QC Film Blog

Jewish Federation of Quad Cities Gordon Ney Film Series 2024 begins

The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities presents the Gordon Ney Jewish Film Series 2024. The film series features outstanding films at the Figge Art Museum Theater, 225 W. 2nd St, Davenport, IA.

Admission: Adults - $7; Seniors (60+) & Military - $6; Students - FREE. For info call (309) 793-1300. All have adult content.

*Sunday, September 22, 4:00pm: "The Glory of Life"

Because of the power of love, the last year of Franz Kafka's life becomes his happiest. He has never before been able to allow himself to experience intimacy, he suffers from tuberculosis and is dependent on his overbearing family. But the worldly wise Dora Diamant accepts him as he is. And he accepts her. The two meet in 1923 on the Baltic Sea coast, where he is convalescing and she is working in a Jewish Volksheim. Together they go to Berlin and, when Franz's health deteriorates rapidly, to a sanatorium in Austria. Barely a year after they meet, he dies. The memory of their time together will shape Dora for the rest of her life.

98 minutes - German with English Subtitles - Drama (2024)

*Sunday, September 29, 4:00pm: "All About the Levkoviches"

Tamas is a gruff but tender, and an aging boxing coach in present-day Budapest whose relationship with his son, Ivan, has frayed to the point of estrangement. After converting to Orthodox Judaism, Ivan moved to Israel, where he had a son, Ariel, whom Tamas has never met. Now, Ivan and Ariel have come back to Budapest for the funeral of Tamas’s wife, forcing father and son to face one another. Breier’s film is masterfully acted and directed, maintaining a perfectly balanced tone between comedy and pathos.

 

*Sunday, October 6, 4:00pm: Double Feature - "Voiceless Witness"

 

Nikolay’s home is falling apart before his eyes during his home’s renovation. The October events left destruction everywhere and the fighting in Gaza fills him with memories of his military past. In order to maintain his sanity, he adopts a rescue dog from Gaza. Together, they confront the harsh, incomprehensible reality. 

 

31 minutes - Hebrew with English Subtitles - Documentary (2024)

 

 

"6:30"

 

An exceptional documentary capturing the harrowing events of the October 7th Hamas attack on Israel with profound sensitivity. It features firsthand accounts from survivors at seven different attack sites, each story vividly brought to life through the creative use of miniature models and animations. The strength of “6:30” lies its its nuanced depiction of that terrible day. This approach conveys the horror without explicitly showing it, offering a restrained yet deeply impactful portrayal. 

 

65 minutes - Hebrew with English Subtitles - Documentary (2024)

Alternating Currents Official Film Selections screen at The Last Picture House Aug. 15-18

Alternating Currents will showcase 24 official film selections at The Last Picture House, 325 E. 2^nd St., Davenport, Iowa August 15-18, 2024. The theater is co-owned by filmmakers and Bettendorf natives Scott Beck and Bryan Woods. The theater features two indoor theaters and a rooftop theater for outdoor viewing. The new space offers an exciting opportunity for filmmakers to screen in a state-of-the-art venue for an intimate viewing experience for attendees.

Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films new award-winning documentary MOVED BY WATERS is among the films screening at Alternating Currents 2024.

The Alternating Currents Film Festival has attracted filmmakers locally, nationally and internationally, including submissions from Paris, Los Angeles, Hamburg, London, New York City, Chicago, Iowa City, Des Moines and the Quad Cities, which includes "Moved by Waters" by Emmy award-winning Quad Cities filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle of Fourth Wall Films.

Visit https://www.alternatingcurrentsqc.com/ for the film schedule and more information. Alternating Currents features four days of Music, Film, Comedy and Art in the Quad Cities.

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When you want to see great documentaries, independent, foreign, classic and other noteworthy films in the Quad-Cities area, visit QCFilmBlog.com for the latest screenings and special film events.

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Compelling "Purgatorio: A Journey Into the Heart of the Border" screens Aug. 11 at Putnam

Screening at the Putnam Museum on the Giant Screen Sunday, August 11th at 2 p.m. Director Rodrigo Reyes, Purgatorio: A Journey Into the Heart of the Border. Admission is FREE.

This 2013 documentary takes a look into the Mexico/U.S. Border while following the story of Dante Alighieri’s “Purgatory.” Leaving politics aside, Reyes takes a fresh look at the brutality of the border and the people caught in its spell. By capturing a stunning mosaic of compelling characters and broken landscapes, the filmmaker reflects on the flaws of human nature and the powerful absurdities of the modern world. An unusual border film, in the auteur tradition of camera-stylo, Purgatorio ultimately becomes a fable of humanity, an epic and visceral experience with powerful and lingering images.

A Q&A with director Rodrigo Reyes will follow the film. The documentary is brought to us by Good Docs. 

This event is strictly 18+ due to the graphic nature of this film. This includes, but is not limited to, substance use, violence, and death. Viewer discretion is advised. The Putnam Museum is located at 1717 W 12th St, Davenport, IA.

 

When you want to see great documentaries, independent, foreign, classic and other noteworthy films in the Quad-Cities area, visit QCFilmBlog.com for the latest screenings and special film events.

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Free Film at the Figge features "The Way He Looks" during Gay Pride 2024 Film Series June 23

During the month of June Free Film at the Figge presents four extraordinary, award-winning GLBTQ+ films at the Gay Pride 2024 Film Series. This Sunday, June 23rd, the critically-acclaimed film The Way He Looks will screen. 

Sunday, June 23 / 4:00 p.m.

The Way He Looks (Brazil, 2014) A new classmate transforms the daily life of a blind teenager who longs for independence in this coming-of-age film. 

Upon its premiere at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival, The Way He Looks won the FIPRESCI Prize for best feature film in the Panorama section and the Teddy Award for best LGBT-themed feature. It also won the 2nd place award in the Panorama section. 

POST-SCREENING WINE AND DISCUSSION

Socialize and discuss the Gay Pride film selection afterward with a complimentary glass of wine in the theatre lobby. Underwritten by Barb Zimmerman

Admission is free and the films screen in the John Deere Auditorium on the 2nd Floor of the Figge Art Museum, 225 W 2nd St, Davenport, IA. Don't miss this opportunity to see these outstanding movies.

 

 

When you want to see great documentaries, independent, foreign, classic and other noteworthy films in the Quad-Cities area, visit QCFilmBlog.com for the latest screenings and special film events.

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Pulling Focus African American Film Festival of the Quad Cities June 6-9

The 2nd Season of the Pulling Focus African American Film Festival of the Quad Cities, opens on June 6th and runs through June 9, 2024. Films will be showcased at the Lincoln Center, the Figge, the Putnam Museum and the Last Picture House. Admission is free to the public.

"This festival celebrates the Black Diaspora through short films by talented local and international filmmakers," Pulling Focus website states. "Pulling Focus connects communities through cinema, fostering understanding and empathy. Your presence would add to this vibrant cultural exchange."

The film festival opening is on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at The Last Picture House 325 E 2nd St, Davenport, Iowa with a special VIP reception with a filmmaker meet and great featuring heavy Hors d'oeuvres, cash bar and a special VIP screening.

 

The festival will feature film screenings, engaging panel discussions (Saturday, June 8, 2024), the "Out-of-Competition" Showcase, and a new "Reel Impact" category, which highlights films with powerful social messages. On Saturday evening, June 8, 2024,  a special guest speaker event at the Figge Art Museum will be accompanied by a reception. The festival will conclude with an awards ceremony honoring the filmmakers at the Last Picture House on Sunday, June 9.

 

For more details, visit  https://www.pullingfocusfilmfestival.com/

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When you are seeking great documentaries, independent, foreign, classic and other noteworthy films showcased in the Quad-Cities area, visit QCFilmBlog.com for the latest screenings and special film events.

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Free Film at the Figge presents Gay Pride 2024 Film Series in June

As part of Pride Month in the Quad Cities, the Figge Art Museum presents a series of four extraordinary, award-winning GLBTQ+ films in June. Admission is free and the films screen in the John Deere Auditorium on the 2nd Floor of the Museum. Don't miss this opportunity to see these outstanding movies.

A Post-Screening Wine and Discussion Socialize and discuss the Gay Pride 2024 film selections afterward with a complimentary glass of wine! Underwritten by Barb Zimmerman

The Figge Art Museum is located at 225 W 2nd St, Davenport, Iowa.

Thursday, June 6 / 6:30 p.m. 

Jimmy in Saigon (U.S., 2022) Documentary filmmaker Peter McDowell explores the radical life, forbidden romance, and mysterious death of his brother, a 24-year-old Vietnam veteran who died in Saigon in 1972. Director Peter McDowell will introduce the film at this special screening of Jimmy in Saigon on the 52nd anniversary of his brother Jimmy's death. (Read film critic Linda Cook's review HERE!)

Sunday, June 16 / 4:00 p.m.

Ammonite (U.K./U.S.A./Australia, 2020) Based on a true story, acclaimed paleontologist Mary Anning sells fossils to tourists when a chance job offer to care for the wife of a visitor changes her life. 

Sunday, June 23 / 4:00 p.m.

The Way He Looks (Brazil, 2014) A new classmate transforms the daily life of a blind teenager who longs for independence in this coming-of-age film. 

Sunday, June 30 / 4:00 p.m.

Out in the Dark (Israel, 2012) Worlds collide for two men on opposite sides of the Mid-East conflict for Palestinian student Nimer and Roy, an Israeli lawyer.

When you want to see great documentaries, independent, foreign, classic and other noteworthy films in the Quad-Cities area, visit QCFilmBlog.com for the latest screenings and special film events.

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"Lady Bird" Screens at the Figge Thursday, May 16

Don't miss a FREE screening of Lady Bird (2017) beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Figge Art Museum. 

An artistically inclined 17-year-old high school senior from the wrong side of the tracks longs for adventure, sophistication, and opportunity in Sacramento, California. Lady Bird, Greta Gerwig’s solo directorial debut, was followed by Little Women in 2019 and Barbie in 2023, all written and directed by Gerwig.

Awards: 

Academy Awards: Nominated for Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress

Golden Globes: Best Picture, Best Actress, nom. Best Screenplay, Supporting Actress

National Board of Review: Best Director, Best Supporting Actress, Top Film

Film Critics’ Awards include from:

• National Society of Film Critics
• New York Film Critics
• Chicago Film Critics Society
• London Critics Circle
• Los Angeles Film Critics Association

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE TRAILER

POST-SCREENING WINE AND DISCUSSION:

Socialize and discuss the film afterward with a complimentary glass of wine. Underwritten by Barb Zimmerman.

Free admission for Thursdays at the Figge sponsored by Chris and Mary Rayburn. 

When you want to see great documentaries, independent, foreign, classic and other noteworthy films in the Quad-Cities area, visit QCFilmBlog.com for the latest screenings and special film events.

FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!

Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities presents "Farewell, Mister Haffmann" April 28

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities' Lloyd M. Burstein Memorial Holocaust Film Series will present the final award-winning film in the series on Sunday, April 28 at 4:00 p.m. at the Figge Art Museum Theater, 225 W. 2nd Street in Davenport, Iowa. 

Farewell, Mister Haffmann is an engrossing drama set in Paris during the Nazi occupation. Joseph Haffmann, a Jewish jeweler, sends his family away to saftey, with the intention of joining them later. Haffmann has decided to hand off the business to his trusted assistant Francois Merier and Mercier's wife, Blance, who are recently married and struggling to conceive a child--though Haffmann's plans go awry when he is unable to escape the city under the watrch of German authorities. Farewell Mr. Haffmann is a twisting, turning and satisfying tale that reveals the complex and contradictory sides of humanity pushed to its darkest limits. Directed by Fred Cavayé.

Admission: Adults - $7; Seniors (60+) & Military - $6; Students - FREE. For info call (309) 793-1300. All have adult content.

The 2024 Lloyd M. Burstein Memorial Holocaust Film Series is presented by the Jewish Federation of the Quad Cities.

The Presenting Sponsor is The Joyce & Tony Singh Family Foundation.

Film Series Sponsors: Truth First Film Alliance, Inc., WVIK, Quad City Bank & Trust, Wheelan-Pressly, Friendship Manor.

Rauch Family Foundation II, Inc., Louis & Ida-Fox Rich Fund, Stanley & Bernice Harris Memorial Endowment, Gary and Randi Segal Family, Bernard & Irene Goldstein Memorial Endowment Fund, Marlyne & David Weiner Family, Glenn Peterson.

 

When you want to see great documentaries, independent, foreign, classic and other noteworthy films in the Quad-Cities area, visit QCFilmBlog.com for the latest screenings and special film events.

Red Carpet Film Fundraiser Gala for QC Pride in Memory on April 28th at Last Picture House

 

Join Quad Cities Pride in Memory (QCPIM) for a Red Carpet Fundraiser at the Last Picture House 325 E. 2nd St, Davenport, IA on Sunday, April 28th and a sneak peek of clips from the new documentary "Our Story: Pride in Memory" currently in production by Emmy® award-winning filmmakers Tammy and Kelly Rundle of Fourth Wall Films.

 

"Our Story: Pride in Memory" (working title) shines a light on the untold history of the Illinois-Iowa Quad Cities’ LGBTQ+ community. From the guarded 1950s, AIDS, and gay marriage to current attempts to roll back LGBTQ+ rights, the film reveals the story of a personal and local civil rights movement.

The new documentary features the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ residents through illuminating on-camera interviews and combines them with compelling archival images, documents, and film footage to tell an inspiring story of struggle, achievement, and pride.

Event Cost: $50/pp. Seating is limited.

 

Advance TICKETS strongly recommended at: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6269274

 

 

Red Carpet Fundraiser Program

 

6-7:00 pm: Cocktail Hour with heavy hors d'oeuvres and cash bar

7:00 pm: Sneak Peek of documentary with Q&A, followed by a special showing of the Oscar nominated film "How to Survive a Plague".

 

This program is not a production of The Last Picture House.

 

Please visit QC Pride in Memory for more information HERE!

 

For information about the documentary OUR STORY: PRIDE IN MEMORY project visit PrideinMemoryMovie.com.

 

 

When you want to see great documentaries, independent, foreign, classic and other noteworthy films in the Quad-Cities area, visit QCFilmBlog.com for the latest screenings and special film events.

Putnam Museum presents Golden Age of Hollywood in Classic Film Series April 26-28

The Putnam Museum’s GIANT Screen Theater journeys back in time to the Golden Age of Hollywood with their Classic Film Series. Featuring three timeless masterpieces, Sunset Boulevard, Singin’ In The Rain and Rear Window.

The Putnam promises that you’ll be transported to a world of glamour, romance and suspense. Tickets and showtimes are available at https://www.putnam.org/classic-film-series/

When you want to see great documentaries, independent, foreign, classic and other noteworthy films in the Quad-Cities area, visit QCFilmBlog.com for the latest screenings and special film events.