Becoming American: A Documentary Film and Discussion Series continues at the National Hispanic Cultural Center’s Bank of America Theatre this Thursday, Aug. 9. Starting at 7pm there will be a free screening of Aaron Matthews’ 2001 film My American Girls: A Dominican Story. Filmed over the course of a single year, this documentary follows the family of Sandra and Bautista Ortiz, hardworking immigrants living frugally in a multi-family house in Brooklyn. While the parents dream of returning to the Dominican Republic, their American-born kids have other ideas. Dr. Gabriel Sanchez, professor of political science at the University of New Mexico, will be there to moderate a post-film discussion on the theme of “family and community.” Tickets can be picked up at the NHCC’s Bank of America Theatre box office starting one hour before showtime.
Reel World: Movies In Madrid Movies In Madrid
The tiny town of Madrid, just over the mountains from Albuquerque is hosting the very first Madrid Film Festival this Friday and Saturday, Aug. 10 and 11. From 7:30 to 10:30pm at the Engine House Theater (2846 Hwy. 14), impresario Joe West and author Andrew Wice welcome audiences to the inaugural event and will introduce their hand-selected collection of 26 locally made short films. Each night features its own unique lineup of “wild, odd, creepy, funny and searingly heartbreaking” shorts—all shot within 50 miles of Madrid. Refreshments and merchandise are available at the theater. Tickets are $15 for one night or $25 for a two-night pass. For more info on the event, go to theaterofdeath.org.
Reel World: Better Watch “Saul” Better Watch “Saul”
If you’re a fan of AMC’s Albuquerque-lensed series “Better Call Saul” (and you certainly should be), then head on down to Tractor Brewing Wells Park (1800 Fourth Street NW) for the Season 4 Watch Party. The new season of the “Breaking Bad” spinoff started last Monday, Aug. 6, and continues every Monday at 7pm. Show up to Tractor Brewing before 7 to grab a good seat and a cold beer. Hosts Marq and Ed will be there giving away prizes each week. For more info go to getplowed.com.
Reel World: Black To The Future Black To The Future
The organizers behind Albuquerque’s nonprofit Corpus Arts venue (123 Seventh Street NW) have put together another intriguing night of indie film shorts. The theme for this month (Wednesday, Aug. 15) is “Afrofuturism.” Afrofuturism is described as “a cultural aesthetic, philosophy of science and philosophy of history that explores the developing intersection of African/African Diaspora with technology.” Come see this international collection of black sci-fi/fantasy/speculative fiction starting at 7pm. Popcorn and soda are available. A suggested $3 donation gets you in the door, but no one will be turned away due to lack of funds. For more info go to corpusarts.org.
