Films with Special Guests

Presented in partnership with the Animal Legal Defense Fund. Food Inc. 2 is a timely and urgent follow-up to the Oscar-nominated documentary from directors Robert Kenner and Melissa Robledo. In the sequel, Kenner and Robledo reunite with investigative authors Michael Pollan (The Omnivore’s Dilemma) and Eric Schlosser (Fast Food Nation) to take a fresh look at our vulnerable food system.The groundbreaking Food Inc. ignited a cultural conversation about the multinational corporations that control our food system at enormous cost to our planet, workforce, and health. Food Inc. 2 comes “back for seconds” to reveal how corporate consolidation has gone unchecked by our government, leaving us with a highly efficient yet shockingly vulnerable food system dedicated only towards increasing profits. Seeking solutions, the film introduces innovative farmers, food producers, workers’ rights activists, and prominent legislators such as U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Jon Tester, who are facing these companies head-on and fighting to create a more sustainable future. A Q&A follows the film.

Big city mobsters and the Broadway stage collide hilariously in this side-splitting all-star comedy! John Cusack stars as David Shayne, an idealistic young writer who'll do anything to get his first Broadway play off the ground -- even if it means teaming up with the mob. Surrounded by a wacky cast of characters including a gangster's ditzy and talentless girlfriend (Jennifer Tilly), a tipsy actress (Dianne Wiest), and a mob hit man (Chazz Palminteri), Shayne's got to pull it all off before the curtain falls and bullets start to fly! A Q&A with Chazz Palminteri follows the film.

An interfaith engaged couple plans a Shabbat dinner for their parents' first meeting. An unexpected death interrupts their plans. A Q&A follows the film with actor John Bedford Lloyd.

After a memorable introduction at a party, aspiring songwriter Hannah (Juno Temple) falls under the spell of talented record producer Theo Ross (Simon Pegg). As they become fast friends and begin to collaborate, Hannah discovers that Theo is a schizophrenic who refuses to take his medication. As Hannah’s career begins to take off, Theo’s condition worsens, and he lashes out at friends trying to help him. Undeterred, Hannah undertakes the difficult task of helping Theo salvage his place in the unforgiving Los Angeles music industry while at the same time getting him into treatment. The numerous obstacles thrown in her way reveal the disturbing inadequacies of mental health care in America. A discussion on mental health awareness follows the film, led by Dr. Robert Laitman and producer Olga Kagan.  Panelists to be announced.

Known worldwide for his groundbreaking, Tony Award–winning choreography for The Lion King, Garth Fagan is widely recognized as the architect of a distinctive new dance movement and the visionary who transformed Rochester, NY into a hub for world-class contemporary dance. He has created more than 100 works for the stage and is an inspiring teacher. Griot New York is a critically acclaimed contemporary dance piece by Fagan, blending modern, ballet, and Afro-Caribbean styles to explore urban life and African-American history. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with members of the Garth Fagan Dance Company. A portion of proceeds will support the company in its 55th year.

More Than Blue is a groundbreaking new documentary that illuminates the faces and voices of postpartum depression across America. Through the real stories of families across the country, the film shines a light on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders – too often unseen, unheard, or misunderstood. While we have come a long way over the last decade in terms of screening patients, most individuals experiencing conditions like postpartum depression, anxiety, or psychosis still go undiagnosed or untreated. Pairing personal stories with expert insights, the film aims to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and ensure mothers receive the care they need to recover and heal. A panel discussion and Q&A follows the film.

A Q&A with writer and star Jill Kargman follows the film. Renowned social media influencer Dzanielle navigates fake friendships among the Black card–swiping, workout-obsessed Upper East Siders of New York. In her comedic quest for a million followers, she unexpectedly finds her first real friend—and her true self. INFLUENCED is a sharp, foul-mouthed, and warm-hearted satire of New York City’s Upper East Side influencer culture from writer/star Jill Kargman (Odd Mom Out) and director Rachel Israel (Keep the Change). Kargman is joined by a standout supporting cast including David Krumholtz, Justin Bartha, Christine Taylor, Laura Bell Bundy, Jessica Capshaw, Eugene Cordero, and Dan Hedaya.

Pegasus Therapeutic Riding, located in Brewster, NY, is celebrating 50 years of enhancing the lives of individuals with disabilities and challenges through equine-assisted activities and education with a short film and discussion. Through moving stories of courage, resilience, and growth, the film highlights how Pegasus Therapeutic Riding helps individuals build confidence, improve physical and emotional well-being, and discover new possibilities through the partnership between horse and participant. Q&A and reception to follow. Pegasus Therapeutic Riding's mission is to enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities and challenges through equine-assisted activities and education

Elva: Art of Redemption tells the story of Lancaster County, PA Artist Elva Hurst's journey from the Old Order Mennonite Church. The movie introduces two local spiritual leaders, Pastor Timothy Wagner and Deacon William Bowen, who have small roles in the production and are spearheading the restoration work on the Cross River 1791 Meeting House. Wagner and Bowen presided at the funeral of the last member of the Cross River Meeting House this past July and received the keys to the historic property. Given the historic nature of the Meeting House dating to 1791 (William Jay signed the original articles of incorporation) it was felt that the property should be preserved. A portion of the proceeds will go towards the effort to save the Cross River 1791 Meeting House.