"The Return" plays Friday, July 25 at ISU

Submitted by rode on Tue, 06/03/2025 - 21:02
Friday, July 25
5:00 & 7:30 p.m.
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Based on the last part of "The Odyssey," after 20 years away, Odysseus (Ralph Fiennes) washes up on the shores of Ithaca, haggard and unrecognizable. The king finds much has changed since he left to fight in the Trojan War. His beloved wife, Penelope (Juliet Binoche), is a prisoner in her own home and hounded to choose a new husband. Their son faces death at the hands of suitors who see him as an obstacle in their pursuit of Penelope and the kingdom. Odysseus is no longer the mighty warrior his people remember, but he must face his past to save his family. The Times UK writes, "Ralph Fiennes swaggers into unforgettable focus as Odysseus in a lean and lethally effective adaptation," while the Sydney Morning Herald adds, "It’s a marvelous performance by Fiennes – measured out in stealthy silences and terse admissions, and Binoche matches him all the way." Admission is $3 for the public, $2 for ISU staff/faculty and free for ISU students with a Bengal ID.

"The Friend" at ISU, Friday, July 18

Submitted by rode on Tue, 06/03/2025 - 20:51
Friday, July 18
5:00 & 7:30 p.m.
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Based on the best selling book, New York City writer Iris finds her comfortable, solitary life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor bequeaths her a Great Dane named Apollo. The huge dog immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones. Yet as Iris finds herself unexpectedly bonding with Apollo, she begins to come to terms with her past, and her own creative inner life. ABC News writes, "Naomi Watts and Bill Murray are funny and touching as the most recent guardians of a 150-pound Great Dane named Apollo, but the scene-stealing pup scampers off with this irresistible character study and wins a special place in your heart." Admission is $3 for the public, $2 for ISU staff/faculty and free for ISU students with a Bengal ID.

"The Penguin Lessons" plays Friday, June 27 at ISU

Submitted by rode on Mon, 06/02/2025 - 17:37
Friday, June 27
5:00 & 7:30 p.m.
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Based on a true story, an Englishman who takes a teaching position abroad experiences personal and political changes after adopting a penguin during a turbulent time in Argentina's history. The Observer writes, "The Penguin Lessons is a work of surprising depth and subtle, irresistible impact," while the Washington Post writes, "It's about finding the courage to stand up to injustice at one’s own peril." Admission is $3 for the public, $2 for ISU staff/faculty, and free for ISU students with a Bengal ID.

"Snow White" (2025) plays Friday, July 11 at ISU

Submitted by rode on Tue, 05/13/2025 - 21:20
Friday, July 11
5:00 & 7:30 p.m.
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You might be tempted to overlook this film, but don't. This modern take on the Disney classic finds Snow White fleeing from the Evil Queen where she finds refuge with the seven dwarves. When the palace guards embark on a mission to kill her, a commoner and his group of woodland bandits join together to protect her. Time Magazine writes, "This Snow White, emerging in an era of government-sanctioned cruelty, seems to know exactly what it’s saying, even if it chooses to speak only in a discreet whisper. It’s the right Snow White for this moment." Admission is $3 for the public,$2 for ISU staff/faculty and free for ISU students with a Bengal ID.

Film Society's Next Show:

Submitted by rode on Tue, 05/13/2025 - 21:15
SXSW Film Festival Winner
Friday, June 13
5:00 & 7:30 p.m.
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This SXSW Film Festival winner follows Lily Trevino who unexpectedly befriends an online stranger that shares her self-centered father's name and this new Bob Trevino's support begins to transform her life and vice versa. The Hollywood Reporter writes, "The comedy can be bright and bouncy and frequently funny, but also it’s secretly a tearjerker, and never more effectively than when it’s at its very sweetest." Admission is $3 for the public,$2 for ISU staff/faculty and free for ISU students with a Bengal ID.

"Ballad of Wallis Island" at ISU Friday, June 6

Submitted by rode on Tue, 05/13/2025 - 21:10
Friday, June 6
5:00 & 7:30 p.m.
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This Sundance Film Festival honoree is an acclaimed indie comedy/drama that follows an eccentric millionaire who pays his favorite musical duo to come to his island to perform a concert. The only problem is the duo has broken up and each don't know the other is coming. Amy Nicholson of the Los Angeles Times writes, "It’s something almost as rare as a revelation: a crowdpleaser I’d recommend to everyone, and I have... and now I’m tipping you off, too." Admission is $3 for the public,$2 for ISU staff/faculty and free for ISU students with a Bengal ID.

"Black Bag" plays Friday, May 16 at ISU

Submitted by rode on Sun, 04/27/2025 - 21:24
Friday, May 16
5:00 & 7:30 p.m.
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George and Kathryn are part of a covert group of government operatives. When his beloved wife, Kathryn, is suspected of betraying the nation, intelligence agent George Woodhouse faces the ultimate test -- loyalty to his marriage or his country. Salon calls it, "Movie-watching at its finest... bound to be as enjoyable on a plane or on that comfy couch as it is in the theater. Just make no mistake: This is the most delightful moviegoing experience you can have this year." Admission is $3 for the public,$2 for ISU staff/faculty and free for ISU students with a Bengal ID.