Two of the more important figures in documentary filmmaking get together in our area next weekend when Errol Morris previews his new film, Standard Operating Procedure, at the American Film Institute’s Silver Theater on April 13, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. In this movie Morris, a recent Oscar winner for The Fog of War, examines how the prison camp at Guantanamo Bay has come to define U.S. foreign policy.

            The AFI Silver is the permanent home of SilverDocs film festival and this preview and post-screening discussion are part of their ongoing commitment to the exhibition of film documentaries throughout the year. This is a terrific chance both to talk to Morris and get a first look at what is expected to be one of this year’s most significant documentary features.

The “Screen On the Green” series of free, outdoor showings of movies on the National Mall, returns Monday, July 17 with the science fiction classic “The Day The Earth Stood Still.” . The screenings rake place every Monday night ands start at sunset on a huge screen. Among this year’s presentations will be “The Band Wagon” and “Rocky.” For more information, visit their web site at
http://cityguide.aol.com/washington/screenonthegreen/main.adp.

Also, on Thursday, July 20 at 7 PM, the Corcoran Gallery of Art will offer an advance screening of a new film prior to its theatrical release in August. “Half Nelson” is the story of the relationship between an idealistic young school teacher, struggling with substance abuse issues and a fatherless student. Mark Ulmer, the former head of Lion’s Gate studios and producer of the Oscar-winning “Monster’s Ball,” makes his directorial debut with this film and will speak after the screening. For registration and other information, call the Corcoran at 202-639-1770 or visit their web site at http://www.corcoran.org.

THE WASHINGTON, DC FILM SOCIETY ANNOUNCES WINNERS FOR “THE BEST OF 2005″

WASHINGTON, DC: The Washington, DC Film Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to an appreciation of film, today announced the winners for “The Best of 2005″ Members voted for the best film, performances, director and foreign film of 2005. The winners for “The Best of 2005″ are: (continue reading…)

New Fairfax Corner Multiplex Opens

Unfortunately, the Nicer the Cinema the Greater the Disappointment

By Bill Henry

I anticipate the opening of a new movie house with the same great hope and excitement that I bring to the release of each film I see a coming attraction reel for—so much for the getting of wisdom. Visiting the new Fairfax Corner 14: Cinema de Lux (the fifth multiplex representative of the National Amusements chain to open in Fairfax County, VA) on its opening weekend, brought me face to façade with the next trend in movie-going—luxury theatres. (continue reading…)