If you live with anyone that is a college basketball fan, your TV is probably off limits in March—perfect time to get out and watch some movies. Aside from the big blockbusters hitting mainstream theaters, Upstate’s independent theaters are hosting an interesting mix of new and old, domestic and international programs. We’ve selected a few fun films for March.
And while you’re penciling things in, check out our curated selection of March food events, dance and theater performances, and live music shows.
Upstate Films (Rhinebeck)—90th Oscar Party | March 4
Suspense loves company. Join Upstate Films in Rhinebeck on March 4 for their annual Oscar party to cheer on your favorite stars and flicks with friends. Walk down Upstate’s red carpet in any Oscar-related attire—a snazzy getup, cozy pajamas, or as your favorite 2017 movie character—with your potluck dish in one hand and your winners ballot in the other. There will be trivia and prizes awarded to the best outfits and highest number of correct guesses on the Academy Awards winners ballot. This year, the proceeds will be donated to Winnakee Land Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving natural and agricultural resources. Admission is $15.
Downing Film Center (Newburgh)—Moulin Rouge | 3/10-3/13
The old favorite Moulin Rouge revisits the silver screen at Downing Film Center in Newburgh March 10 through 13. The 2001 musical drama, directed by Baz Lurhmann, takes place in a rousing Parisian nightclub at the turn of the 19th century. A young English poet (Ewen McGregor) is thrust into the gaudy, extravagant nightclub when he falls into a love affair with the club’s star cabaret actress and courtesan (Nicole Kidman). Elton John’s “Your Song” spreads over their passionate affair as they sing, “I hope you don’t mind that I put down in words how wonderful life is while you’re in the world.”
UPAC: Newtown | 3/16
In light of the recent Valentine’s Day massacre in Florida, school shootings and gun control are once again at the forefront of Americans’ hearts and minds. Stockade Works and Bardavon are collaborating to present a free screening of director Kim Snyder’s 2017 documentary Newtown, which explores the aftermath of the horrific Sandy Hook elementary school shooting. The heartbreaking and important film was nominated as a Sundance Film Festival Official Selection, and will screen at UPAC in Kingston on March 16 at 7pm. Following the screening, Snyder and others will take the stage for a panel discussion and Q&A. “It is critical we do what we can to bring our community, and communities everywhere, to the table for an open discussion on gun safety,” said Mary Stuart Masterson, Stockade Works’ co-founder.
TSL (Hudson): A Ciambra | 3/15-26
The hard-to-see Italian film A Ciambra will play at Time & Space Limited in Hudson March 15 through 26. This coming-of-age film tells the story of a young 14-year-old boy Pio, who becomes the head of his Romani family when his father and petty criminal older brother are thrown in jail. Pio is determined to become a man, smoking cigarettes, swigging beer, and hustling to provide for the family. The immersive world of the film also portrays the uneasy social milieu of Southern Italy. NB: Bring your glasses; the film is in Italian with subtitles.
Rosendale Theater: Black Panther | 3/23-29
In case you missed it in mainstream theaters, Black Panther will be playing at the Rosendale Theatre March 23–29. As you probably know, Marvel’s latest movie is crushing the box office, heading towards $1 billion in global ticket sales. With a predominantly black cast, Black Panther is driving a film industry shift to more racially diverse themes and casting. The Marvel comic book film tells the story of the young king T’Challa of the futuristic African nation Wakanda, who takes the troubled throne after his father dies. T’Challa is faced with both domestic and global issues, which force him to make a difficult decision concerning the fate of his nation. Read about the Black Panther Movie Takeover that happened at Hudson Valley Mall in February.
This article appears in March 2018.
