Movies on the Plaza returns to Albuquerque’s Civic Plaza this Friday, July 7, with a screening of the 1993 Bill Murray comedy Groundhog Day. Murray plays a TV weatherman who becomes permanently “stuck” in a small town as the same day repeats, over and over again. Admission is free and the show starts at dusk (around 8:35pm). You can have dinner first at ABQ Food Fridays, which runs in the plaza from 6 to 8pm. There will be food trucks, live bands and a variety of microbrews for sale. Seating is available, but you’re welcome to bring you own chairs and blankets. Dogs and bikes are welcome. Parking is available underneath Civic Plaza.
Reel World: Go Native Go Native
As part of its ongoing Hollywood Southwest: New Mexico in Film and Television exhibit, the Albuquerque Museum (2000 Mountain NW) is presenting Made in Native America, a day of screenings and discussions with Native American filmmakers. On Saturday, July 8, starting at 10am, there will be a screening of the Sydney Freeland’s New Mexico-made drama Drunktown’s Finest. Set on a desolate stretch of the Navajo Nation, this coming-of-age story looks in on the lives of three reservation-dwelling young people: an angry father-to-be, a college-bound Christian and a promiscuous transsexual. This film is not rated, but does contain mature images and content. Starting at 12:30pm, there will be a panel discussion “Telling Our Stories Through Film” moderated by James Lujan, from the Institute of American Indian Arts’ Department of Cinematic Arts and Technology. Rounding out the day, from 1 to 2pm is a selection of short films from Native filmmakers. All events are free with museum admission.
Reel World: Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop Can’t Stop, Won’t Stop
This Saturday is July 8, and that means its time again for the annual Can’t Stop the Serenity event. Every year, filmmaker Joss Whedon allows worldwide screenings of Serenity, the 2005 feature film spin-off of his cult TV series “Firefly,” as a charity fundraiser. The Albuquerque Browncoats will, of course, be hosting the local screening, which is set to take place at the South Broadway Cultural Center (1025 Broadway SE) from 5 to 10pm. Organizers promise raffles, merchandise, food, fun, music and a very cool movie. Tickets are available now at southbroadwaytickets.com for $10 apiece. All proceeds will benefit Equality Now and the UNM Children’s Hospital. For more details go to cantstoptheserenity.com
Reel World: Dragon After Dark Dragon After Dark
Movies in the Park continues this Saturday, July 8, with an outdoor screening of the 2016 remake of Disney’s Pete’s Dragon. The film tells the story of an orphaned boy protected by his best friend—who just happens to be a huge, fuzzy dragon. The screening will take place at North Domingo Baca Community Center (7521 Carmel NE) and will start at dusk (around 8:35pm). No alcohol or glass is allowed on site, but coolers with food and drink are welcome. Blankets and lawn chairs are a must. Admission is free, of course.
