Japan/1963 — directed by Akira Kurosawa | 143 min.

Toshiro Mifune is revelatory as Kingo Gondo, a wealthy Tokyo shoe company executive whose family becomes the target of a cold-blooded kidnapper in High and Low (Tengoku to jigoku), the brilliantly structured and visually striking police procedural that showcases Kurosawa at the height of his storytelling powers. 

Adapting Ed McBain's detective novel King's Ransom, Kurosawa moves effortlessly from a gripping race-against-time thriller to incisive social commentary, crafting a diabolical treatise on contemporary Japanese society. Presented in a brand-new 4K restoration. 

“One of the best detective thrillers ever filmed.” — Howard Thompson, The New York Times

Japan/1949 — directed by Akira Kurosawa | 122 min.

A bad day gets worse for young detective Murakami (a young Toshiro Mifune) when a pickpocket steals his gun on a hot, crowded bus. Desperate to recover the weapon, he goes undercover, scavenging Tokyo’s sweltering streets for the “stray dog” whose own desperation has driven him to a life of crime. 

But with each step, the lives of cop and criminal become increasingly intertwined. One of Kurosawa’s early breakout films, Stray Dog (Nora Inu) transcends the typical crime thriller, probing the squalid world of postwar Japan and the complex relationship between pursuer and pursued. 

Presented in a new 4K restoration, Stray Dog is the first of eight newly restored Kurosawa classics being screened at the DFT between August 22 and August 31.

“Stray Dog shows Kurosawa fully engaged with his culture, using cinema to participate as an artist. He’s on the threshold of greatness here.” — Stephen Prince, The Warrior’s Camera

Mexico/1953 — directed by Luis Buñuel | 93 min.

Among the most unsettling films of his often-overlooked Mexican period, Él is Luis Buñuel’s incisive portrait of paranoia, jealousy, and sexual obsession — a nightmarish tale of love gone wrong that prefigures the themes of his later classics Viridiana and The Exterminating Angel. 

Incorporating his personal demons into this adaptation of Mercedes Pinto’s autobiographical novel, Buñuel tells the story of Francisco, a devout middle-aged bachelor who falls into an all-consuming love with young socialite Gloria. After breaking off her engagement with another man, Gloria begins to realize something is “off” about Francisco, whose deep, repressed insecurities soon take their toll. 

One of Buñuel’s rawest indictments of social hypocrisy, Él stands as the surrealist master’s great excursion into dark melodrama, where civilization can find no answer to the irrational urges of the id.

Presented in a new 4K restoration. In Spanish with English subtitles. 

“Released at the height of his prolific Mexican period, Él is relevant and incendiary, and remains one of Buñuel’s crowning achievements.” — Richard Brody, The New Yorker

USA/2025 — directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady | 106 min.

For nearly two centuries, Scandinavian “folk high schools,” located in the wilds of northernmost Norway, have emphasized the power of nature, simplicity, and community to transform the lives of teenagers on the brink of adulthood. 

This emotionally rich and visually spectacular new documentary from the Academy Award®-nominated team of Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (Detropia, Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You) follows three teens who’ve chosen to spend a year in this Arctic wilderness. Freed from technology guided by humane teachers and a pack of loyal, magnificent Alaskan huskies, they hope of replacing loneliness and social anxiety with newfound self-confidence — and perhaps a life-changing sense of wonder. Official Selection, 2025 Sundance Film Festival. 

“A gentle film with an emotional power that truly snuck up on me. Subtly moving and gorgeously shot… no one should miss this one.” — Brian Tallerico, RogerEbert.com

Australia/USA/2020 — directed by Jeff Daniels | 90 min.

In the fall of 1983, the cover of Newsweek featured the words “TV’s NUCLEAR NIGHTMARE!” as millions of American viewers awaited the long-publicized premiere of a made-for-TV movie on the ABC network depicting the actual effects of an all-out nuclear exchange with the Soviet Union. 

The threat of nuclear annihilation loomed large at the time, and The Day After played directly on these fears, ultimately attracting a staggering viewership of 100 million Americans — the largest audience in history for any TV movie up to that point. Television Event documents the story behind this audacious project after it was greenlit by ABC. 

The Day After’s director, Nicholas Meyer (Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan), details — often hilariously — the clashes with network executives and censors to finish and broadcast the film that so disturbed President Reagan it reportedly influenced his nuclear weapons policy. 

“Absolutely riveting and highly entertaining… a remarkable, often oddly funny look at a game-changing show business event. It is a wild ride to be sure.” — Pete Hammond, Deadline

Liz Warner is an award-winning audio journalist and DJ who began her career at WDET in 1995. She now hosts ALTERNATE TAKE on the same station. A lifelong explorer of sound, Liz has worked as a host, curator, writer, and DJ in both Detroit and Los Angeles. 

Recognized by national journalism organizations for her contributions to music and media, she continues to spotlight Detroit’s vibrant creative community. Catch the WDET Dance Party on the North Lawn stage.

Concert of Colors takes place at multiple locations across Detroit.

For more information on the full event and to view the full schedule, visit www.concertofcolors.com

Feel the energy of the original street band as they perform hits like Low Rider, Spill the Wine, The Cisco Kid, and more! War will be performing on the North Lawn stage.

Concert of Colors takes place at multiple locations across Detroit.

For more information on the full event and to view the full schedule, visit www.concertofcolors.com

Shadow Show is a power trio blending ’60s garage-psychedelia with a modern 21st-century pop-art vibe. Making waves in Detroit and beyond, they’re a must-see live. 

Catch Shadow Show performing on the North Lawn stage!

Concert of Colors takes place at multiple locations across Detroit.

For more information on the full event and to view the full schedule, visit www.concertofcolors.com

Wendell Harrison is an American jazz clarinetist, tenor saxophonist, record producer, educator, and a living legend in jazz. He was a prominent figure in the New York jazz scene during the 1960s before returning to Detroit, where he co-founded Tribe, a record label and magazine that became a vital hub for Black experimental music and a platform for discussing social and political issues.

Concert of Colors takes place at multiple locations across Detroit.

For more information on the full event and to view the full schedule, visit www.concertofcolors.com

Global superstar Femi Kuti was raised in Lagos and is the eldest son of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. He began his musical career playing in his father’s band, Egypt 80, before launching his own band, Positive Force, in 1986. 

Since then, Femi has established himself as a powerful artist in his own right, known for his dynamic storytelling and electrifying energy. Don’t miss this incredible show by a living legend!

Concert of Colors takes place at multiple locations across Detroit.

For more information on the full event and to view the full schedule, visit www.concertofcolors.com