This Winter’s Film Festivals Bring Opportunities for Connection and Exploration

Winter is the perfect time to cozy up in a darkened theater with friends and strangers and lose yourself in the magic of movies. This season, there are plenty of film festivals to choose from, offering a diverse range of cinematic experiences. While some events were postponed due to the Israel-Hamas war, they are now returning with a renewed sense of importance.

Boston Palestine Film Festival

The Boston Palestine Film Festival, which had to delay its screenings in October, is back with four film events taking place in late January. One of the highlights is a screening of the locally-made documentary “Israelism,” which explores the movement among young Jewish Americans to question Israel’s stance on Palestine. This thought-provoking film will be shown at Emerson College as part of the Bright Lights Film Series on Feb. 1.

Emerson College initially postponed the screening in November, stating the need to “hold space for internal conversations and dialogue.”

Brattle Theatre’s Best of 2023 Series

If you want to catch up on the best movies from the previous year and impress your colleagues at the office Oscar pool, the Brattle Theatre offers the “Best of 2023” series. Additionally, you can check out the annual Oscar nominated shorts programs at the Coolidge or Institute of Contemporary Art.

Other Film Offerings to Consider

Here are some other film festivals and events happening this winter:

• When: Jan. 13-21
  Where: Various locations in Cambridge, West Newton, Arlington, and online
  Highlights: This festival caters to kids and adults alike, with films that explore diverse cultural identities. It also offers opportunities for budding young filmmakers to learn about the craft. Subtitles will be available for all non-English films.
• When: Jan. 19-25
  Where: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston and MassArt Design & Media Center
  Highlights: This festival resumes after the Israel-Hamas war, featuring films that provide a platform for Palestinian voices to be heard. A live musical performance will accompany the screening of an Arabic film.
• When: Jan. 19-Feb. 25
  Where: Harvard Film Archive
  Highlights: The Harvard Film Archive presents a retrospective of Ousmane Sembène’s films, showcasing the works of the “father of African cinema.”
• When: Thursday nights, Jan. 25-Apr. 18
  Where: Emerson’s Bright Family Screening Room
  Highlights: Emerson College’s Bright Lights Film Series offers a variety of films, often with ties to the college. The series aims to provide a platform for diverse voices and stories. Post-film discussions with filmmakers and faculty members are included.
• When: Jan. 27-Feb. 4
  Where: Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
  Highlights: This ongoing film series at the MFA focuses on documentaries about artists and their creative processes. From famous painters to unconventional artists, these films provide a unique perspective into the world of art.
• When: Jan. 28 & Feb. 11
  Where: Brattle Theatre
  Highlights: The Brattle Theatre hosts a festival dedicated to short-form experimental films. This is a great opportunity to explore avant-garde cinema and discover new artistic expressions.
• When: Feb. 2-3
  Where: The Cabot in Beverly
  Highlights: RoxFilm and Cinefest Latino Boston join forces to bring highlights from their festivals to The Cabot. These screenings offer a window into Latin American cinema and stories.
• When: Feb. 14-20
  Where: Somerville Theatre and online
  Highlights: Celebrate the 49th anniversary of sci-fi movies and culture at the Cyberpunk Sweethearts Ball. The festival also includes a 24-hour movie marathon and special guests.
• When: March 1-3 in person; March 4-18 online
  Where: ArtsEmerson’s Paramount Center and online
  Highlights: This festival showcases contemporary films from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, offering a glimpse into Baltic cinema. Filmmakers are often present at the screenings.

These film festivals provide a unique opportunity to explore different cultures, perspectives, and cinematic art forms. Whether you’re interested in international cinema, thought-provoking documentaries, or experimental films, there is something for everyone this winter.