following your desires, Bravo might as well greenlight a Real Monarchs of 1700s Europe. But looking back on these wretched power dynamics with a modern lens gives filmmakers the freedom to play up the camp of royal women taking charge - more closely examining their flaws, quiet strengths, and humanity. Join DC Movie Club for an examination of modern & stylized takes on period films.

We’ll be watching (at home on your own) & talking about Marie Antoinette by Sofia Coppola (2006) and The Favourite by Yorgos Lanthimos (2018).

Limited Tickets Here!

Want to host a genre circle? Submit your idea here!

Tickets exclusive through 2/17, so be sure to grab before then!

Details:
Sunday, February 22
Live Action Shorts: 12:30PM

Live Action Tickets!

Animated Shorts: 3:45PM

Animated Tickets!

Alamo Drafthouse, DC

[TICKETS FOR BOTH BELOW]

About NIRVANNA THE BAND THE SHOW THE MOVIE:

Runtime: 99 minutes
Synopsis: Matt and Jay's plan to book a show at the Rivoli goes horribly wrong, resulting in them accidentally traveling back to the year 2008.

Tickets!

About PILLION:

Director: Harry Lighton
Runtime: 107 minutes
Synopsis: Colin, a timid man, meets Ray, a confident biker gang leader, who initiates him into a submissive relationship, challenging Colin's mundane existence and prompting personal growth through their unconventional dynamic.

Tickets!

I’m not gonna talk about the weather here because we’re better than that (and it’s all we’ve all been talking about. It’s cold! I’m over it!).

Something we’ve also been talking about is how awful things feel right now. At home, around the country, around the world. That’s something we’ve gotta keep talking about, and I’m going to do my best to engage this community to get involved so we can do our part.

We collectively raised $1400 for DC Central Kitchen during our holiday party last year (AMAZING work everyone!), and we are going to find other ways to continue giving back in 2026.

I’m already working with bars that we regularly frequent to donate a portion of our bar tab to orgs in need and am working to plan community service events in the coming months. I’ll hopefully have more updates on that soon, but if you’re interested in getting involved, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Despite not talking about the weather, I hope everyone is staying warm and safe! I’ll see you at the movies!

Until tomorrow,
Abbie

PS: Anyone watch any good Sundance movies this weekend?? I got to see 5 and my favorites were The Friend’s House is Here and Hot Water. Would recommend both!

Editor’s Note

February is here, and award season is in full swing! While I’m sure everyone has their personal “Biggest Snubs” across the Oscars and DC Movie Club Awards (mine include: Amanda Seyfried in Best Actress/Performance; “Final Destination: Bloodlines” in Best Horror; and Ralph Fiennes in Best Supporting Actor/Performance), I think we overall got a very good batch of nominees!

Be sure to reference our very handy DC Movie Club Awards Nomination Watchlist if you’re still catching up on 2025 releases. It’s your one-stop shop to find out where in the streaming/theater-verse you can watch the best of what last year had to offer. Voting opens on February 19, so there’s plenty of time for Letterboxd logging between now and then!

Finally, starting this month you’ll see the writing of fellow DCMC members featured in Substack and in future newsletters. I’m excited for the unique perspectives and love for moviegoing they’ll bring to our content going forward.

Signing off from 35K feet (and hopefully not on my way to the “Send Help” island),
-Drew

DC Movie Club Events

2/3 - Send Help at Alamo Drafthouse

5:30 p.m. - Happy Hour at theater bar
7 p.m. - Screening

2/11 - Movie Trivia at Penn Social

6 p.m. - Happy Hour
7-9 p.m. - Trivia

Trivia will start promptly at 7 p.m., so please come as early as 6 p.m. to find a team, take advantage of happy hour, and get settled. Solo players are welcome and encouraged -- if you need help finding a team, please find one of the hosts and we’ll be happy to help out.

2/15 - DCIFF Screening at Regal Gallery Place | DARA

3:00 p.m. - Screening
Film is followed by a discussion with the director

We are so excited to partner with DCIFF for a screening during their annual festival! There are so many amazing films, so be sure to check out the whole line-up.

While there is no official happy hour for this event, the festival bar is open from Noon-6 p.m. at the German-American Heritage Museum. I encourage you to check it out if you’d like to engage with the filmmakers and members of the festival community.

Use code FILMCLUB for 15% off (limited to first 30 people)

Get Tickets Here!

2/19 - Genre Circle: Self-Referential Horror (Sold Out - Join the Waiting List)

As Randy Meeks famously instructed in “Scream”, horror movies have rules. But where do those rules come from? And why are horror movies increasingly aware of and willing to discuss them? Join DC Movie Club for a spooky February discussion circle to unpack the rules within the rules of Self-Referential Horror.

We’ll be watching (at home on your own) & talking about two of the most iconic horror movies about horror movies, “Scream” and “Cabin In The Woods”.

Get ready to discuss such important questions as: Why does self-reference work particularly well in horror? Are these movies enjoyable to a casual audience, or only to people with extensive genre knowledge? And why does someone always have to read Latin out loud??

2/26 - Happy hour/Discussion - metrobar

6 p.m.-???
We’ve technically got happy hour most every week, but this event is purely for drinking and schmoozing. There will be some discussion questions around movies we’ve seen so far this year in case you need an ice breaker (or just want to discuss movies)!

The event is free, but please register just so we can keep an eye on numbers to keep the bar in the loop :)

Register here please!

3/5 - DCMC Internal Award Presentation - Angelika Pop Up

6 p.m.- 9 p.m.
You watched the movies. You voted. Now it’s time to find out what the real movie fans think are the best of 2025!

Join us March 5 for our inaugural DC Movie Club Awards ceremony, presented at the Angelika Union Market Pop-Up theater. The winners of each category will be announced by members of our community! We’ll start with a happy hour in the lobby then move into the theater for the presentation. We hope you’ll join us to celebrate the year in film and see which movies the Oscars should’ve been awarded to!

A schedule of events:
6:00-7:00 PM: Happy hour
7:00-8:00ish: Presentation of category winners
8:00-??PM: Socializing/discussion/happy hour/general merriment!

Because this is a seated event in a theater, tickets are required as there is a limited quantity. Please be sure to purchase if you plan to attend.

Tickets here!

3/15: The Third Annual Academy Awards Watch Party

6 p.m.- 9 p.m.
DC Movie Club is back for the third year to present the annual Academy Awards Watch Party!

The first batch of tickets sold out in 24 hours, but more will be released soon! Make sure you’re on the waiting list to be the first in the know!

Tickets here!

Future Events

I am currently finalizing a date for the Live Action & Animated Oscar nominated shorts — screening will either be 2/22 or 3/1 — more info coming ASAP!

3/19: Genre Circle (tix coming soon!)
3/26: Happy hour/discussion
4/16: Genre Circle
4/26: Local Filmmakers Showcase
4/30: Happy hour + discussion
5/13: Movie Trivia
6/4: Outdoor screening

Subscribe to the DCMC Events Calendar

Want to get involved? Volunteer to:

• Be an event host

• Host trivia

• Lead a genre circle

Screenings Around Town

2/8 - “Still We Rise” (National Gallery of Art - Part of “Star-like Cinema: Films by Indigenous Australians” series)
2/22 - Queer Film Theory 101: “Harold and Maude” (Alamo Drafthouse)

2/11-2/16 - DC Independent Film Festival
2/19-2/22 - Mother Tongue Film Festival

The Smithsonian’s Mother Tongue Film Festival celebrates cultural and linguistic diversity by showcasing films and filmmakers from around the world, highlighting the crucial role languages play in our daily lives.

Alamo Drafthouse - February Throwback Screenings
AFI Silver - Series & Events Calendar
Suns Cinema - Calendar
National Museum of Asian Art - Film Calendar
The Miracle Theater - Calendar
Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market - Calendar
The Kennedy Center - Film Calendar
National Gallery of Art - Treasures of American Cinema Series
National Air and Space Museum - 50th Anniversary Film Series

Have an event we should know about/you want to promote? Submit it here!

Recap: Film Takes on Tap

A big thank you to everyone who attended our Film Takes on Tap presentation party. And an even bigger thanks to our incredible group of presenters who shared their knowledge, creativity, and love of movies!

To recap:

Film Takes On Tap

16.1MB ∙ PDF file

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Check out the presentations here!

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“Only Angels Have Wings or: This Movie Basically Invented Everything You’ve Ever Liked” by Erik Wells framed the film as a departure from Howard Hawks’ earlier works. The presentation highlighted how the film established several archetypes, such as the flyboy, the Hawksian woman, and the hangout movie. Erik traced the film’s influence through everything from Star Wars and Lois Lane to your favorite Looking Glass song.

“Modern Shakespeare: Teen Takes on the Bard” by Emilie Austin examined how teen movies of the 1990s and early 2000s reworked Shakespeare for a younger audience. The presentation focused on how these often loose adaptations used smaller budgets and contemporary settings to bring Shakespeare to new viewers. Emilie noted that more recent adaptations have struggled to achieve the same impact.

“Women, Desire, and Violence in French Cinema” by Randhika Aturaliya focused on the work of three French women filmmakers whose films explore sex and the complex relationships women have with it. The presentation unpacked how these stories depict a more internalized, emotional form of violence shaped by the unique pressures women face. On screen, this tension surfaces in ways that feel intimate, unsettling, and deeply personal rather than purely confrontational.

We are now taking submissions for future events! Interested in sharing your film takes?

Submit your idea here!

Letterboxd List of the Month

In honor of Valentine’s Day and the imminent awarding of the DC Movie Club Award for Best On-Screen Chemistry, our February Letterboxd List of the Month features movies where the connection between actors (romantic or otherwise) is undeniable. Did we miss any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments!

Best On-Screen Chemistry

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