In 2025 the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society and its Headquarters, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, received the “Best of the Vineyard” award in the category of “Movie Theater, Festival, or Series.” 2025 marks the 13th year in a row that the Film Center has won this prestigious distinction as voted on by the community. It also won the Best Arts & Culture Organization on Martha’s Vineyard. As of December 2021, the Marthas Vineyard Film Society officially purchased the Marthas Vineyard Film Center to use for all future events and screenings! Below you will find videos and photographs from a variety of events that helped earn the Film Center this honor in every year since its opening in 2012. The chronological order of the gallery descends from present/recent past to less recent past beginning in 2013.
On Sunday April 12 we hosted a screening of the documentary THE HAND THAT HOLDS THE LINE, followed by a panel discussion with the filmmakers and representatives from the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance and the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust
On Sunday April 12 we hosted a fundraiser for Garden Gate Child Development Center at Featherstone, raising $1,340 with a screening of the 2016 animated musical “SING”
This April we were happy to host an opening reception, in collaboration with Featherstone Center for the Arts, for the Artist Marthe Rowen, whose new show is up from April 6-April 26 in the Feldman Family Art Space in our lobby.
At our third and final SCIENCE ON SCREEN® show of the season, we were joined at the film center by professor Mattitiyahu Zimbler, from the Department of Psychology and Neuroscience at Boston College, who gave a presentation entitled “It’s All Harry’s Fault: Gender Differences in Heterosexual Cross-Sex Friendship” before a screening of the 1989 classic Romantic Comedy WHEN HARRY MET SALLY…
On Sunday February 1st after a showing of THE CHORAL former Island Community Chorus director Peter Boak joined for us on stage for a Q&A.
At our second SCIENCE ON SCREEN® show of the season, we were joined at the film center by Dr. Yi Ming, Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Boston College, who gave a presentation entitled “Chasing Storms In a Car (or With AI?)” before a screening of the 2024 adventure film TWISTERS
At our first SCIENCE ON SCREEN® show of the new season, we had a virtual visit from Dr. Erin Macdonald, the official science advisor for the Star Trek franchise, who gave a presentation entitled “The Science of MultiVerses” before a screening of the new Science Fiction film ReENTRY
On Thursday, December 18th, 2025 director John Stimpson joined us for a live Q&A following a holiday screening of A CHERRY PIE CHRISTMAS
On Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 Screenwriter and author Ben Shattuck joined for a Q&A and book signing following a screening of THE HISTORY OF SOUND.
On Friday, November 14th, 2025 following a screening of KÖLN 75 Director Ido Fluk joined for a Zoom discussion.
The Vineyard Color Podcast: Ep 23 – Richard Paradise from the MV Film Society on celebrating Arts and Culture on Martha’s Vineyard by sharing his passion for films with the community
One Stupid Thing screened on Friday, October 17th 2025 as a part of the 7th Annual Women In Film Festival. The films director, Linda Yellen joined via Zoom for a post film discussion.
Fly With Me screened on Sunday, October 19th as a part of the 7th Annual Women In Film Festival. Co-director Sarah Colt joined in person for a discussion following the film.
Honeyjoon screened on Saturday, October 18th 2025 as a part of the 7th Annual Women In Film Festival. Director Lilian Mehrel joined for a Zoom Q&A following the film.
The Star I Lost screened on Saturday, October 18th 2025 as a part of the 7th Annual Women In Film Festival. Director Luz Orlando Brennan joined in-person for a Q&A following the film.
On September 13, 2025, after hosting a screening of the new documentary A MAN WITH SOLE: The Impact of Kenneth Cole, we were joined by Kenneth Cole and Maria Cuomo-Cole for a live discussion on stage at the MV Film Center
Miss Molly Dazzle delights filmgoers at the closing night party for the 20th Annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival in September. CLICK HERE to view the full photo gallery (Password = MVIFF2025)
On Saturday, September 6th, as part of the 20th Annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival the MV Film Society screened THE DATING GAME. A film about 3 perpetual bachelors taking part in an intensive dating camp led by one of China’s most sought after dating coaches. The filmmaker Violet Du Feng joined in person for a Q&A following the film.
We were thrilled to have several of the filmmakers join us for the 20th Annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival in September, including the directors of 5 of our finalists in the International Juried Shorts Competition.
We were thrilled to have several of the filmmakers join us for the 20th Annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival in September. Following the screening of CHECKPOINT ZOO on Tuesday, September 2nd, Director Josh Zeman visited via Zoom for a Q&A.
Check out the trailer for the 20th Annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival in September.
We spoke to director Monica Stambrini about her film TENGA DURO SIGNORINA: ISABELLA DUCTOR UNLIMITED which featured at this year’s DOCUMENTARY WEEK
During DOCUMENTARY WEEK, we hosted a screening of THE STRINGER followed by a Q&A with director Bao Nguyen, photojournalist Gary Knight, producer Fiona Turner, and moderated by journalist Charl
We were proud to present WOMEN & THE WIND with director, producer, and subject Kiana Weltzien as part of DOCUMENTARY WEEK
During DOCUMENTARY WEEK, we were honored to screen DEAF PRESIDENT NOW, followed by a Q&A with co-director Davis Guggenheim
The great Livingston Taylor played not one, but two live concerts at the Film Center this summer!
This summer was the 50th anniversary of the release of JAWS. We hosted 2 screenings of the new documentary JAWS at 50: THE DEFINITIVE INSIDE STORY. On June 25th we were joined by cast member Jeffrey Kramer, who played Deputy Lenny Hendricks in the original film. Both nights were sold out member-exclusive events that helped raise funds for Shark conservation efforts.
This summer was the 50th anniversary of the release of JAWS. We hosted 2 screenings of the new documentary JAWS at 50: THE DEFINITIVE INSIDE STORY. On June 22 we were joined by Wendy Benchley. Both nights were sold out member-exclusive events that helped raise funds for Shark conservation efforts.
On Sunday, June 29th, music producer Fred Mollin joined us for an author reading and book signing of his memoir Unplugged. He discussed his career in record production, film composing, and much more. The talk was moderated by actress Caryn Richman, as part of the FILMUSIC FESTIVAL
On Thursday June 26th we kicked off our 13th annual FILMUSIC FESTIVAL with a screening of IT’S NEVER OVER: JEFF BUCKLEY. Filmmaker Amy Berg joined our own Richard Paradise on stage after the film for a lively discussion and audience Q & A!
In honor of the anniversary of D-Day, we were joined by producer Charles Pinck to present four short documentaries about the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). After the screening Charles was joined by a panel of local veterans for a discussion. This was a collaborative event with Island Housing Trust, with most of the proceeds going directly to new Veteran’s housing on the island.
On Thursday, May 15th we were thrilled to welcome two-time Eisner Award winner and internationally recognized cartoonist Paul Karasik to the Film Center for his event NOVEL TO GRAPHIC NOVEL: THE ART OF ADAPTATION, where he discussed the process of adapting Paul Auster’s opus the NEW YORK TRILOGY. The Guardian has dubbed the 3-in-1 New York Trilogy volume, “…a stone-cold masterpiece.”
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Center was thrilled to have Peter Minkarah and Patrick Garrigan, two of the stars of EEPHUS, in person for a Q&A following a screening on April 10th.
MVFS raised $1810 in gross proceeds from screening the 2025 NY Cat & Dog Film Festivals and holding an auction fundraiser, 20% of which went directly to the Animal Shelter of Martha’s Vineyard.
At our third and final SCIENCE ON SCREEN® show of the year, John P. Donoghue, Henry Merritt Wriston Professor of Neuroscience at Brown University, gave a presentation entitled “Merging Brains & Machines” before a screening of Werner Herzog’s THEATER OF THOUGHT
On Sunday, March 16, MVFS partnered with Island Children’s school for a screening of BABE, the delightful 1995 family film. The event was very well attended and raised nearly $2,000 for a much-needed renovation of the school’s playground.
On Sunday, March 9th the MV Film Society hosted a screening of ONE BAD CRAB, in support of Tisbury Waterways, Inc. We raised $2,190 for the nonprofit. The event included a discussion with shellfish experts and a lovely wine reception in the lobby.
On Friday, March 7th, 2025 the MV Film Center hosted 150+ MVRHS students and teachers for a screening of the Oscar winning film for Best International Feature, I’M STILL HERE. Students from the World Studies and ESL classes watched Brazilian film I’M STILL HERE which is based on the true story of a mother and activist coping with the forced disappearance of her husband, the dissident politician Rubens Paiva during the military dictatorship in Brazil. MVFS has opened its doors to a number of screenings for students at various times throughout the academic year.
At a recent SCIENCE ON SCREEN® show, Baylor Fox-Kemper, Professor of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences at Brown University, gave a presentation entitled “The Real-Life Aquatic with Sea Level, Heating, and Acidification (and What You Can Do)” before a screening of THE LIFE AQUATIC with STEVE ZISSOU
At our first SCIENCE ON SCREEN® event of the season, John Huth, Donner Professor of Science at Harvard University, gave a presentation entitled “The Rise of Aeronautics and Weather Predictions: From Ben Franklin to Project Manhigh” before a screening of THE AERONAUTS
On October 24, 2024, we screened the Wim Wenders’ classic PARIS, TEXAS – followed by a live discussion with Art Director Kate Altman.
Director Nick Budabin and DP/Producer Matt Elkind zoomed in with us to talk more about their documentary, GREAT WHITE SUMMER, and were joined by three individual’s featured in the film.
During the 19th annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival, we were joined by Director German Karl via Zoom, who spoke about his film ADIÓS BUENOS AIRES
During the 19th annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival, we were thrilled to be joined by Director/Producer Sandi DuBowski, who spoke with Rabbi Caryn B. Broitman after a screening of his film SABBATH QUEEN
After a screening of ELIZABETH TAYLOR THE HIDDEN TAPES, we chatted onstage with director Nanette Burstein!
We spoke with producer Christina Weiss Lurie after a screening of WIDOW CLIQUOT
We were thrilled to host a screening of the short film MY FATHER’S NAME, followed by a wonderful discussion live on our stage with director Susanna Styron, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Charlayne Hunter-Gault and Rabbi Caryn Broitman.
Congrats to all the youth filmmakers who took part in this year’s Youth Filmmakers Camp!
For the second year in a row we hosted a fascinating evening featuring FINDING YOUR ROOTS, the ongoing series from Henry Louis Gates Jr. This year’s guest was none other than LeVar Burton from Roots, Reading Rainbow and Star Trek: The Next Generation.
We hosted a screening of the new film Albany Road followed by a Q&A with writer and director Christine Swanson, producer Michael Swanson and cast Renée Elise Goldsberry and Lisa Arrindell
Sponsored by the Black Irish Alumni on the Vineyard
During our annual MV DOCUMENTARY WEEK we hosted a wonderful screening of PORCELAIN WAR followed by a discussion with co-director Slava Leontyev, producer Paula DuPre’ Pesmen and subject Anya Stasenko!
We were overjoyed to welcome co-director Miao Wang for a Q&A following her excellent new film ADMISSIONS GRANTED during our annual MV DOCUMENTARY WEEK.
We were thrilled to host a screening of the excellent new documentary SUGARCANE during our annual MV DOCUMENTARY WEEK, followed by a Q&A with co-directors Julian Brave NoiseCat and Emily Kassie.
During our annual MV DOCUMENTARY WEEK, we hosted a screening of DONYALE LUNA: SUPERMODEL, followed by a Q&A with producer Isoul Harris and moderator Donnell Baldwin
We were thrilled to play the classic Romantic Comedy AMERICAN DREAMER and follow it up with a great discussion on stage with the star of the film, JoBeth Williams!
During our annual MV DOCUMENTARY WEEK, we hosted a screening of GIRLS STATE, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss.
Recently we screened the new action/comedy Thelma and then chatted with director Nicholas Weinstock via Zoom.
During the FILMUSIC FESTIVAL, we hosted a screening of the excellent new doc LUTHER: NEVER TOO MUCH, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Dawn Porter.
During the FILMUSIC FESTIVAL, we hosted a screening of CABIN MUSIC, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker and musician James Carson.
During the FILMUSIC FESTIVAL, we hosted a screening of THE 9 LIVES OF BARBARA DANE, followed by a Q&A with producer Jed Riffe.
One recent example of our many collaborative efforts within the community, in June we worked with Hospice and Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and Edgartown Books to put on a screening of the recent PBS Documentary BEING MORTAL, followed by a panel discussion led by Donald Berwick, MD.
On June 16 2024, we were proud to screen THE JEWISH JAIL LADY AND THE HOLY THIEF, followed by a discussion with director Barry Rosenthal
On June 12 2024, we were thrilled to screen iMORDECAI, and follow it up with a Q&A with director Marvin Samel and executive Producer Marty Nadler
In honor of the 8oth anniversary of D-Day, we hosted a free event for Veterans, a screening of THE GIRL WHO WORE FREEDOM, followed by a discussion with Sound Designer Jason Hoban
On the final night of the Martha’s Vineyard Environmental Film Festival, we hosted a screening of DOWNWIND, and then spoke to the director Mark Shapiro
During the Martha’s Vineyard Environmental Film Festival, we hosted a screening of FARMING WHILE BLACK, followed by a discussion with director Mark Decena and producer Lynn Waymer
During the Martha’s Vineyard Environmental Film Festival, we hosted a screening of WE’RE ALL PLASTIC PEOPLE NOW, followed by a discussion with director Rory Fielding and Dr. David Davis from the University of Miami School of Medicine Brain Bank, Sam Look, Executive Director of the Vineyard Conservation Society, Laurisa Rich (activist) and Quinlan Slavin (a teen involved with Plastic Free MV initiative)
On May 23rd, during the Martha’s Vineyard Environmental Film Festival, we hosted a screening of EVERY LITTLE THING, and then spoke to Luanne Johnson, conservation biologist and the founder of BiodiversityWorks
On May 23rd, during the Martha’s Vineyard Environmental Film Festival, we hosted a screening of SONGS OF EARTH, and then spoke to Sam Look, Executive Director of the Vineyard Conservation Society
On May 24th, during the Martha’s Vineyard Environmental Film Festival, we hosted a screening of GIANTS RISING, and then spoke to Tim Boland, Executive Director of Polly Hill Arboretum
On May 10th, we hosted a screening of the American Masters film Marian Anderson: The Whole World In Her Hands. Following the film we were joined for a live discussion by the director, Rita Coburn, and Sandra Grymes, a niece of Marian Anderson.
On April 25, we hosted the third and final event of our Science On Screen Series. We screened the 2015 romantic drama THE AGE OF ADALINE, and prior to the film, longevity and movement coach Jim Lobley, MA gave a presentation entitled “Thinking About Movement From a Longevity Perspective: Putting Science Into Practice”
On April 9, we hosted a screening of FOOD, INC. 2 the sequel to the groundbreaking documentary FOOD, INC. Afterwards we were joined by Noli Taylor of Island Grown Initiative for a talk back about the farm industry and the problems of industrializing food production.
In April, we were thrilled to host a free Tisbury Grade School Family Movie Day for students and parents — facilitated by the Tisbury School Wellness Committee. Can you spot the Tisbury school mascot?
SCIENCE ON SCREEN® – ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND with Guest Speaker Dr. Andrew E. Budson
Neurologist Dr. Andrew E. Budson gave a presentation entitled
““Why We Forget and How to Remember Better”“
Andrew E. Budson, M.D. is Chief of Cognitive Behavioral Neurology and Director of the Center for Translational Cognitive Neuroscience at the Veterans Affairs (VA) Boston Healthcare System; Associate Director and Leader of the Outreach, Recruitment, and Engagement Core of the Boston University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center; Professor of Neurology at Boston University School of Medicine; and Lecturer in Neurology at Harvard Medical School. For Dr. Budson’s CV click here.
SCIENCE ON SCREEN® – LINOLEUM with Guest Speaker Dr. Philip Metzger
Planetary Scientist Dr. Philip Metzger gave a presentation entitled
“The Tragedy of the Commons in Space: Navigating the Growing Problems of Orbital Debris“
Dr. Philip Metzger is a planetary scientist and the director of the Stephen W. Hawking Center for Microgravity Research and Education at the University of Central Florida. He performs research and technology development for solar system exploration, including how rocket exhaust blows extraterrestrial soil, lunar resource utilization and construction, and enhancing public participation in space. The International Astronomical Union named Asteroid 36329 Philmetzger after him for his efforts to preserve the Apollo heritage sites on the Moon.
RED HOUSE is the island’s Peer Recovery Support Center. In honor of Recovery Awareness Month, and to help support such an important Island Resource; we collaborated with the organization, screening the documentary THE WISDOM OF TRAUMA. We successfully raised $2640 for Red House from the event. After the screening, an Expert Panel Discussion took our stage. If you missed the event and want to hear what was discussed, then you are in luck! We recorded this discussion, and it is up on our Vimeo.
We were honored to collaborate with the Martha’s Vineyard chapter of the NAACP on an event centered around the film RUSTIN, about the civil rights leader Bayard Rustin. A majority of the box office proceeds, $1050, went to support the chapter’s work on the Vineyard.
On December 3, 2023 we hosted a screening of BELUSHI. The event was a special fundraiser, with proceeds going toward helping the Film Center with the purchase of a new Christie 4K Laser Projector. A much needed upgrade to our projection system. Following the film, we were joined on stage for a wonderful discussion and performance by Judith Belushi Pisano.
In honor of Veterans Day, we were thrilled to host a fundraiser for affordable veteran’s housing on Martha’s Vineyard, in collaboration with Island Housing Trust. The event featured a screening of MENDING THE LINE, which was preceded by two short films and followed by a Q&A with Philippe Jordi of Island Housing Trust, Chaplain David Berube and Vietnam Veterans Paul Schultz and Mark Leonard. This event raised $2,060 for this worthy cause.
Jon Stetson returned to the #MVFILMCENTER October 15th for his Ladies Only Psychic Party. The ultimate “girls night out”, for women of all ages, a fun-filled experience where everyone Lived, Loved, Laughed, and Learned!
The #MVFILMCENTER hosted the world premiere of Oscar-nominated and long-time island residents, Kate Davis and David Heilbroner’s newest film, MARTHA’S VINEYARD VS DESANTIS. Produced by MSNBC Films, the story centers on four cousins from Venezuela who were sent to the Vineyard by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis who used an undercover recruiter to lure 49 migrants onto the island in 2022 with a false promise of jobs and housing.
The screening was followed by a riveting discussion moderated by journalist Charlie Sennott with lead attorneys Rachel Self and Ivan Espinoza-Madrigal, Mass. State Representative Dylan Fernandes, filmmakers Kate David and David Heilbroner, and local first responders to DeSantis’ stunt.
Link to the Q&A: https://vimeo.com/866953013
On September 9th, writer and director Brian Helgeland’s newest film, FINESTKIND, made its U.S. premiere at the #MVFILMCENTER as part of the MVIFF. After the screening, we were lucky to be joined by Producer Gary Foster and Brian, Zooming in all the way from Canada at the #TIFF, for a fascinating Q&A about the making of the film. Many thanks to the FINESTKIND team for the incredible opportunity for our festival audience!
Link to the Premiere Introduction: https://vimeo.com/862914844
Link to the Q&A: https://vimeo.com/865175344
MVIFF 2023 kicked off with the Opening Night Party on the beautiful waterfront lawn adjacent to Lagoon Pond. Champagne, wine, and beer were served along with dinner provided by Goldie’s Rotisserie Truck and dessert from Mad Martha’s Ice Cream. The party was followed by the Opening Night Film, THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS, from Italy.
The 18th annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival at the #MVFILMCENTER.
Wednesday to Sunday, September 5th – 10th.
Renowned scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. returned to the #MVFILMCENTER for a special screening of FINDING YOUR ROOTS. Gates presented an episode of the show featuring activist Angela Davis; and statesman Jeh Johnson, both of whom joined Gates on stage for a followup discussion.
Discussion link: https://vimeo.com/859995348
From August 14th – September 10th, the center featured the Gretchen V. Feldman Collection in the Feldman Family Artspace. Feldman lived and worked on Martha’s Vineyard from 1985 until her death from lung cancer in 2008. A lifelong fascination with the rich textures and colors of textiles, particularly quilts, can be seen in her brilliantly hued, semi-abstract paintings.
Artist website: http://gretchenfeldman.com/
Award-winning filmmaker Dawn Porter came to the #MVFILMCENTER for two screenings of her 2023 film, THE LADY BIRD DIARIES. The feature film looks at the 123 hours of personal and revealing audio diaries that Lady Bird recorded during her husband’s administration. Check out the Q&A with Dawn and Richard below.
Link to Q&A: https://vimeo.com/855201120
The #MVFILMCENTER hosted a Special Evening of Reading, Book Signing & Performance with Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III accompanied by Tony award winning co founder of Freestyle Love Supreme freestyle artists Anthony Veneziale, Aneesa Folds, and jazz keyboardist Richard Baskin.
Link to Discussion: https://vimeo.com/854192755
Link to Performance: https://vimeo.com/854189687
A summer showing of Liz White’s groundbreaking adaptation of Shakespeare’s “Othello.” Filmed on the Vineyard, the film showcased the talent and artistic capabilities of Black actors and filmmakers, paving the way for future generations in the industry. The event concluded with a Q&A with Douglas (“Stuart”) Gray (son of Douglas Gray), Shera Toledo (great-great granddaughter of Liz White), and Beny Ashburn (daughter of Benjamin Ashburn and CEO of Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.) and a happy hour sponsored by Crowns & Hops Brewing Co., the first Black-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned brewery, from Inglewood, Calif.
Link to Trailer: https://vimeo.com/815745445
On August 21st, we hosted a sold out screening of IN THE COMPANY OF ROSE with a special introduction from director James Lapine. Over six years of periodic meetings with Lapine, a three-time Tony-winning playwright and director, Rose shares the fascinating story of her complex life as a poet, journalist, human rights activist, and life partner to the great American novelist William Styron. The result is a tale infused with life wisdom for all ages.
Link to the Q&A: https://vimeo.com/859607266
Documentary Week ended with a screening of CIRQUE DU SOLEIL: WITHOUT A NET and a follow up Q&A with two-time Emmy and Murrow award winning documentary producer Sadie Bass.
Link to the Q&A: https://vimeo.com/853412908
Documentary Week continued with a screening of LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING. In the post screening Q&A, Award-winning director and producer Lisa Cortés and award-winning filmmaker, literary scholar, journalist, cultural critic, and institution builder Henry Louis Gates Jr., discussed the wealth of archives and performances used in Cortés’ film that brings the viewer into Richard’s complicated inner world.
Link to the Q&A: https://vimeo.com/853401570
The Vineyard community rushed to the #MVFILMCENTER to watch the world premiere of THE POWER OF THE STONE. The documentary offers a glimpse into the life of the renowned stone artist, Lew French, taking the viewer through his process of creating his first public work— the Rose Styron Garden— to the granite quarry in New Hampshire and to Brazil, where Lew has spent 20 years creating the most singular expression of himself in the remote mountains of the Atlantic Rainforest. The screening was followed by a Q&A with directors Barbarella & David Fokos and artist Lew French.
Link to the Q&A: https://vimeo.com/855559783
On August 1st, we were lucky to be joined by producer and Vineyard resident Julia Pontecorvo for a screening of GOING VARSITY IN MARIACHI. The documentary dives into the competitive world of high school mariachi, where the musicians from the South Texas borderlands reign supreme.
Link to the Q&A: https://vimeo.com/851116726
Documentary Week kicked off at the #MVFILMCENTER with COMMON GROUND, the hopeful and uplifting story of the pioneers of the “Regenerative Movement” who produce tremendous quantities of nutritionally dense food and are working to balance the climate – all while bringing our entire ecosystem back to life. The screening was followed by a Q&A with Noli Taylor and Andrew Woodruff of Island Grown Initiative and Whippoorwill Farm.
Link to the Q&A: https://vimeo.com/850756055
The 9th annual Martha’s Vineyard Documentary Week at the #MVFILMCENTER.
Monday to Friday, July 31st- August 4th
From July 31st – August 4th, the MV Film Society put on our annual Filmmakers Camp in collaboration with the Featherstone Center for the Arts and MVTV. During the 5 day camp, students learned various video techniques such as video camera use, interviewing skills, musical video, creating public service announcements, and editing of video content.
Live comedy with the Nadlers! A sold out show–“Nadler’s Family Business.” Thank you to everyone who came out to #MVFILMCENTER for the laughs ????
An exciting evening with Jason Berry, a renowned filmmaker, author, and investigative journalist at the film center! The center screened his latest work, CITY OF A MILLION DREAMS, an emotionally resonant documentary exploring jazz funerals in New Orleans. After the show, audience members enjoyed a Q&A with Jason Berry himself! Berry was also available to sign his companion book, City of a Million Dreams: A History of New Orleans at Year 300, which was offered for purchase by Edgartown Books.
After showing Emanuele Crialese’s “L’immensità” of our Spectrum Series last night, we were honored to have Katie Perez of Island Counseling Center join us for a thoughtful discussion centered on the film’s themes: family dysfunction, trans adolescence, fantastical escapism, and the breaking away from society’s stifling molds. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who came out to see “L’immensità.” Together, we are a community that embraces empathy, acceptance, and respect! Happy Pride!
Keep an eye out for a recording of the discussion on our Vimeo!
9th Annual Martha’s Vineyard Environmental Film Festival at #MVFILMCENTER in collaboration with Vineyard Conservation Society
Thursday to Sunday, May 25-28
Full Festival schedule click here: https://conta.cc/3pC4BOc
#judyblume and co-director #davinapardo joined just over 100+ Martha’s Vineyard Film Society members after the screening of #judyblumeforever last Saturday night at #MVFILMCENTER
Check out our Vimeo Page – https://vimeo.com/user5449050
Martha’s Vineyard Film Society/Center announces its 2023 Film Festivals Dates
Save These Dates for Something Special this Year.
This morning the MV Film Center hosted a Field Trip for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders from the Martha’s Vineyard Public School in #vineyardhaven. These excited kids were able to watch RESCUED BY RUBY, a heartwarming film for all ages based on a true story. The filmmakers behind this film, Squire and Louise Rushnell, greeted the students before rushing off to the Satellite Awards for this film (nominated for Best Motion Picture Made for Television). What a fantastic way to spend a Wednesday!!!
A recent morning student screening in collaboration with the MV Regional High School’s AP Classes in African American Studies and its Black Student Alliance. We thank Nell Coogan, Restorative Coordinator/Teacher, for coordinating with the #MVFILMCENTER. Students discussion with teachers followed the screening of EMANCIPATION, which was produced by Jon Mone, a former MVRHS student himself.
We were so thankful to be able to host a Q&A after a specialty screening of new feature film EVERY DAY with actress Sofia Masson and two staff members of MV Community Services’ CONNECT TO END DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: Jenny Rosen, LICSW, is CONNECT’s Clinical Services Manager and Pricila Vilaca, its Outreach Coordinator. This powerful and enlightening Q&A was recorded and will be up on our Vimeo if you missed the chance to attend it or would like to watch it again for a refresher on what was discussed.
Yesterday marked the first Science on Screen event of the 2022/2023 season. This event focused on bird life, with a lecture by Matt Pelikan, entitled A Haven for Vagrants: Martha’s Vineyard and the Wondering Birds of the World. Afterwards, we showed a bird-watching teen drama A BIRDER’S GUIDE TO EVERYTHING. If you missed out on the lecture, you can check out a recording of it on our Vimeo. Hope to see you at our next Science on Screen.
Last Sunday, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center welcomed Writer/Director John Stimpson to join us for a special screening of his holiday film A CAPE COD CHRISTMAS, which was actually shot in Falmouth!! We are so grateful to be able to spread some holiday cheer to our Vineyard Community with this film and want to thank every who attended and asked excellent questions. Don’t miss out on our great selection of special events; head over to our website to check out what ones next!
Last Sunday we hosted a free interactive Holiday screening of THE POLAR EXPRESS. To continue to spread holiday cheer, we are showing another FREE Holiday film, this time ELF! What fun for all ages!!! Brighten your day tomorrow by coming to the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center at 11 am to enjoy the whimsy Buddy the Elf brings to the big screen!
On Saturday, December 10th we held a special member exclusive screening of Will Smith’s powerful new drama EMANCIPATION, followed by a Q & A with Jon Mone, President of Westbrook Productions and Executive Producer Heather Washington.
Read about it in the Vineyard Gazette here
For the final screening of our 10th annual Filmusic festival, co-directors Dave Wooley and David Heilbroner joined us after the screening of their documentary DIONNE WARWICK; DON’T MAKE ME OVER for a Q&A at the Marthas Vineyard Film Center!
After the screening of their film BONNIE BLUE; JAMES COTTON’S LIFE IN THE BLUES, Producer Judy Laster, Director Bestor Cram, and Executive Producer James Montgomery took part in a Q&A monitored by local filmmaker David Heilbroner at the Marthas Vineyard Film Center!
The Marthas Vineyard Film Society was happy to welcome musician Vince Anderson for a live performance and filmmaker Nick Canfield for a Q&A after the screening of their documentary THE REVEREND to kick off our 10th annual Filmusic festival.
The Marthas Vineyard Film Society in collaboration with the Vineyard Conservation Society is proud to present the 8th annual Marthas Vineyard Environmental Film Festival!
This four day event focuses on content to promote the preservation of our planet and its wildlife throughout the following films:
Fire of Love
Pushed Up the Mountain
River
The Ants & the Grasshopper
Last of the Right Whales
To Which We Belong
The Once Ocean Film Tour
To The End
The Marthas Vineyard Film Society is happy to announce the hosting of its sixth annual Spectrum Film Festival!
This three day festival presents a world perspective on LGBTQ+ stories, people, and issues throughout the following films:
I Carry You With Me
Sublet
Family In Transition
Anais In Love
Summer of ’85
Nelly and Nadine
Ma Belle, My Beauty
We will be hosting a special screening of CODA, recently awarded the winner of best picture, adapted screenplay, and best actor from the 2022 Oscars.
The film also won four more awards at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend one of our screenings at the MV Film Center!
Join us in welcoming guest speaker professor Eshed Ohn-Bar, who will give a presentation via Skype entitled “Machine Intelligence for real-world, embodied, assistive and autonomous systems” for our ‘Science On Screen’ event at the MV Film Center!
This presentation will be given following the screening of the 1990 classic Total Recall
An exclusive one-time screening of the COVID-19 documentary The First Wave will be hosted at the MV Film Center!
Following the screening will be an exclusive question and answer event with the films director, Academy and Emmy Award-winner Mathew Heineman!
Winter Starts Now!
The 72nd annual ski and snowboard film from Warren Miller Entertainment will be screened at the Marthas Vineyard Film Center!
This year the MV Film Society will be hosting a free sweepstakes to win a grand prize all inclusive ski vacation!
This year featured seven total screenings at the MV Film Center:
My Name is Pauli Murray
NIGHT RAIN
ASIA
MARVELOUS AND THE BLACK HOLE
John Stetson : Ladies Only Psychic Party
AILEY
SISTERS
Last Saturday was wonderful to see 50% capacity crowd at the #MVFILMCENTER to experience the #METOPERA performance of Terence Blanchard’s FIRE SHUT UP IN MY BONES based on the Charles Blow memoir of the same title.
We are planning an encore we recorded of the live performance in November for those who might have missed it.
Look for it on our web site soon at mvfilmsociety.com
Nine years after opening the Island’s first 21st-century movie theatre in Vineyard Haven, Martha’s Vineyard Film Society executive director Richard Paradise is raising money to buy the #MVFilmCenter from it’s landlord.
Buying the building- a condominium within the Tisbury Marketplace Development- has been part of the Film Society’s long-term plan ever since they partnered with Mr. Dunn to construct the theater, Mr. Paradise said. “I didn’t put any timeline on it. He didn’t want to pressure us.”
But the present time is right for a number of reasons, he said. Can you help us? info@mvfilmsociety.com
#JonStetson America’s Master Mentalist at #MVFILMCENTER September 17th!
A 5-time Whitehouse performer and the inspiration for the CBS TV Show “The Mentalist”!
There is simply NO other audience interactive performer like Jon Stetson. Known across the globe as America’s Master Mentalist, Jon knows what you’re thinking. No he really does! What is The Stetson Experience? A truly mind-blowing, crowd pleasing, audience interactive mix of magic, mind reading, and amazing mystery all packaged together and delivered by an engaging and very funny comedic personality.
This summer is a time for celebration, and Sol y Canto’s upcoming performance at the #MVFILMCENTERprovides the perfect opportunity this Thursday, July 29. The Pan-Latin ensemble is led by Puerto Rican–Argentinian singer and bongo player Rosi Amador and New Mexico guitarist and director and composer Brian Amador.
HAPPIER DAYS brings live stand-up comedy to the film center! BILL TRAYLOR: CHASING GHOSTS with director Q &A afterwards! BEST SUMMER EVER is toe tapping fun for the whole family, watch it under the stars at Featherstone.
OUTDOOR SUMMER FILM SERIES: BEST SUMMER EVER this Wednesday @FEATHERSTONEARTS at 8:30PM
WITH SPECIAL INTRODUCTION FROM ILA BRIGGS HALBY, Director/Co-Founder of Zeno Mountain Farm, the organization that made the film. Executive Producer and the casting director for BEST SUMMER EVER. Ila was born and raised in Vineyard Haven, MVRHS class of 1999!
(l. to r.) Producer Joseph Patel, festival attendee Musa Jackson, and EP Davis Guggenheim joined us last evening for a discussion after a screening of #SummerofSoulMovie at #mvfilmcenter
@MVFILM presents its Outdoor Summer Film Series ???? ???? at @FeatherstoneCenterfortheArts! ????????
Starting Wednesday, July 7th, every Wednesday all summer long, bring a picnic and come early. Tickets need to be purchased in advanced online.
Thanks everyone for voting for the MV Film Center for the 9th consecutive year: 2021 BEST MOVIE THEATER, FILM FESTIVAL AND FILM SERIES
#MVFILMCENTER
“What’s so great about the MV Film Center? Stellar programming, a huge screen, and seats so comfy they might just lull you to sleep if the films weren’t so well curated, for starters. Its International Film Festival in September is also a big hit.”
– MV Magazine
Wonderful to have a big boisterous crowd at #MVFILMCENTER for our first show of IN THE HEIGHTS – welcome back to the movies! ???? ???? ???? ????
Dancer ‘Lil’ Buck’ Riley brings jookin to the fore. Playing one-night only (tonight), Lil’Buck, Real Swan at #MVFILMCENTER and online with #TheYardMV
On May 23 at 6PM, we will partner with other Film Festival organizations from around the country to offer a special screening of LIFE IN SYNCHRO, a remarkable film on the exhilarating sport of synchronized ice skating. FOLLOWED BY FREE CAST & CREW Q&A Livestream at 7:00pm. Details below.
The 6th annual MV Environmental Film Festival returns May 21-27, as an online VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL.
MVRHS Social studies and History classes (150+ students) attend a special school screening of 1917 at the #MVFILMCENTER — use the film in their study of WWI this semester. Organized by teacher Olsen Houghton and others. This Free screening for students was supported in part by a grant from Newmans Own Foundation and the MV Film Society.
Delicious mushroom and plant-based dishes served up last Sunday night by Ky Keenan of Not Your Sugar Mamas at our FANTASTIC FUNGI Dinner & Movie event at the #MVFILMCENTER. Thanks, Ky and team. FANTASTIC FUNGI continues to show this week at the center, sans dinner.
Yesterday we had the pleasure of welcoming 170 students — MVRHS freshman class — to the #MVFILMCENTER to watch HARRIET (Tubman) with their teachers. They will learn about this period in American history during their winter semester. The students were very engaged and appreciated the chance to see this biopic with their classmates. And I must say, thank you for cleaning up afterward so well.
This free screening was supported in part by a grant from the Newman’s Own Foundation
POLAR EXPRESS Interactive at MV FilM Center — Brought to you by THE MV FILM SOCIETY, THE NEWMAN’S OWN FOUNDATION, AND THE MV LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. This was FREE community event and we were thrilled to have been almost sold out ( 4 unoccupied seats). By the way the “snowballs” were white tube socks, which were donated to Charities afterward.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS,
MVFS
An amazing night as our audience screen the comedy, “Sensitivity Training” while Alecia Jean Orsini Lebeda, President of Women In Film New England, lead a discussion post-screening about the current environment and stats of female filmmakers.
Miles Davis: horn player, bandleader, innovator. Elegant, intellectual, vain. Callous, conflicted, controversial. Magnificent, mercurial. Genius. The very embodiment of cool. The man with a sound so beautiful it could break your heart.
See MILES DAVIS: THE BIRTH OF COOL tonight at the #MVFILMCENTER at 7:30pm. The brilliant new film by islander Stanley Nelson.
We concluded our 14th annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival this Sunday, and last (Saturday) night, #BEING by Cathleen Dean was chosen as our festival’s winning short film of the 2019 juried competition from a strong field of shorts. The jury made it a decision after considering all 10 finalists. Congratulations Cathleen!
Last Minute surprise — at today’s screening of LUCKY GRANDMA at the #MVFilmCenter at 2:15PM we will be joined by actor Michael Tow, “Little Handsome” in the film.
Michael is an actor from Needham, MA. He has appeared as “Del Toro” in NBC’s Blindspot as well as numerous other films and TV shows including MacGyver, Royal Pains and Marvel’s Daredevil and Iron Fist.
He has two films premiering this week at the Toronto international film festival, “Sound of Metal” with Riz Ahmed and “Jungleland” with Charlie Hunnam.
Last Night’s #THEBRA sold out with director Veit Helmer (and son Temelko) traveling from Berlin to join us for a Q&A afterward. A very creative and charming story taking place in Baku, using no dialogue to convey its story.
First two nights of the MVIFF — Sell-Outs. So excited to share these international film festivals with our #MVFilmCenter audiences.
Mr. Gates showed a 20-minute segment from his PBS doc-series and then was joined in discussion with author and historian Eric Foner. Eric Foner is the author of the forthcoming The Second Founding: How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution, which offers a timely history of the constitutional changes that built equality into the nation’s foundation and how those guarantees have been shaken over time. Foner’s compact, insightful history traces the arc of three pivotal constitutional amendments (the 13th, 14th, and 15th) from their dramatic origins in pre–Civil War mass meetings of African-American “colored citizens” and in Republican party politics to their virtual nullification in the late nineteenth century.
Miles Davis: horn player, bandleader, innovator. Elegant, intellectual, vain. Callous, conflicted, controversial. Magnificent, mercurial. Genius. The very embodiment of cool. The man with a sound so beautiful it could break your heart.
See MILES DAVIS: THE BIRTH OF COOL tonight at the #MVFILMCENTER at 7:30pm. The brilliant new film by islander Stanley Nelson.
#NBA All-star Chris Paul & Jessica Matthews, CEO
Uncharted Power with Richard Paradise at the Mosaic Genius event held at the #MVFILMCENTER Martha’s Vineyard Film Society The Martha’s Vineyard Times The Boston Globe The Vineyard Gazette
Last night we had the honor of welcoming Willie O’Ree, the first African American player in the NHL to the Film Center, along with the director (Laurence Mathieu-Léger) and producer (Bryant McBride) of the soon to be released documentary “Willie” #mvfilmsociety #willieoree #nhl #williedocumentary
Tonight meet Academy Award-nominated director Matthew Heineman — screening of his narrative film A PRIVATE WAR, about the famed war correspondent Marie Colvin (played by Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike).
Matthew Heineman is an Academy Award-nominated (CARTEL LAND) and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker. The Sundance Film Festival called Heineman “one of the most talented and exciting documentary filmmakers working today.” Heineman received a nomination from the Directors Guild of America for Outstanding Directorial Achievement of a First Time Feature Film Director, making him the second filmmaker ever to be nominated for both narrative and documentary DGA Awards.
We had a great time at Film Camp last week with MVTV! Campers learned how to shoot and edit their own videos. We even used a green screen!
—
“My daughter loved Film Camp. Making a project from start to finish with professional equipment, software, and the MVTV studio was an amazing experience. She particularly enjoyed film editing and had a great time producing the cooking segment in the TV kitchen. Thank you for opening up a whole new world for her.” – Jennifer Langhammer
We had a successful Pursuing The Dream: Refugee and Migrant Film Festival this past weekend! Together with The Exodus Institute we showed six films that highlighted the journey and resettlement process for refugees and migrants, as well as the future of migration in the US. Thanks to all the amazing speakers who joined us this weekend!
Last night we were thrilled to have a packed house for DOUBTING THOMAS. West Chop came out in droves! Here’s director and star Will McFadden during his riveting Q & A
The MV Film Society honored 5 graduating students of 2019 MVRHS class with scholarships as they plan to pursue degrees in the performing and visual arts at college. The scholarship is named in honor of Esta and Robert Epstein, who providing funding for the Film Society’s educational programs, including these scholarships. We thanks the Epsteins for their commitment to education and congratulate all the 2019 graduates.
L to R. Fatima Ronquillo, Raven McCormack, Meghan Delphous, Alicja Vickers, and Samantha Maciel.
A big THANK YOU to all of our sponsors, volunteers, attendees, and staff for making the 13th MV International Film Festival a resounding success. See you at the MV Film Center this off-season for more independent and world cinema.
Filmmaker #SpikeLee stopped by the Strand Theater tonight to introduce his new film BLACKkKLANSMAN. Photo by Chris Mara, Strand Theater Manager. #mvfilmsociety
Diana Barrett (Film Investor) will act also act as moderator tonight, August 14th at the Film Center for a panel discussion on WOMEN IN FILM: PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE.
Julia Spiro (former Warner Brothers VP) will join us this Tuesday, August 14th at the Film Center for a panel discussion on WOMEN IN FILM: PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE.
Julie Taymor (Across the Universe, Lion King) will join us next Tuesday, August 14th at the Film Center for a panel discussion on WOMEN IN FILM: PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE.
Live Concert – SONGS FROM CINEMA with Siren Mayhew and Friends on stage at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center. This Friday, July 27th at 7:30PM
Lauren Greenfield will join us for both screenings of her new documentary GENERATION WEALTH — Wednesday, July 25 and Thursday 26th at
Academy Award-winning director Morgan Neville (20 Feet From Stardom) joins us tonight for a screening of his new film WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? (Mister Rogers documentary)
Welcome to our neighborhood at the Film Center.
Berklee College of Music’s Silent Film Orchestra returns to the Film Center on June 21st to perform a new musical score to the 1928 Universal Pictures classic THE MAN WHO LAUGHS. Pictured below are the 12 students and student composer from last year’s event.
Danny Glover (via Skype) and Joslyn Barnes joined us at the 2017 MVIFF to receive their Global Citizens Awards. Danny and Joslyn both produced the film WHITE SUN, which screened following the discussion. Richard Paradise, Executive Director of the Film Society, moderated a thoroughly-engaging discussion.
Mister G Bi-Lingual Children’s Concert at the 2017 MVIFF
The Panel from our screening of PASSAGE TO ST. AUGUSTINE answers questions regarding the film.
Filmmakers and Panel from our Screening of PASSAGE TO ST. AUGUSTINE at the Strand Movie Theatre in Oak Bluffs ( August 2017)
John Sims and Others Presented and Performed the AfroDixieRemixes at the Film Center in August of 2017. The project consisted of several remixes of “Dixie” the de facto anthem of the Confederacy.
A large crowd gathered in the Film Center lobby before a performance by Four-time Grammy Award-Winner India Arie. Charles D. King and Suzanne de Passe spoke in support for the expansion of the MOTOWN Museum in Detroit.
First-Time Filmmaker/Actress Sonja Sohn (The Wire) screened the film BALTIMORE RISING in August of 2017. The film was followed by a discussion with Adam Jackson and Dayvon Love, both subjects on the film, and was moderated by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Following a sold-out screening of the documentary I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO, author, radio host, and culinary expert Jessica B. Harris joined us to read about James Baldwin from her memoir “My Soul Looks Back.” After her reading, a book signing session was held in the lobby of the Film Center.
Children’s Programming Coordinator, Minah Worley, and Summer Intern Quinn Harker, join students from our summer filmmaking camp to pose for a photo. (Summer 2017)
Prior to our free screening of Dr. Seuss’s THE LORAX, over 35 children decorated reusable canvas bags supplied by the Vineyard Conservation Society and received a copy of The Lorax’s “How to Help the Earth” to take home with them.
Following the screening of TROPHY, co-directors Shaul Schwarz and Christina Clusiau joined us via Skype for a discussion of the film with the audience.
Wes Brighton, Shelley Edmundson, and Jim Athearn engaged in a Q&A with the audience after showing of RANCHER, FARMER, FISHERMAN.
After a viewing of BEFORE THE FLOOD, students from the Martha’s Vineyard Charter School spoke to the audience about their recent climate change field trip to Alaska in a discussion lead by Lindsey Lee.
Our festival kicked off with a screening of THE BULLISH FARMER. After the film, director Ken Marsolais and John Ubaldo joined us onstage for a discussion of the film, and a Q&A session.Before the festival began, an opening reception was held that featured live jazz music by David Hannon, appetizers by Herring Run Kitchens, and a menu sourced from Mermaid Farms, MG Farms, Grey Barn, Ghost island, Blackwater Farm.
In collaboration with WGBH, a free screening of NOVA: Operation Lighthouse Rescue was screened at the Film Center on June 12th, 2016. After the screening, a panel discussion moderated by Paula Apsell, and featured Len Butler, Martha Vanderhoop, Jerry Matyiko, and Richard Skidmore.
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Society was proud to host the first annual SPECTRUM Film Festival from April 27th through April 30th, 2017. The SPECTRUM Film Festival is the first LGBTQ film festival held on Martha’s Vineyard. The 4-day festival featured numerous guest speakers and panel discussions on LGBTQ topics.Rev. Bill Clark, Rev. Chip Seadale and Rev. Cathlin Baker lead a conversation about the relationship between religion and the LGBTQ community, following a screening of Justin Kelly’s I AM MICHAEL.
Participants of a SPECTRUM Youth event were treated to pizza provided by Rocco’s Pizza.
Co-sponsored by Vineyard Knitworks, the Film Center hosted YARN, a film about the artists redefining the art of knit and crochet on March 8th, 2017. The front entrance to the Film Center was decorated with yarn in anticipation of the screening.
In February of 2017, Students of the Edgartown Grade School were given a special screening of Craig Leeson’s documentary A PLASTIC OCEAN
Samantha Look of the Vineyard Conservation Society spoke to the students following the screening.
Vineyard students had the opportunity for a free, special afternoon screening of QUEEN OF KATWE at the Capawock Theater on October 25th, 2016, with the support of the Rotary Club of MV.
The 11th edition of the annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival was held from September 6th through September 10th, 2016.
Actress Sharon Stone was present, displaying her Global Citizens Award to the audience.
US Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and Peter Grilli of the Japan Society of Boston joined us at the Film Center to help introduce the film and to comment on the May 27 visit by President Obama to Hiroshima’s Peace Park (the first standing US President to visit).
Academy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams’ film LIFE, ANIMATED was screened for three nights at the Film Center.Following the first showing on August 18th, 2016, the Suskind family (L to R: Walter, Owen and Ron) joined director Roger Ross Williams for a post-film Q&A session.
Fredrik Gertten, Dave Whitmon, and Ed Begley Jr. participate in a Q&A following a screening of BIKES vs CARS at the 2016 Environmental Film Festival.
Dave Whitmon’s Velomobile On Display in The FIlm Center Lobby
Co-sponsored by The Martha’s Vineyard Times and the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby the newly rechartered USCG Flotilla 11-9 and its crew, joined us for a screening of THE FINEST HOURS.
After the film Capt. John Kondratowicz, Commander of Sector Southeastern New England spoke to the audience about the 1952 Coast Guard rescue of the sailors of the SS Pendleton.
Todd Wallack of SPOTLIGHT, winner of Best Picture, joined us for a special screening and Q&A
BEST OF ENEMIES co-director Robert Gordon joined us during Doc Week 2015.
Matthew Heineman, Director of CARTEL LAND and frequent visitor to the Island himself, joined us after a screening of his film. Matthew had been recently award “Best Director” at the Sundance Film Festival.
With the help of the Martha’s Vineyard Theater Foundation and the Island Community, we re-opened the Strand Theatre in Oak Bluffs after it had been closed for four years.
We celebrated the 40th Anniversary of JAWS by playing the movie at the Capawock and the Strand. What better way to pay tribute to, according to Roger Ebert, “One of the most effective thrillers ever made” than by watching it on the very Island where it was filmed?
Mike Haydn played the guitar in the opening beach scene of JAWS and we welcomed him to our 40th anniversary shows.
The Berklee College of Music’s Silent Film Orchestra wowed a full house at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center with their performance of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1925).
JACQUES PERRIN AND Co. Attended our First Annual Environmental Film Festival
We hosted The Arts and Culture Collaborative workshop with special guests Cathy Edwards, Executive Director of New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) and E. San San Wong, Senior Program Officer at Barr Foundation. The discussion was moderated by David White, Artistic and Executive Director of The Yard.
Our 2014 Oscar Viewing Party at the Film Center. What better place to watch the Awards then the place where you watched all of the nominees?
A one-hour documentary film, directed by five-time Emmy winner Bailey Pryor which will be aired by PBS affiliate stations across the nation, telling the extraordinary story of America’s last wooden whaleship and the incredible saga of whaling, the first global industry dominated by America. Following the film, we hosted a Q&A session with panel members Bailey Pryor; writer, producer, and director of the film, Steve Jones, Executive Producer, Quentin Snediker, Director of the Henry B. DuPont Preservation Shipyard at Mystic Seaport, and Matthew Stackpole, Ship’s Historian for The Morgan Restoration.
Bill Plympton in Elation as he Celebrates yet another Return to the MVIFF with his Animation Crew.
Halloween Edition of our Classic Film Night. The Theme? Rocky Horror Picture Show. Recognize any familiar faces?A special screening just in time for Halloween. Members, patrons and faculty of the Film Center dressed up for the occassion!
The Opening Animation for the 9th MVIFF
Downtown Abbey Season Four Premiere Along with A Lovely Bit of Afternoon Tea
RETURN TO SUMMER OF LOVE CONCERT W/ THE DAYTRIPPERS: Doug Brush, vocals & guitars; Charlie Esposito, vocals, piano & keyboards, percussion; Shelagh Hackett, vocals and percussion; Eric Johnson, vocals, guitar & bass; Boaz Kirschenbaum, vocals, guitar & bass; Brian W Weiland, vocals, drums, and guitar. Light Show Design Stephen Zablotny and Carl Gosslin. Sound mix Anthony Esposito.
Guests Gather in the Gretchen V. Feldman Art Space during Judy Belushi Benefit with Screening of John Belushi: Dancing on the Edge. Over $13,000 was raised for Community Services. Herring Creek Caterers Provided Tasty Vittles.
Lee Daniels, Henry (Skip) Louis Gates Jr., and Danny Strong give a Q&A during a Sneak Peek screening of THE BUTLER.
Richard Paradise and Lee Daniels, the Director of THE BUTLER
In 2019 the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society and its Headquarters, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, received the “Best of the Vineyard” award in the category of “Movie Theater, Festival, or Series.” 2019 marks the seventh year in a row that the Film Center has won this prestigious award. Below you will find videos and photographs from a variety of events that helped earn the Film Center this honor in every year since its opening in 2012. The chronological order of the gallery descends from present/recent past to less recent past beginning in 2013.
In 2019 the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society and its Headquarters, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center, received the “Best of the Vineyard” award in the category of “Movie Theater, Festival, or Series.” 2019 marks the seventh year in a row that the Film Center has won this prestigious award. Below you will find videos and photographs from a variety of events that helped earn the Film Center this honor in every year since its opening in 2012. The chronological order of the gallery descends from present/recent past to less recent past beginning in 2013.
MVRHS Social studies and History classes (150+ students) attend a special school screening of 1917 at the #MVFILMCENTER — use the film in their study of WWI this semester. Organized by teacher Olsen Houghton and others. This Free screening for students was supported in part by a grant from Newmans Own Foundation and the MV Film Society.
Delicious mushroom and plant-based dishes served up last Sunday night by Ky Keenan of Not Your Sugar Mamas at our FANTASTIC FUNGI Dinner & Movie event at the #MVFILMCENTER. Thanks, Ky and team. FANTASTIC FUNGI continues to show this week at the center, sans dinner.
Yesterday we had the pleasure of welcoming 170 students — MVRHS freshman class — to the #MVFILMCENTER to watch HARRIET (Tubman) with their teachers. They will learn about this period in American history during their winter semester. The students were very engaged and appreciated the chance to see this biopic with their classmates. And I must say, thank you for cleaning up afterward so well.
This free screening was supported in part by a grant from the Newman’s Own Foundation
POLAR EXPRESS Interactive at MV FilM Center — Brought to you by THE MV FILM SOCIETY, THE NEWMAN’S OWN FOUNDATION, AND THE MV LIBRARY ASSOCIATION. This was FREE community event and we were thrilled to have been almost sold out ( 4 unoccupied seats). By the way the “snowballs” were white tube socks, which were donated to Charities afterward.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS,
MVFS
An amazing night as our audience screen the comedy, “Sensitivity Training” while Alecia Jean Orsini Lebeda, President of Women In Film New England, lead a discussion post-screening about the current environment and stats of female filmmakers.
Miles Davis: horn player, bandleader, innovator. Elegant, intellectual, vain. Callous, conflicted, controversial. Magnificent, mercurial. Genius. The very embodiment of cool. The man with a sound so beautiful it could break your heart.
See MILES DAVIS: THE BIRTH OF COOL tonight at the #MVFILMCENTER at 7:30pm. The brilliant new film by islander Stanley Nelson.
We concluded our 14th annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival this Sunday, and last (Saturday) night, #BEING by Cathleen Dean was chosen as our festival’s winning short film of the 2019 juried competition from a strong field of shorts. The jury made it a decision after considering all 10 finalists. Congratulations Cathleen!
Last Minute surprise — at today’s screening of LUCKY GRANDMA at the #MVFilmCenter at 2:15PM we will be joined by actor Michael Tow, “Little Handsome” in the film.
Michael is an actor from Needham, MA. He has appeared as “Del Toro” in NBC’s Blindspot as well as numerous other films and TV shows including MacGyver, Royal Pains and Marvel’s Daredevil and Iron Fist.
He has two films premiering this week at the Toronto international film festival, “Sound of Metal” with Riz Ahmed and “Jungleland” with Charlie Hunnam.
Last Night’s #THEBRA sold out with director Veit Helmer (and son Temelko) traveling from Berlin to join us for a Q&A afterward. A very creative and charming story taking place in Baku, using no dialogue to convey its story.
First two nights of the MVIFF — Sell-Outs. So excited to share these international film festivals with our #MVFilmCenter audiences.
Mr. Gates showed a 20-minute segment from his PBS doc-series and then was joined in discussion with author and historian Eric Foner. Eric Foner is the author of the forthcoming The Second Founding: How the Civil War and Reconstruction Remade the Constitution, which offers a timely history of the constitutional changes that built equality into the nation’s foundation and how those guarantees have been shaken over time. Foner’s compact, insightful history traces the arc of three pivotal constitutional amendments (the 13th, 14th, and 15th) from their dramatic origins in pre–Civil War mass meetings of African-American “colored citizens” and in Republican party politics to their virtual nullification in the late nineteenth century.
Miles Davis: horn player, bandleader, innovator. Elegant, intellectual, vain. Callous, conflicted, controversial. Magnificent, mercurial. Genius. The very embodiment of cool. The man with a sound so beautiful it could break your heart.
See MILES DAVIS: THE BIRTH OF COOL tonight at the #MVFILMCENTER at 7:30pm. The brilliant new film by islander Stanley Nelson.
#NBA All-star Chris Paul & Jessica Matthews, CEO
Uncharted Power with Richard Paradise at the Mosaic Genius event held at the #MVFILMCENTER Martha’s Vineyard Film Society The Martha’s Vineyard Times The Boston Globe The Vineyard Gazette
Last night we had the honor of welcoming Willie O’Ree, the first African American player in the NHL to the Film Center, along with the director (Laurence Mathieu-Léger) and producer (Bryant McBride) of the soon to be released documentary “Willie” #mvfilmsociety #willieoree #nhl #williedocumentary
Tonight meet Academy Award-nominated director Matthew Heineman — screening of his narrative film A PRIVATE WAR, about the famed war correspondent Marie Colvin (played by Academy Award nominee Rosamund Pike).
Matthew Heineman is an Academy Award-nominated (CARTEL LAND) and Emmy Award-winning filmmaker. The Sundance Film Festival called Heineman “one of the most talented and exciting documentary filmmakers working today.” Heineman received a nomination from the Directors Guild of America for Outstanding Directorial Achievement of a First Time Feature Film Director, making him the second filmmaker ever to be nominated for both narrative and documentary DGA Awards.
We had a great time at Film Camp last week with MVTV! Campers learned how to shoot and edit their own videos. We even used a green screen!
—
“My daughter loved Film Camp. Making a project from start to finish with professional equipment, software, and the MVTV studio was an amazing experience. She particularly enjoyed film editing and had a great time producing the cooking segment in the TV kitchen. Thank you for opening up a whole new world for her.” – Jennifer Langhammer
We had a successful Pursuing The Dream: Refugee and Migrant Film Festival this past weekend! Together with The Exodus Institute we showed six films that highlighted the journey and resettlement process for refugees and migrants, as well as the future of migration in the US. Thanks to all the amazing speakers who joined us this weekend!
Last night we were thrilled to have a packed house for DOUBTING THOMAS. West Chop came out in droves! Here’s director and star Will McFadden during his riveting Q & A
The MV Film Society honored 5 graduating students of 2019 MVRHS class with scholarships as they plan to pursue degrees in the performing and visual arts at college. The scholarship is named in honor of Esta and Robert Epstein, who providing funding for the Film Society’s educational programs, including these scholarships. We thanks the Epsteins for their commitment to education and congratulate all the 2019 graduates.
L to R. Fatima Ronquillo, Raven McCormack, Meghan Delphous, Alicja Vickers, and Samantha Maciel.
A big THANK YOU to all of our sponsors, volunteers, attendees, and staff for making the 13th MV International Film Festival a resounding success. See you at the MV Film Center this off-season for more independent and world cinema.
Filmmaker #SpikeLee stopped by the Strand Theater tonight to introduce his new film BLACKkKLANSMAN. Photo by Chris Mara, Strand Theater Manager. #mvfilmsociety
Diana Barrett (Film Investor) will act also act as moderator tonight, August 14th at the Film Center for a panel discussion on WOMEN IN FILM: PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE.
Julia Spiro (former Warner Brothers VP) will join us this Tuesday, August 14th at the Film Center for a panel discussion on WOMEN IN FILM: PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE.
Julie Taymor (Across the Universe, Lion King) will join us next Tuesday, August 14th at the Film Center for a panel discussion on WOMEN IN FILM: PAST, PRESENT, & FUTURE.
Live Concert – SONGS FROM CINEMA with Siren Mayhew and Friends on stage at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center. This Friday, July 27th at 7:30PM
Lauren Greenfield will join us for both screenings of her new documentary GENERATION WEALTH — Wednesday, July 25 and Thursday 26th at
Academy Award-winning director Morgan Neville (20 Feet From Stardom) joins us tonight for a screening of his new film WON’T YOU BE MY NEIGHBOR? (Mister Rogers documentary)
Welcome to our neighborhood at the Film Center.
Berklee College of Music’s Silent Film Orchestra returns to the Film Center on June 21st to perform a new musical score to the 1928 Universal Pictures classic THE MAN WHO LAUGHS. Pictured below are the 12 students and student composer from last year’s event.
Danny Glover (via Skype) and Joslyn Barnes joined us at the 2017 MVIFF to receive their Global Citizens Awards. Danny and Joslyn both produced the film WHITE SUN, which screened following the discussion. Richard Paradise, Executive Director of the Film Society, moderated a thoroughly-engaging discussion.
Mister G Bi-Lingual Children’s Concert at the 2017 MVIFF
The Panel from our screening of PASSAGE TO ST. AUGUSTINE answers questions regarding the film.
Filmmakers and Panel from our Screening of PASSAGE TO ST. AUGUSTINE at the Strand Movie Theatre in Oak Bluffs ( August 2017)
John Sims and Others Presented and Performed the AfroDixieRemixes at the Film Center in August of 2017. The project consisted of several remixes of “Dixie” the de facto anthem of the Confederacy.
A large crowd gathered in the Film Center lobby before a performance by Four-time Grammy Award-Winner India Arie. Charles D. King and Suzanne de Passe spoke in support for the expansion of the MOTOWN Museum in Detroit.
First-Time Filmmaker/Actress Sonja Sohn (The Wire) screened the film BALTIMORE RISING in August of 2017. The film was followed by a discussion with Adam Jackson and Dayvon Love, both subjects on the film, and was moderated by Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr.
Following a sold-out screening of the documentary I AM NOT YOUR NEGRO, author, radio host, and culinary expert Jessica B. Harris joined us to read about James Baldwin from her memoir “My Soul Looks Back.” After her reading, a book signing session was held in the lobby of the Film Center.
Children’s Programming Coordinator, Minah Worley, and Summer Intern Quinn Harker, join students from our summer filmmaking camp to pose for a photo. (Summer 2017)
Prior to our free screening of Dr. Seuss’s THE LORAX, over 35 children decorated reusable canvas bags supplied by the Vineyard Conservation Society and received a copy of The Lorax’s “How to Help the Earth” to take home with them.
Following the screening of TROPHY, co-directors Shaul Schwarz and Christina Clusiau joined us via Skype for a discussion of the film with the audience.
Wes Brighton, Shelley Edmundson, and Jim Athearn engaged in a Q&A with the audience after showing of RANCHER, FARMER, FISHERMAN.
After a viewing of BEFORE THE FLOOD, students from the Martha’s Vineyard Charter School spoke to the audience about their recent climate change field trip to Alaska in a discussion lead by Lindsey Lee.
Our festival kicked off with a screening of THE BULLISH FARMER. After the film, director Ken Marsolais and John Ubaldo joined us onstage for a discussion of the film, and a Q&A session.Before the festival began, an opening reception was held that featured live jazz music by David Hannon, appetizers by Herring Run Kitchens, and a menu sourced from Mermaid Farms, MG Farms, Grey Barn, Ghost island, Blackwater Farm.
In collaboration with WGBH, a free screening of NOVA: Operation Lighthouse Rescue was screened at the Film Center on June 12th, 2016. After the screening, a panel discussion moderated by Paula Apsell, and featured Len Butler, Martha Vanderhoop, Jerry Matyiko, and Richard Skidmore.
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Society was proud to host the first annual SPECTRUM Film Festival from April 27th through April 30th, 2017. The SPECTRUM Film Festival is the first LGBTQ film festival held on Martha’s Vineyard. The 4-day festival featured numerous guest speakers and panel discussions on LGBTQ topics.Rev. Bill Clark, Rev. Chip Seadale and Rev. Cathlin Baker lead a conversation about the relationship between religion and the LGBTQ community, following a screening of Justin Kelly’s I AM MICHAEL.
Participants of a SPECTRUM Youth event were treated to pizza provided by Rocco’s Pizza.
Co-sponsored by Vineyard Knitworks, the Film Center hosted YARN, a film about the artists redefining the art of knit and crochet on March 8th, 2017. The front entrance to the Film Center was decorated with yarn in anticipation of the screening.
In February of 2017, Students of the Edgartown Grade School were given a special screening of Craig Leeson’s documentary A PLASTIC OCEAN
Samantha Look of the Vineyard Conservation Society spoke to the students following the screening.
Vineyard students had the opportunity for a free, special afternoon screening of QUEEN OF KATWE at the Capawock Theater on October 25th, 2016, with the support of the Rotary Club of MV.
The 11th edition of the annual Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival was held from September 6th through September 10th, 2016.
Actress Sharon Stone was present, displaying her Global Citizens Award to the audience.
US Ambassador to Japan Caroline Kennedy and Peter Grilli of the Japan Society of Boston joined us at the Film Center to help introduce the film and to comment on the May 27 visit by President Obama to Hiroshima’s Peace Park (the first standing US President to visit).
Academy Award-winning director Roger Ross Williams’ film LIFE, ANIMATED was screened for three nights at the Film Center.Following the first showing on August 18th, 2016, the Suskind family (L to R: Walter, Owen and Ron) joined director Roger Ross Williams for a post-film Q&A session.
Fredrik Gertten, Dave Whitmon, and Ed Begley Jr. participate in a Q&A following a screening of BIKES vs CARS at the 2016 Environmental Film Festival.
Dave Whitmon’s Velomobile On Display in The FIlm Center Lobby
Co-sponsored by The Martha’s Vineyard Times and the Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby the newly rechartered USCG Flotilla 11-9 and its crew, joined us for a screening of THE FINEST HOURS.
After the film Capt. John Kondratowicz, Commander of Sector Southeastern New England spoke to the audience about the 1952 Coast Guard rescue of the sailors of the SS Pendleton.
Todd Wallack of SPOTLIGHT, winner of Best Picture, joined us for a special screening and Q&A
BEST OF ENEMIES co-director Robert Gordon joined us during Doc Week 2015.
Matthew Heineman, Director of CARTEL LAND and frequent visitor to the Island himself, joined us after a screening of his film. Matthew had been recently award “Best Director” at the Sundance Film Festival.
With the help of the Martha’s Vineyard Theater Foundation and the Island Community, we re-opened the Strand Theatre in Oak Bluffs after it had been closed for four years.
We celebrated the 40th Anniversary of JAWS by playing the movie at the Capawock and the Strand. What better way to pay tribute to, according to Roger Ebert, “One of the most effective thrillers ever made” than by watching it on the very Island where it was filmed?
Mike Haydn played the guitar in the opening beach scene of JAWS and we welcomed him to our 40th anniversary shows.
The Berklee College of Music’s Silent Film Orchestra wowed a full house at the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center with their performance of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (1925).
JACQUES PERRIN AND Co. Attended our First Annual Environmental Film Festival
We hosted The Arts and Culture Collaborative workshop with special guests Cathy Edwards, Executive Director of New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) and E. San San Wong, Senior Program Officer at Barr Foundation. The discussion was moderated by David White, Artistic and Executive Director of The Yard.
Our 2014 Oscar Viewing Party at the Film Center. What better place to watch the Awards then the place where you watched all of the nominees?
A one-hour documentary film, directed by five-time Emmy winner Bailey Pryor which will be aired by PBS affiliate stations across the nation, telling the extraordinary story of America’s last wooden whaleship and the incredible saga of whaling, the first global industry dominated by America. Following the film, we hosted a Q&A session with panel members Bailey Pryor; writer, producer, and director of the film, Steve Jones, Executive Producer, Quentin Snediker, Director of the Henry B. DuPont Preservation Shipyard at Mystic Seaport, and Matthew Stackpole, Ship’s Historian for The Morgan Restoration.
Bill Plympton in Elation as he Celebrates yet another Return to the MVIFF with his Animation Crew.
Halloween Edition of our Classic Film Night. The Theme? Rocky Horror Picture Show. Recognize any familiar faces?A special screening just in time for Halloween. Members, patrons and faculty of the Film Center dressed up for the occassion!
The Opening Animation for the 9th MVIFF
Downtown Abbey Season Four Premiere Along with A Lovely Bit of Afternoon Tea
RETURN TO SUMMER OF LOVE CONCERT W/ THE DAYTRIPPERS: Doug Brush, vocals & guitars; Charlie Esposito, vocals, piano & keyboards, percussion; Shelagh Hackett, vocals and percussion; Eric Johnson, vocals, guitar & bass; Boaz Kirschenbaum, vocals, guitar & bass; Brian W Weiland, vocals, drums, and guitar. Light Show Design Stephen Zablotny and Carl Gosslin. Sound mix Anthony Esposito.
Guests Gather in the Gretchen V. Feldman Art Space during Judy Belushi Benefit with Screening of John Belushi: Dancing on the Edge. Over $13,000 was raised for Community Services. Herring Creek Caterers Provided Tasty Vittles.
Lee Daniels, Henry (Skip) Louis Gates Jr., and Danny Strong give a Q&A during a Sneak Peek screening of THE BUTLER.