SCROLL DOWN ON THE PAGE TO SEE EACH FILM IN THE SCHEDULE

DJ AHMET

January 5, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

99 minutes, North Macedonia, Czech Republic, Serbia, Croatia, 2025, Turkish, Macedonian

DJ Ahmet is a heartwarming 2025 coming-of-age dramedy set in a remote Yörük farming community in North Macedonia, exploring the clash between tradition and modernity. The film centers on Ahmet (Arif Jakup), a 15-year-old shepherd, who finds salvation from his difficult daily grind in electronic dance music.

Saddled with shepherding responsibilities and caring for his non-verbal younger brother, Naim, Ahmet’s life takes a turn when he falls for Aya (Dora Akan Zlatanova), a girl from Germany who is already promised to someone else through an arranged marriage. Seeking to impress her and defy his community’s rigid customs, Ahmet and Naim work to transform him into "DJ Ahmet," even adapting a tractor into a mobile DJ setup for the local festival.

The story blends family conflict, cultural clashes, and the universal desire for self-expression, as Ahmet navigates his father’s expectations and his first experience with love. The film traces the human need to express oneself and how art can become both a refuge and a catalyst for change. Directed by Georgi M. Unkovski, it premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the World Cinema Dramatic Audience Award and a Special Jury Award for Creative Vision, making it an authentic tale about finding your own voice amidst strict expectations.

Between the blurring brass score and the fist-pumping techno tracks, which crescendo into an explosive ending that appears to rebalance Ahmet’s world, the revolution in DJ Ahmet is thumping. Robert Daniels, RogerEbert.com

A real crowd-pleaser and feel-good movie that invites you to become the "pink" sheep of the family. Yes, you will meet that literal sheep in the movie, but, in a way, so are Ahmet and Aya. Marta Medina Perez, mundocine

FAMILIAR TOUCH

January 12, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

90 minutes, USA, 2025, English

Familiar Touch is a gorgeous drama with an open, aching heart, marking a breathtaking feature directorial debut for writer and director Sarah Friedland, who showcases an assured narrative voice. Friedland fills each frame with vibrant colors and an emphasis on carefully prepared food, which acts as a grounding "home" for the protagonist, Ruth. Cinematographer Gabe C. Elder creates a dreamlike world for Ruth to inhabit, allowing the camera to drift through the nursing home and observe its residents, at times making the audience feel as lost in time and space as Ruth does.

The screenplay grapples with the struggle for dignity that residents want and deserve, while still acknowledging the reality of their increasing physical and cognitive limitations. Kathleen Chalfant is a revelation as Ruth, taking the audience by the hand through the many faces of the woman. H. Jon Benjamin gives a heartbreaking performance as her son, Steve, grappling with being an authority figure for the first time. Carolyn Michelle Smith is also a standout as Vanessa, the curious and supportive nurse. This small indie reminds us of the depths of emotion that can be experienced onscreen without grand theater dramatics.

The power of a beautiful story, simply told, with love has rarely been more present than in Familiar Touch. Dave Giannini, Geek Vibes nation

Delicate and dance-like, tactile and sensual, Familiar Touch is an entrancing look at old age, sure, but also the pleasures of rhythm, routine and sharing personal space. Simon Miraudo, Movie Squad

IT WAS JUST AN ACCIDENT

January 19, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

105 minutes, Iran, France, Luxembourg, 2025, Persian, English

It Was Just an Accident is a quietly devastating psychological and political thriller that offers a powerful and urgent meditation on guilt, morality, and the ripple effects of chance. From acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, this Palme d'Or winner is celebrated by critics for its spare elegance, emotional force, and moral clarity.

The film plunges audiences into subtle tension from the opening shots. It centers on Vahid, an unassuming auto mechanic and former political prisoner who recognizes the distinctive squeak of his former, sadistic torturer's prosthetic leg when the man arrives at his shop after a minor car accident. Acting on impulse, Vahid kidnaps the man, nicknamed "Peg Leg," intending to bury him alive in a remote desert location. When the captive denies the accusations, Vahid begins a dark, often absurd, road trip around Tehran to gather other former prisoners to confirm the identity.

This journey forces the disparate group to debate whether to seek violent revenge or find a more humane form of justice, all while navigating the logistical challenges of hiding their prisoner. The narrative builds to a powerful, complex, and haunting conclusion, leaving the audience to question the true nature of justice and the lingering impact of systemic abuse long after the credits roll. Panahi masterfully keeps viewers in his grasp, crafting a controlled film about the unforeseen costs of our choices.

Bursting with humanity and dark humor, it’s a sharply well-acted, written and directed modern thriller that grapples with urgently existential questions of justice, violence and resistance. Chase Hutchinson, Seattle Times

It's a clever tale that wrestles with morality, asking pointed questions about how society can break a destructive cycle. So while it's thoroughly engaging, and often hilarious, the film is also bracingly timely. Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall

The way Panahi blends suspense with dark humor is a skill we haven’t seen displayed so skillfully since perhaps the best days of Alfred Hitchcock. Sean P. Means, The Movie Cricket

PEAK EVERYTHING

January 26, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

100 minutes, Anne Émond, Canada, 2025, French, English

Peak Everything (French title, Amour Apocalypse) is an inventive and charming comedy-drama from director Anne Émond that blends modern anxiety and apocalyptic dread with a heartwarming love story. The film centers on Adam (Patrick Hivon), a kind-hearted, hypersensitive Montreal kennel owner grappling with severe eco-anxiety and depression. When he calls customer support for a faulty lamp, he connects with Tina (Piper Perabo), an Ontarian service rep with a warm voice. This instant connection sparks hope, leading Adam to embark on an adventurous, bilingual road trip to find her, even as the world around them seems to tremble with natural disasters.

Critics have lauded this delightful film, which suggests there's no better time to open your heart than when the world seems on the cusp of collapse. The winsome pairing of Hivon and Perabo is a highlight, expertly balancing dry humor with heartfelt moments. The narrative is praised for its authenticity, stemming from Émond's personal experience with COVID-era depression. It is an engaging exploration of human connection as the most important thing, offering a vital and charming look at life, love, and finding hope amidst chaos.

Patrick Hivon is consistently funny and relatable as the inept and put-upon Adam. Monica Reid, Far Out Magazine

I think we all need to be reminded that what is really important in life is the people we love, the impact we can make on the lives of others, and the communities that we can invest in. Marya E. Gates, RogerEbert.com

ELEANOR THE GREAT

February 2, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

98 minutes, USA, 2025, English

Eleanor the Great is a moving dramedy, Scarlett Johansson's directorial debut, starring June Squibb as 94-year-old Eleanor Morgenstein. After losing her best friend in Florida, Eleanor moves to New York City for a fresh start. Struggling with loneliness, she wanders into a support group for Holocaust survivors and, instead of correcting a misunderstanding, begins to recount her late friend Bessie’s harrowing survival story as her own.

She bonds with Nina, a 19-year-old journalism student who has also experienced loss. When Nina’s father, a news anchor, broadcasts Eleanor's false testimony, the lie spirals out of control, damaging her relationships and forcing her to confront her need for connection and honesty. The film explores themes of aging, grief, and reinvention.

Eleanor the Great is both funnier and more heartbreaking than expected, offering a full cinematic meal about grief and unlikely connections. Anchored by a luminous performance from June Squibb, the film is a tender reminder that it's never too late to start over. It is an incredible movie that expertly blends humor, heartbreak, and hope, earning praise at film festivals. The authentic feel is heightened by the focus on a character over 90, a rare choice for a directorial debut, proving Scarlett Johansson's notable talent behind the camera.

Following last year’s unconventional revenge movie, 'Thelma,' June Squibb continues to garner adoration for her touching roles and inspiring spunk. Sarah Gopaul, Digital Journal

With scene-stealing performances from Squibb and Kellyman, this movie is worth a watch for them and the rest of the cast alone. All in all, Eleanor the Great is an enjoyable movie that is sure to tug at your heartstrings. Britany Murphy, Muses of Media

THE BALTIMORONS

February 9, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

100 minutes, USA, 2025, English

The Baltimorons is a bittersweet holiday romance from writer-director Jay Duplass, marking his return to independent filmmaking. The story follows Cliff (Michael Strassner), a newly sober, down-on-his-luck former improv comedian. On Christmas Eve, after an absurd, failed suicide attempt, he chips a tooth and is forced to seek emergency dental care. He finds Didi (Liz Larsen), a sharp-witted, divorced dentist depressed about her ex-husband's remarriage. After her car is towed, Cliff convinces Didi to give him a ride to the impound lot, leading to an unexpected odyssey through Baltimore as the two lost souls navigate personal traumas.

The film is a heartfelt exploration of finding companionship in unexpected places. The review notes that co-writer and star Michael Strassner gives himself a tailor-made breakout role as the "sad sack" Cliff, portraying his struggles with addiction and an unsatisfying career path with authenticity. Liz Larsen provides a strong counterbalance as Didi. The narrative is praised for its balance of tenderness and humor, suggesting that even broken people can find pieces that fit together. It’s a compelling look at vulnerability and connection.

The Baltimorons is an emotionally resonant indie film about two lost souls who find connection on Christmas Eve. Jay Duplass’ first directorial effort without his brother Mark bears the elegant simplicity of a life spent learning how to make good indie movies. Michael Strassner gives a tailor-made breakout role, while Liz Larsen provides a strong counterbalance. The film ensures you’ll be rooting for its May-December romance, balancing tenderness with the harsh realities of holiday blues. It is a solid argument that everyone is only a dental catastrophe away from turning everything around.

Effortlessly charming, warm, and funny, The Baltimorons is one of the best underdog surprises of 2025. John Stark, Mac the Movie Guy

Bittersweet, tender and funny. If you're looking for a refreshingly un-Hollywood romantic dramedy, look no further than The Baltimorons. It's a great comfort movie and deserves to become a new Christmas classic much like The Holdovers. Avi Offer, NYC Movie Guru

SHOOK

February 16, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

113 minutes, Canada, 2024, English

Shook is a Canadian fiction feature that follows Ashish ("Ash") Usmani (Saamer Usmani), an aspiring writer in suburban Scarborough facing a quarter-life crisis. Recently graduated but struggling to publish his novella, Ash's life is further complicated by his parents' recent divorce. The main story begins when his estranged father, Vijay (Bernard White), reveals a Parkinson's diagnosis, forcing Ash to take on a caregiving role. Simultaneously, he meets Claire (Amy Forsyth), a free-spirited barista new to Toronto, and their romance highlights the tension between his suburban reality and his desire for a "city" life.

The film is an ode to the polyglot nature of big cities, using authentic local details to explore themes of identity, generational divides, and familial love. Directed by Amar Wala, it's praised for its charming, complicated characters and realistic portrayals, managing to balance tenderness and humor with the harsh realities of young adult life. Usmani authentically portrays Ash's internal conflict and struggle with decision-making capacity. It's an engaging exploration of finding one's path amidst chaos, capturing the complexities of growing up.

The humanity that Wala and co-writer Adnan Khan use to entwine every character and moment in the film forms universal connective tissues all audiences can hold onto. Rachel Ho, Exclaim!

Shook is a charming and often funny low-key look at mid-20s life, complete with romance, aging parents, career concerns and the anxiety of missing the last train home to the suburbs. Richard Crouse

BLUE MOON

February 23, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

100 minutes, USA, 2025, English

Blue Moon, directed by Richard Linklater, is a biographical comedy-drama unfolding entirely over the single evening of March 31, 1943. It captures one of the last nights in the life of legendary lyricist Lorenz Hart (Ethan Hawke), who confronts his shattered self-confidence in Sardi's bar as his former collaborator, Richard Rodgers, celebrates the opening night of his hit musical Oklahoma! A self-destructive alcoholic, Hart holds court with a bartender (Bobby Cannavale) and pianist (Jonah Lees), grappling with professional jealousy and personal failures, feeling overshadowed by his former partner's new success with Oscar Hammerstein II. The story is a witty, yet deeply melancholy, account of a "flawed genius" at the end of his life.

The film has been praised as one of Linklater's finest dramedies and a fascinating exploration of the frailty of the artist. The review calls the first, long scene a "gem" and highlights Ethan Hawke's "remarkable" performance, which conveys a dizzying blend of intellect and anxiety. It effectively captures the heart of a writer whose fame and passion "stopped returning his calls." The production is buoyed by strong performances and a sharp script by Robert Kaplow, offering a powerful character study rooted in a single location and night.

For all Hawke’s storied history with Richard Linklater, this might be their finest collaboration yet. A profound, bittersweet rhapsody to the power of words and music. Stephen Trousse, Uncut Magazine (UK)

Hawke is so masterful in portraying the unfulfilled yearnings of this musical great’s public and private ambitions that the emotional weight of it all stays with you well after the credits roll. George Simpson, Daily Express (UK)

SENTIMENTAL VALUE

March 2, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

132 minutes, Norway, Germany, Denmark, France, Sweden, UK, 2025, English, Norwegian

Sentimental Value, directed by Joachim Trier, is a poignant, darkly comic comedy-drama exploring fractured family ties and artistic ambition. The film centers on an acclaimed film director, Gustav (Stellan Skarsgård), who returns to his childhood home with plans to shoot a deeply personal biopic about his family history, disrupting the lives of his estranged daughters, Nora (Renate Reinsve) and Agnes.

Nora, a celebrated actress battling anxiety and resentment from her father’s past neglect, refuses the lead role. Gustav proceeds anyway, casting an eager young Hollywood star, Rachel Kemp (Elle Fanning), which exacerbates the tense situation. The "film-within-a-film" dynamic forces the family to confront their legacy of abandonment until Nora, moved by her father's vulnerability in the script, agrees to star in the film, suggesting art can bridge generational gaps.

The film has been critically acclaimed as an intimate, moving, and often funny exploration of how art can process trauma. Reviewers note it recalls Ingmar Bergman, cementing Trier's status as a master. The film won the Grand Prix at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival for its nuanced portrait of a dysfunctional family.

The acting could not be better in this new film landmark spiked with laughs that can suddenly—or maybe not for hours or even days later—leave you choking with tears. Peter Travers, The Travers Take

A heart-swelling and unexpectedly humor-filled tale that will break you before it makes you whole again. You will leave the movie with a newfound gratitude for all that cinema can do. Tomris Laffly

BAD SHABBOS

March 9, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

84 minutes, USA, 2024, English

Bad Shabbos is a frantic dark comedy centered on an interfaith couple, Mitch (Jon Bass) and Shira (Meghan Leathers), or David and Meg, whose first Shabbat dinner with their parents goes disastrously wrong. Tensions are already present due to the culture clash between the modern Jewish hosts and their Catholic in-laws from Wisconsin. Before the guests arrive, a minor conflict escalates, leading to the accidental death of an obnoxious ex-boyfriend/brother's boyfriend, Benjamin. The family panics and attempts a chaotic, farcical cover-up to maintain a façade of normalcy for the arriving guests, transforming a family introduction into a high-stakes scramble involving improvised prayers and a stoic doorman (Method Man).

Tribeca Festival audience award winner "Bad Shabbos" is an entertaining, fast-paced comedy praised for its blend of "Meet the Parents"-style awkwardness and dark humor. Reviewers note it's a controlled film that balances tenderness and humor with a "Weekend at Bernie's" style cover-up. Director Daniel Robbins handles themes of family loyalty, balancing secular and religious lives, and a dead body in the bathroom without falling into shtick. A strong ensemble cast nails the tasty dialogue and increasingly frantic action, making it an authentic and vital comedy about human connection and chaos.

A culturally specific yet universally funny story that builds into a deliciously madcap crescendo of escalating disasters, this brisk, breezy comedy with a distinctly Jewish flavor hits all the right notes on family, faith, and identity. Louisa Moore, Screen Zealots

...a sly brew of stealth, bold decisions so bizarre and funny they would be unbelievable except for Cliff the doorman whose sheer brilliance mimics a runaway train. It opens corny and silly, quickly becomes edgy and the third act – wow! Anne Brodie, What She Said

THE CHORAL

March 16, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

The Choral is an inspiring drama set in a British town during the darkest days of the First World War. When the war effort depletes the male ranks of the local choral society, the remaining members recruit adolescent boys to perform Edward Elgar’s challenging oratorio, The Dream of Gerontius. They hire the demanding Dr. Henry Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes), a controversial figure due to his appreciation for German culture. Under his strict guidance, the disparate group, including a wounded soldier, finds the transcendent joys of singing together while steeling themselves for impending conscription. The film contrasts the beauty of music with the grim realities of war and social issues like class division.

This is the first original screenplay in over 40 years by Alan Bennett, directed by Nicholas Hytner. The review notes the film is a "twinkly fusion" of wartime resilience and "let's-put-on-a-show" tropes. It largely takes Dr. Guthrie's side that "art counts for a lot more than patriotism." Despite a "deceptively buttery gloss," the film explores deep contrasts and conflicts through the lens of a community using art to process anxieties and generate hope.

With an original screenplay by 91-year-old icon Alan Bennett, this rousing British period drama is packed with colourful people, moving subplots, glorious music and spectacular Yorkshire scenery. Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall

Poignant and heart-warming stuff. Laura Stott, The Sun (UK)

COLOURS OF TIME

March 23, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

124 minutes, France, Belgium, 2025, French

Colours of Time (French: La Venue de l'avenir), a 2025 film by Cédric Klapisch, is a period drama/coming-of-age story that follows four modern-day distant cousins. Upon inheriting an abandoned house in rural Normandy, untouched since the 1940s, they discover artifacts that allow them to piece together the life of their ancestor, a mysterious woman named Adèle Vermillard.

The narrative interweaves two timelines: 1895 Paris, where a young Adèle navigates the bohemian art world and modernity, and 2024, where the cousins reflect on their own lives. The film suggests that while times change, fundamental human experiences remain constant, using the past to inform the present.

The film has been praised as an inventive, cleverly structured, and beautifully written thoroughly engaging story. Writer-director Klapisch makes his long-awaited Cannes debut with this delightful drama, which is enlivened by a terrific ensemble cast. It's a controlled film that connects past and present generations through shared experiences and family secrets, offering an authentic and vital look at life, love, and identity across two centuries.

With great warmth and a touch of humor, the French director delivers a playful meditation on the passage of time, family ties, and the legacy of art. Belen Prieto, Espinof

A charming, visually rich time-travel fantasia elevated by Suzanne Lindon’s luminous performance and Klapisch’s playful mise-en-scène. Occasionally too whimsical, but irresistibly warm-hearted and culturally sharp. Dionar Hidalgo, Algo Mas Que Cine

MY MOTHER’S WEDDING

March 30, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

95 minutes, UK, 2025, English

My Mother's Wedding is a comedy-drama film that explores family dynamics, grief, and second chances. Directed by and starring Kristin Scott Thomas as the mother, Diana, the story centers on the reunion of her three adult daughters in rural England for Diana's third marriage. Each sister—Katherine (Scarlett Johansson), Victoria (Sienna Miller), and Georgina (Emily Beecham)—brings personal turmoil to the event. The wedding weekend forces the women to confront old resentments and the unspoken grief from the deaths of their two Navy pilot fathers.

The film is a poignant and authentic exploration of family bonds and the courage required to embrace imperfection and move forward. The strong ensemble cast delivers compelling performances, expertly navigating the film's balance of humor and emotional sincerity. The use of black-and-white animated flashbacks adds a unique, artistic touch to childhood memories. As a delightful and resonant take on the "dysfunctional family gathering" genre, "My Mother's Wedding" offers a charming and vital look at life, love, and the enduring strength of family connections.

Thomas, pulling from her own experiences, understood the assignment and delivered a nice warm blanket, sprinkling in the right amount of laughs in My Mother's Wedding. Ricky Valero, FandomWire

Kristin Scott Thomas' directorial debut "My Mother's Wedding," is a confident first go from behind the camera, an engaging family drama that wisely doesn't overstay its welcome and deftly balances subtle humour with genuine poignancy. Charles Koplinski, Reel Talk with Chuck and Pam

KOLN 75

April 6, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

116 minutes, Germany, Belgium, Poland, 2025, German, English

Köln 75 is a compelling, entertaining film based on the true story of 18-year-old Vera Brandes (played by Mala Emde), who defies her conservative parents to organize a 1975 concert by jazz pianist Keith Jarrett (played by John Magaro) in Cologne. Operating in a male-dominated music world, Brandes puts everything on the line. The central conflict unfolds when Jarrett arrives to find an inferior, partially broken rehearsal piano instead of the specific Bösendorfer Imperial grand piano he requested. Despite his extreme reluctance, he is persuaded to perform on the flawed instrument. This impromptu performance's recording becomes "The Köln Concert," the best-selling solo album in jazz history.

The film effectively captures the high-stakes, behind-the-scenes drama and the "punk rock spirit" of Brandes as she scrambles against all odds. It is a larky, sometimes facetious film that above all celebrates Brandes and the rebellious spirit she represents, here energetically embodied by Mala Emde. With an engagingly spiky performance by John Magaro as Jarrett, the film uses a unique narrative style to provide context and is likely to strike a chord with curious non-specialist audiences, making it an authentic and vital look at a legendary musical moment.

A vivid vehicle for a dynamic, often very funny Emde who, at 28, is convincing as a wide-eyed, sharp-mouthed teenage force of nature. Jonathan Romney, Screen International

A PRIVATE LIFE

April 13, 2026, 7:30pm at Tilley Hall, UNB Campus

103 minutes, France, 2025, French

A Private Life (French title: Vie privée), directed by Rebecca Zlotowski, is a black comedy mystery thriller starring Jodie Foster as Lilian Steiner, a renowned American psychoanalyst in Paris. Lilian's world is disrupted when her patient, Paula (Virginie Efira), dies in an apparent suicide. Convinced of foul play, Lilian begins an obsessive, amateur investigation that pushes the boundaries of professional ethics. She seeks help from her ex-husband (Daniel Auteuil), and the film blurs lines between a mystery, psychological thriller, and character study as Lilian confronts her own neuroses and inability to listen, providing therapy for herself in the process.

Hailed by critics for its sensitivity and layered performances, the film is a powerful work of quiet power and striking resonance. Zlotowski brings her signature intimacy and emotional precision to a film that offers a rare portrait of private lives lived under public pressures. Viewers will be moved by its humanity and the way it transforms the personal into the profoundly universal. The film balances intrigue and comedy, keeping the viewer guessing about the true circumstances of Paula's death while exploring themes of regret, relationships, and self-discovery.

Director Rebecca Zlotowski and cowriter Anne Berest pack the narrative with twists and turns that keep us guessing about the truth. Rich Cline, Shadows on the Wall

A standout performance from Jodie Foster leads A Private Life, an amusing murder mystery tale that delivers a quirky script. Bethany Lola, Loud and Clear Reviews

This up-tempo comedic murder mystery is a breezy, fun means of showcasing delicious chemistry between legendary actors Zhuo-Ning Su, The Film Stage