Westchester Fall Arts Preview: Film

Two new film clubs for Westchester residents plus contemporary films from across the world land in the county this fall.

October 1 – November 5

The Picture House Film Club with Marshall Fine

The Picture House, Pelham

(914) 738-7337; www.thepicturehouse.org

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The Picture House in Pelham has announced Westchester-based film critic Marshall Fine as its new critic-in-residence. His first order of business: launching a new film club, which debuts in October. Fine will present new movies before their release to the general public, and then moderate a discussion with an actor, director, producer, or other industry expert. We just love saying we got to see something before anyone else could. 

Omar

Courtesy of Jacob Burns Film Center

September 17 – 24

Contemporary Arab Cinema

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Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville

(914) 747-5555; www.burnsfilmcenter.org

If all you know about the Arab world comes from CNN, you’re probably getting a limited picture. The Jacob Burns Film Center hosts a collection of films that’ll try to give a first-hand account of what it’s really like in that area of the globe. Look for Q&As and guest speakers to provide additional insights.

October 5

The Benson Movie Interruption: Ghost

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Yonkers

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(914) 226-3082; www.drafthouse.com/nyc_area/yonkers

Let’s face it: Righteous Brothers aside, Ghost is a pretty cheesy movie. Finally, someone’s come along to put a pin in that balloon. Comedian Doug Benson brings three guest comics to the Alamo to provide a running commentary to the film, heckling it the way you always wished somebody would.

October 15 – November 19

Emelin Theatre’s Film Club

Emelin Theatre, Mamaroneck

(914) 698-0098; www.emelin.org

The Picture House isn’t the only venue debuting a new film club this fall, with pre-release films and a post-film discussion with stars, filmmakers, and experts. The Emelin Theatre’s got a new lineup, too, curated by Brooklyn’s Rooftop Films. Rooftop Films made a name for itself in New York City with its acclaimed outdoor Summer Series Film Festival. Rooftop’s program director, Dan Nuxoll, hosts each of the evenings at the Emelin, lending his expertise to the post-movie Q&As. 

October 17 – 19 

YoFi Fest

Riverfront Library, Yonkers

www.yofifest.com

After a smashing debut, the YoFi Fest—aka the Yonkers Film Festival—returns for another go, with the lineup of films to be announced sometime this month. The festival plans to screen more than 75 films this year, including shorts, documentaries, animation, and family-friendly films. But it’s not just about watching movies. A “mini film school” has experts talk about production, writing, and marketing films, and post-film parties and receptions allow guests to rub elbows with filmmakers.


With two new film clubs debuting this fall, and a major film festival returning for a second year, there’s a new crop of film curators bringing interesting cinema to the county. We asked them to recommend under-the-radar movies from earlier this year so you can get a sense of their tastes. 

“Two films from my spring season [then at the Emelin] stand out as examples of the kind of films I hope to be showing at The Picture House. One is A Short History of Decay, a small film that the members might not otherwise get to see—or even choose for themselves—but which I knew they’d enjoy. The other one was a documentary, Ivory Tower, about the student-loan debt crisis. Again, not a sexy subject—but a fascinating film whose director was able to offer further insight during a lively discussion afterward.”

—Marshall Fine, The Picture House Film Club with Marshall Fine 

The Picture House, Pelham

“Of course, we are very fond of all the films we are showing, and I am sure there are many movies this summer that would be a great fit for the Emelin audience. But one of my favorites this summer is Charlie McDowell’s The One I Love, starring Elisabeth Moss of Mad Men and Mark Duplass of The League. The concept of the film—which I won’t spoil—seems like it could have been lifted from an old episode of The Twilight Zone, but McDowell’s deeply meaningful script and Duplass’ and Moss’ genuinely moving performances come together to create one of the most entertaining yet resonant films about love that I have seen in quite some time.”

—Dan Nuxoll, Rooftop Films and Emelin Theatre’s Film Club, Mamaroneck

“David Wain’s new film They Came Together—starring his friends and past collaborators Paul Rudd and Amy Poehler—is what I’d call a Rom-Com-Com, aka a comedy about romantic comedies. But it’s more than just a simple parody, as Wain and co-writer Michael Showalter deconstruct, subvert, mash-up, and pay homage to an entire genre of guilty-pleasure films and their storytelling style. The plot may sound familiar, but Wain—director of Wet Hot American Summer—and his company deftly and hilariously spoof the genre and twist the clichés to make the mundane absurd and wring out a fresh, fun film that never takes itself too seriously.”

—Dave Steck, YoFi Fest, Yonkers

Our Best of Business event is October 30!

Our CEOs & Business Leaders Golf Outing is August 5!

Our Best of Westchester Party is July 24!

Our Westchester Home Design Awards event is June 26!

Our Wine & Food Festival returns June 4-9!

Our Wunderkinds event takes place on May 23!

Our Best of Business Ballot is open through May 15!

Our Healthcare Heroes Awards event takes place on May 9!

Our Westchester Home Builders Awards take place on April 4!

Our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Forum is March 14!

Unveiled: A Boutique Bridal Brunch is February 25!

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