(USA/1996—directed by Bridgett M. Davis)

Beautiful aspiring actor Cicely (Jake-Ann Jones) has just landed her first major role, but there’s a significant hurdle: it requires a nude scene. Although her mother gained fame in ‘70s Blaxploitation films for her physical appeal, Cicely has developed a strong aversion to nudity, both in private and on camera.

With the support of her boyfriend (Ron Cephas Jones), Cicely tries to confront her fears. This journey will require revealing some personal secrets and embracing a new kind of bravery.

Naked Acts, a celebrated work of independent African American cinema from the 1990s, was included in the seminal anthology “The 50 Most Influential Black Films.” Despite its positive reception, the film had a limited release in 1996. Now, this long-overdue, sparkling restoration by the Lightbox Film Center and Milestone Films brings this independent gem back to the big screen. (87 minutes)

“Courageous and triumphant… pulls its audience into an intimate storyline that demands to be witnessed.” –Niani Scott, rogerebert.com

(France/2023—directed by Cédric Kahn)

One of the most acclaimed new films at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, The Goldman Case is a riveting courtroom drama from French director Cédric Kahn (Red Lights). The film delves into the sensational 1976 trial of Pierre Goldman, a left-wing activist who defended himself against multiple charges, including murder during an armed robbery.

Arieh Worthalter, who won the César for Best Actor, plays Goldman, a revolutionary son of Polish refugees who steadfastly maintained his innocence. His legal team, which includes Arthur Harari (co-author of Anatomy of a Fall), faced a case that became a flashpoint for his generation, raising questions of antisemitism and political bias.

Directed with energetic realism and historical precision, The Goldman Case offers a focused, dramatized portrayal of the actual event. The film is both thoughtful and galvanizing, providing insight into the law while exploring the complexities of national and religious identity in recent history. It is in French with English subtitles. (115 minutes)

“Enthralling, compelling and electrifying.” –Guy Lodge, Variety

The ingenious "adverts" of British TV continue to dazzle and delight audiences. These commercials are annually recognized with the prestigious British Arrows awards (formerly the British Television Advertising Awards). The winners are compiled into a celebratory collection that has become a cult favorite in cinemas worldwide, including the DIA.

The compact storytelling possible in these short films—often just a minute or two long—allows creators to stretch their imaginations. The quirky inventiveness, playfulness, and power of these British ads are designed to present a product, service, or public service message with sincerity and off-center wit. Each ad is infused with a satisfying, eccentric, and distinctly British flair.

Previously a door-busting phenomenon at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, where more than 20,000 people attend sold-out shows annually, the British Arrows have now become an annual December tradition at the DIA as well. (Approximately 80 minutes)

(France/Italy/1969—directed by Jean-Pierre Melville)

Resistance fighter Lino Ventura, joined by Paul Meurisse, Jean-Pierre Cassel, and Simone Signoret, goes underground during the German Occupation. The cost of heroism is high and often unimaginable. Master director Jean-Pierre Melville (Le Samouraï) adapted Joseph Kessel’s 1943 novel in the white heat of immediacy, realizing a dream 25 years in the making.

Melville’s film, Army of Shadows, considered one of his masterpieces, wasn’t seen in the U.S. until 2006. Despite its age, it dominated that year’s Ten Best lists, was named Best Picture by the New York Times, and won the New York Film Critics Circle’s Best Foreign Film award, 37 years after its completion. This stunning new 4K restoration may be this year’s most important cinematic revelation. In French with English subtitles. (145 minutes)

“A rare work of art that thrills the senses and the mind. A masterpiece.” –Manohla Dargis, The New York Times

Jim Moore, the legendary creative director of Gentlemen's Quarterly for more than 40 years, will discuss his creative influence and sharp eye, which have helped develop the magazine's signature style and taught generations of men to dress with style. 

Free with registration. 

(USA/1996—directed by Julian Schnabel)

Oscar® nominee Jeffrey Wright delivers an incandescent, breakthrough performance as Jean-Michel Basquiat, the towering Brooklyn-born artist immersed in 1980s New York’s celebrity frenzy. This remarkable 1996 debut feature by painter and filmmaker Julian Schnabel has been visually reconceived for its theatrical re-release. The new monochromatic palette enhances the indelible performances of an exceptional ensemble cast, including Willem Dafoe, Benicio Del Toro, and David Bowie. Co-starring Willem Dafoe, Benicio Del Toro, Parker Posey, Gary Oldman, Christopher Walken, Elina Löwensohn, Dennis Hopper, Courtney Love, Michael Wincott, Tatum O’Neal, and David Bowie as Andy Warhol. (107 minutes)

“Remarkable… Basquiat is the confident, poetic filmmaking debut of the painter Julian Schnabel, who was a friend of Basquiat’s.” –Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times, 1996

Detroit-based textile artist Najma Ma’at Wilson will demonstrate how to create stitched collages. Participants will use basic stitching techniques with needles, thread, and fabrics, with all materials provided. Guests will also have the opportunity to contribute to a collaborative stitched collage installation, which will be displayed in the Learning Center hallway later this winter.

Ma’at’s passion for fiber arts was inspired by her mother. She holds a degree in fiber design from the Center for Creative Studies and a master’s degree in education from Boston College. With 20 years of teaching experience, she has taught locally at Cass Technical High School and internationally in Cotonou, Benin, West Africa.

Please join us on September 9th for the 2024 Job Fair at the DIA. Enter through the John R doors for the event. Onsite interviews will take place from 8:30 AM to 1:00 PM.

All applicants should apply beforehand through the DIA Career Center. The Job Fair is focused on recruiting for positions in Protection Services and Environmental Services to support The Art of Dining Exhibition. We have both full-time and part-time roles available, as well as temporary positions that will last through January.

Germany/1924—directed by F.W. Murnau | 90 min.

The splendidly uniformed, aging doorman at a grand Berlin hotel, portrayed by the legendary Emil Jannings, is devastated by his demotion to washroom attendant. His shame is so profound that he cannot bring himself to tell his family or neighbors. He even goes so far as to steal his old uniform to wear to his daughter’s wedding.

Made during Germany’s “Golden Age” of filmmaking, F.W. Murnau’s The Last Laugh introduced innovative camera techniques that enhanced the power of visual storytelling. The film was hailed as state-of-the-art cinema during the silent era.

The unexpected ending, as suggested by the title, remains as richly satisfying as ever. The film is shown in a new 2K restoration, accompanied by an original live score performed by Little Bang Theory.

“A masterpiece of the German silent cinema… it has never looked as dazzling.” –Dave Kehr, The New York Times

Rooted in the African American experience, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company is a culturally diverse modern/contemporary dance company committed to reaching the broadest audience through exceptional performances and arts-integrated education. DCDC is a company of bold, electrifying, and innovative dance artists steeped in the spirit of Sankofa – retrieving from a rich past while venturing forward. The program will include American Mo’ a celebration of the exquisite pride and love – of self, of humanity, of the nation we built – that accompanied the marches of the Civil Rights era; and Nourishing Routes, a love letter to the ancestors who left breadcrumbs of wisdom for future generations to find, ingest and employ in the long march to justice.

(90 min.) 

Heritage Works presents Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Moving Justice.