(India/USA/2024 — directed by Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasan)

In the misty, breathtaking forests of the Eastern Himalayas, moths seem to whisper secrets to us. Two curious and wonderstruck researchers embark on an expedition to uncover the mysteries of these nocturnal creatures, focusing on the elusive “hawk moth” in a remote area on the border of India and Bhutan.

At night, they use a large, brightly lit screen to attract these delicate and exquisite moths. The screen draws all species of moths, which display themselves majestically on the cloth each night for observation and photography before fluttering away at dawn.

Nocturnes is a jewel-like, deeply immersive documentary that transports viewers to this rarely seen world. It encourages us to continue exploring the amazing world around us. The film received the Special Jury Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival and is in English and Hindi with English subtitles. (83 minutes)

“Critic’s Pick! A rich, unexpected experience… alluring, captivating and deeply satisfying.”

— Kate Erbland, IndieWire

(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

(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

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

Presented with a live piano score performed by David Drazin, this compilation of short films includes animation masterworks by prolific illustrator Winsor McCay (Gertie the Dinosaur, 1903), Lotte Reiniger (Dr. Dolittle and His Animals / 1928), Disney’s Laugh-O-Gram series (Alice’s Wonderland, 1923) and Władysław Starewicz’s amazing stop-motion films made with dried bugs (The Insects Christmas, 1911).

Early silent animation dived fast and deep into visions of fantasy worlds, and gave them uncanny life using ingenious techniques including hand-drawn cell images, shadow and 3D puppet stop-motion photography, multi-plane cameras for achieving painterly effects, and double-exposures that blended two real worlds into something unreal.

Animated Fantasy Shorts of the Silent Era is presented free to DIA audiences as a holiday gift, wrapped with a live piano score performed by David Drazin. For ages 10 and up. Free with museum admission.

(1939/USA - directed by Victor Fleming and King Vidor)

DIA Member Exclusive! Follow the yellow brick road to an evening of wonder and joy with a delightful Dinner and Movie event to start your Thanksgiving weekend. Indulge in a family dinner that's perfect for sharing and savoring together. After dinner, settle in for a FREE screening of the timeless classic, The Wizard of Oz. Relive the enchanting journey down the yellow brick road with Dorothy, Toto, and all your favorite characters in stunning cinematic glory. Whether it's your first time experiencing this beloved tale or a cherished tradition, it's sure to be a magical evening for all ages. (102min.)

Dinner service begins at 5:45 p.m.

Screening begins at 7 p.m.

Dinner with the movie is SOLD OUT. The movie screening is free and tickets are still available to reserve in advance. No tickets sold at the door. For DIA members only.

Dinner options

Choice of main: Kansas City BBQ Fried Chicken Sliders, BBQ Chicken Pizza, Mac & Cheese
Choice of side: Southwest Corn Salad, Tater Tots, French Fries
Dessert: Cupcakes, Red Apple Lollipops

USA/1922-directed by Alan Dwan

Robin Hood is a silent adventure film produced by and starring Douglas Fairbanks, a swashbuckling adventure based on the tale of the medieval hero Robin Hood, and the first to present elements of the take-from-the-rich and give-to-the-poor legend that became familiar to audiences for decades on. Robin Hood was also the first motion picture to have a Hollywood premiere (at Grauman's Egyptian Theatre) and the most expensive film produced in its day. It remains one of the most exciting and entertaining American films of the silent era and will be even more so when the DFT presents it with a live score composed and played by David Drazin.

For ages 10 and up. (132 min.) Free with museum admission.

“The superlatives that press agents have coined during the past ten years can now be put to profitable use. They can all be wrapped up, in bundles of twelve, and all applied to Douglas Fairbanks’ Robin Hood.” -Robert Sherwood, The New York Herald, 1922