Friends,

In the seven weeks since we temporarily closed, we have raised $60,000 in donations, Memberships, and gift card purchases. We are actively pursuing local, state, and federal relief funds, but the truth is that 95% of the relief we’ve seen so far has come directly from you! Your part in ensuring the Cinema’s bright future is vital. THANK YOU for uplifting us at this crucial time. 

Next Tuesday, join us in celebrating Giving Tuesday Now, a global day of giving and unity in response to COVID-19. Make a gift and keep the films arts flourishing in Western Massachusetts!
We have two new Virtual Cinema titles to share with you today: eye-opening documentary CAPITAL IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY and razor sharp rom-com STRAIGHT UP. Stream these new titles at home and directly support Amherst Cinema! Scroll down for more info on these and other Virtual Cinema titles.
"I love Amherst Cinema because I can watch independent movies while supporting a local business."–Marjorie Ackerman, May 2020 Member of the Month

Our Member of the Month drawing is back! All current Members are eligible to win a FREE month of movies, redeemable when we reopen. May’s Member of the Month is Marjory Ackerman. Thank you, Marjory, for your kind words and for being an Amherst Cinema Member!
Miss seeing National Theatre Live productions on the big screen? Enjoy NT Live's FRANKENSTEIN, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Johnny Lee Miller, from the comfort of your home. Get access to the free YouTube screenings here.
Lastly, we’re moving to just one e-newsletter on Fridays starting next week. But don’t fret, we’ll still bring you the very best new films , streaming suggestions , and interviews with film industry insiders . Stay tuned for more great content from your favorite independent, nonprofit movie theater.
Thanks and happy movie-watching!

Your friends at Amherst Cinema
Now playing via Virtual Cinema

During our temporary closure, we're excited to bring you opportunities to watch new release titles on your home screen while directly supporting Amherst Cinema. When you watch these films at home, the cost of the digital " ticket" is split between the film distributor and Amherst Cinema - just like when you but a ticket at the box office.
New title!
This captivating doc is an eye-opening journey through wealth and power — a
film that interrogates the assumption that accumulation of capital runs hand in hand with social progress.
New title!
Todd and Rory are intellectual soul mates. He might be gay. She might not care. Writer-director-star James Sweeney delivers a razor sharp screwball rom-com that’s both Classical Hollywood and distinctly 21st century.
Held through 5/14
In rural Florida, four teens experience the joys and heartbreaks of their last year in high school. This complex, multi-faceted work recalls both the raw social realism of the new American cinema and neorealist style.
Held through 5/14
BOTERO is a poetic documentary about Colombian painter and sculptor Fernando Botero, arguably the world’s most recognized living artist.
Last day Thursday 5/7
Winner of the Best Documentary award at the Cannes Film Festival, this doc investigates the relationship between historical memory, political trauma, and geography in master filmmaker Patricio Guzmán's native Chile. A New York Times Critic's Pick!
Last day Thursday 5/7
This dazzling documentary describes the life and craft of abstract artist Hilma af Klint who, in 1906, began to create an unprecedented series of huge, colorful, sensual, strange works. A New York Times Critic's Pick!
Last day Thursday 5/7
The world is stuck inside staring out, like a cat on a windowsill. To raise everyone's spirits, CatVideoFest curator Will Braden has crafted a 45-minute "treat" of a reel that includes the very best videos from CVF history.
Last day Thursday 5/7
A portrait of the work and life of film critic  Pauline Kael , and her battle to achieve success and influence in the 20th century movie business.
Last day Thursday 5/7
THE BOOKSELLERS takes viewers inside the small but fascinating world of antiquarian booksellers. It's both a loving celebration of book culture and a serious exploration of the future of the book.
While we're all social distancing, enjoy these streaming suggestions, selected by our staff, board members, volunteers, and collaborators.
Pablo Yglesias, program partner, recommends:
LATIN VIKING
dir. Jón Karl Helgason , 2015
I wanted to share this 2015 doc on my amigo Tómas R. Einarsson, a really great dude and excellent musician who made some beautiful music joining his own Icelandic poetic culture with jazz and Latin. When I was in Habana for the first time some 6 years ago, just by chance, Tomás was there at the same time, so we decided to get together. When we went to the jazz clubs, all the musicians loved him - the jam sessions were epic! I think you’ll dig it. It’s about connections, not disconnections.

Available for streaming on Youtube, either in Spanish or in Icelandic with English subtitles .
Alex Hornbeck, Creative Manager, recommends:
SUNSET BLVD.
dir. Billy Wilder, 1950
Billy Wilder's masterpiece, SUNSET BOULEVARD, is always worth revisiting, perhaps now more than ever. Feeling cooped up after a month and a half of social isolation? Try spending a couple decades alone in a crumbling mansion with only a butler and a chimpanzee. Gloria Swanson's performance as Norma Desmond, a delusional silent movie star grasping for another shot at stardom in 1950 Hollywood, is truly one for the ages.

Available for streaming on Crackle or Amazon Prime .
Looking for streaming selections from our staff, board, and volunteers? Check out our archive of At-Home Cinema Selections and look for more in upcoming e-newsletters throughout our temporary closure.
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