Friends,

Amherst Cinema is a special place for so many reasons—the innovative programming; the friendly, knowledgeable staff; the delicious popcorn; the welcoming space for all to gather.
 
But what makes Amherst Cinema truly unique is our loyal, enthusiastic, film-loving community. We couldn’t do what we do without YOU. Thank you for standing by us.
 
Whether we're enjoying a film together in the theater or at home via Virtual Cinema, we will always be YOUR nonprofit, independent, art house cinema. And so, we’d like to invite you to share your Amherst Cinema story. Drop us a line and tell us what Amherst Cinema means to you.
 
Looking for some inspiration? Check out this video from filmmaker Robert Greene, who discusses just how much his visits to Amherst Cinema have meant to him. Enjoy!
Wishing you all the best,
Your friends at Amherst Cinema
This week, we're thrilled to resume our Bellwether film series, which celebrates fresh approaches to cinema and engages artists and filmgoers in discussion. Bellwether programs are FREE to Amherst Cinema Members, even in Virtual Cinema!

Our first virtual Bellwether offering is OPUNTIA , a supernatural true story based on the writings of 16th century conquistador-turned-healer Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca. The film's director, David Fenster, joins General Manager George Myers for an online Q&A Thursday, 6/4, at 7pm EST, to cap off the film's week-long run. All ticket holders will receive entry to this exciting discussion. We hope to see you there!
The Bellwether series is made possible with support from the National Endowment for the Arts and Dean's Beans Organic Coffee Company .
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 buy a ticket at the box office.
New title! One week only, must end 6/4. FREE to Members!
OPUNTIA is based on the writings of conquistador-turned-shaman Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, the first European explorer of Texas and one of the strangest figures in US history. Live Zoom Q&A with director David Fenster on 6/4 at 7pm EST.
New title! One week only, must end 6/4
Don't miss a new restoration of this undersung feminist western, directed by Nancy Kelly and starring Rosalind Chao as Lalu, a young Chinese woman sold into slavery in 1880s Idaho. After Charlie (Chris Cooper) wins her in a game of poker, he slowly begins to gain her trust.
New title!
In the 15th century, both France and England stake a blood claim for the French throne. Believing that God had chosen her, the young Joan leads the army of the King of France. When she is captured, the Church sends her for trial on charges of heresy. Refusing to accept the accusations, the graceful Joan of Arc stays true to her mission.
New title!
Raul Ruiz’s masterful adaptation of the eponymous nineteenth-century Portuguese novel follows a multitude of characters whose fates conjoin, separate, and then rejoin again over three decades in Portugal, Spain, France, and Italy.
Held over
Featuring extensive interviews with two-time James Beard Award-winner Diana Kennedy and famed chefs José Andrés, Rick Bayless, Gabriela Camara, and Alice Waters, this doc provides an intimate look at the leading expert on Mexican cuisine.
Held over
An ornery, chain-smoking Chinese Grandma goes all in at the casino, landing herself on the wrong side of luck and in the middle of a Chinatown gang war in this dark comedy about immigrant life, the vulnerabilities of aging, and an unexpected friendship.
Held over
This documentary traces the evolution and impact of New Orleans music, and its profound effect on culture and social movements in the U.S. and beyond.
Held over
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!

Find out where to stream some of Amherst Cinema's biggest hits! These modern-day classics are well worth revisiting, or enjoying for the first time if you missed them on our big screen. Today, we're throwing it back to the Cinema's early days with a few of our most popular films from 2006 and 2007.
PAN'S LABYRINTH
dir. Guillermo del Toro, 2006
As Franco consolidates his brutal hold over Spain after years of civil war, lonely and dreamy Ofelia must come to terms with the cruelty around her. Living with her mother and adoptive father— a military officer under the Fascist government who is tasked with ridding last rebels from their area, Ofelia creates a fable, giving life to a secret inner world to help her cope with a world gone wrong. 

LARS AND THE REAL GIRL
dir. Craig Gillespie , 2007
Sweet, shy, and quirky Lars (Ryan Gosling) has found the girl of his dreams, a life-sized doll named Bianca. On the advice of a doctor, his family and the rest of the community go along with his delusion. But when Lars develops feelings for his co-worker Margo, he finds himself lost in a hilariously unique love triangle.

VOLVER
dir. Pedro Almodóvar , 2006
Pen é lope Cruz shines in Pedro Almodóvar's story about the complicated bonds of female friendship and kinship. Cruz plays hard-working Madrid resident Raimunda, who, along with her daughter Paula, and sister Sole, must deal with family tragedies past and present and the sudden arrival of her mother's ghost. Blending comedy and drama, the real and the surreal, VOLVER is a buoyant, empathetic look at a family of women, their struggles, and their homecoming.

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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