June Updates
Summer is here!
Before my film professor freshman year showed us “The Shining” (shoutout Prof Solomon), I was NOT a horror person. Well, I wasn’t a horror movie person. I have distinct memories of huddling in the school library devouring “Goosebumps” and “Michigan Chillers”, only to lie awake at night afraid of whatever metaphor A24 would now say was hiding in the closet.
I slowly dipped my toe into horror movies, reading Wikipedia plot summaries, then watching easy/gateway movies like “Halloween” and “Trick ‘r Treat” (it was October, what can I say), quickly expanding to “It Follows” and “The Babadook (both theater watches! Impressive for scaredy cat!).
We’ve come so far since college (and thank gawd for that), and now I’m the one convincing my friends “it’s not that bad! It’ll be fun!”, which it is! I still love a Wikipedia plot summary (and still peek sometimes to prep), and I love what horror makes me feel. And if you know me, I LOVE to feel.
There’s a lot of great horror out right now (“Obsession” is my current…obsession), and I’m looking forward to getting even braver and maybe even doing a solo horror trip one day… but not yet. Let’s not be ridiculous.
See ya at the movies,
Abbie
Editor’s Note
While I don’t utter this sentiment with the same “You’ve gotta be kidding me” energy of Oscar Isaac, it does feel impossible that June is here! And with it’s arrival comes the start of summer movie season. While Poe’s Star Wars compatriots, Mando and Grogu, have faltered a bit in kicking the season off with a bang, “Obsession” and “Backrooms” have picked up the slack in a major way. I’m excited to hear what everyone’s most anticipated summer movies at all of our wonderful events we have planned for this month. And don’t forget to check out the outdoor movies calendar linked below for a very comprehensive list of classics playing around the DC area throughout the summer.
-Drew
Event Recaps:
Trivia!
A packed Penn Social was treated to another wonderful night of DC Movie Club trivia! Nearly 30 teams competed for the (metaphorical) crown and (real) prizes provided by AFI Silver and 9:30 Club. In the end, it was “Bald Irish People of Color” who walked away comfortable winners after an extremely impressive performance. Thanks to our wonderful hosts, Daphney and Erik, for putting together a fun and challenging set of questions, and to Will for providing behind-the-scenes support. We can’t wait to see everyone at our next trivia night on August 12!
Craft-a-long night!
Our first event with Hook Hall and Relume was a massive success! Aperol spritzes coined “Me? A Princess?”, free popcorn, BYO crafts, “The Princess Diaries”, and community — what more could you ask for on a Friday night?? This event was such a cozy success that it’ll become a repeated quarterly event, so stay tuned for the next craft-a-long night, coming this September! Any movie requests??
Seeking genre circles hosts!
Have a film niche you’re passionate about? Want to “force” people to watch your favorite obscure/nostalgic movies? Consider hosting a genre circle!
Think of it as a book club… but for movies, and focused on a single genre or theme. Instead of our typical large form, open ended happy hour type events, a genre circle is a small, discussion-driven gathering where members can connect more deeply, share perspectives, and nerd out over the finer points of the month’s topic.
Past topics have included:
Self-referential horror
Sci-fi & the anti-heroine
John Hughes & the 80s teen movie
Nora Ephron fall
All topics open to consideration! Show us whatchu got!
DC Movie Club Events
6/4: She’s The Man at metrobar
What better way to kick off summer than with the nostalgic (and excellent) “She’s the Man”?!?
The details:
This is an OUTDOOR screening, so come prepared (I’m talking bug spray)
Happy hour: 6 p.m., Showtime: Sunset (guessing 8ish?)
metrobar has picnic tables, so no need to bring something to sit on, unless you’re prone to floor/ground sitting
See ya there!
6/15: Wake In Fright at AFI Silver
5:30 p.m. - Happy Hour
7 p.m. - Screening
We’re back with another Monday night AFI screening! 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!
Post film discussion following the film back in the cafe!
Please RSVP and complete payment by June 10 at 5 p.m. to confirm your spot with the group. Tickets are not secured until you fill out the form AND Venmo Abbie (@abbieginis) since she will have to place one large order so we can sit together!
6/18: Genre Circle: Food & Nostalgia at Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market
“Anyone can cook.”
In this genre circle, we’ll be exploring films around everyone’s favorite topic: food. How does food connect us to those around us? How can recipes evoke nostalgia? How does our environment shape the food we eat? And can everyone (and I mean everyone) truly cook?
Do you dream of being a world-class chef and the fast-paced lifestyle of the city? Or is your ideal life out in the countryside, tending to crops and focusing on simple recipes?
We’ll be watching & discussing (at home on your own) “Ratatouille” (2007) and “Little Forest” (2018).
6/23: LEVITICUS at Alamo Drafthouse
Details and ticket link coming soon!
6/25: Happy Hour/Discussion at Roofer’s Union
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 :)
Future Events
7/7: Screening | MADDIE’S SECRET
7/9: Genre Circle | Origins of the Razzies
7/12: Film Takes on Tap - Brunch Edition
7/30: Happy Hour/Discussion | Red Bear Brewing Co
Want to get involved? Volunteer to:
Screenings/Events Around Town
DC/DOX starts June 11!
AFI Silver - Series & Events Calendar
Alamo Drafthouse - June 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
Did you walk away from our May trivia event with several movies you wanted to add to your watchlist? Now you can add them all with this month’s Letterboxd List of the Month! Everyone will find something to enjoy in this list of 40+ movies featured by your amazing trivia hosts, Daphney and Erik.
Want to submit a review for a group screening? Use this form to submit your post-movie thoughts.