A Breakdown of Charlotte's Indie Films
Suddenly, they're everywhere. Here's a guide to great local indie film series
A Screaming Man
Saturday Night Cine Club
Niche: Award-winning independent and foreign films that originally bypassed Charlotte
When: The third Saturday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Occasional matinees at 3 p.m.
Where: Theatre Charlotte, 501 Queens Rd.
Cost: $5 for members of Charlotte Film Society; $8 for nonmembers (memberships available at the door for $5)
Fun facts: The Charlotte Film Society has been around since 1982. It offers cheap popcorn, beer, and wine. And there’s almost always a crowd. Postfilm discussions are led by movie critics, professors, and other experts.
Next up: A Screaming Man, Nov 19
More info: charlottefilmsociety.com
Bellflower
Back Alley Film Series
Niche: Crazy, grindhouse stuff
When: Generally the second Thursday of the month. But hey, these dudes are quirky. You can’t always pin them down.
Where: CrownPoint Cinemas, 9630 Monroe Rd.
Cost: $8
Fun facts: Their tagline is: “We want to mess with your mind.” You wouldn’t think these films would sell out, but many do.
Next up: Bellflower, Nov 10
More info: backalleyfilmseries.com
Havana
Architecture + Film Series
Niche: Architects and architecture
When: Third Friday of each month. Bar opens at 6 p.m.; film starts at 7 p.m.
Where: Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, 420 S. Tryon St.
Cost: $16
Fun facts: Ticket price includes a cocktail reception, one drink ticket, and a postfilm discussion. It’s not just documentaries; Mr. Blandings Builds His Dream House, starring Cary Grant and Myrna Loy, is on tap for 2012.
Next up: Havana: The New Art of Making Ruins, Nov 18
More info: bechtler.org
I Am Legend
Public Library
Niche: Literary movies … too many series to list!
When: Often; days and times vary
Where: Various branches of the Public Library of Charlotte & Mecklenburg County
Cost: Free
Fun fact: Well, it’s always free. Whether you want to see movies adapted from Shakespeare plays, movies adapted from banned books, teen movies based on books or a host of other flicks, the Charlotte public library has you covered.
Next up: Oodles of films; check the website. There’s something going on nearly every week.
Learn more: cmlibrary.org
Plan 9 from Outer Space
Cult Movie Monday
Niche: Cult films
When: Last Monday of the month. Doors open at 7 p.m.; movie begins at 8 p.m.
Where: Actor’s Theatre of Charlotte, 650 E. Stonewall St.
Cost: Free
Fun facts: The popcorn’s free, too. The November offering has been called “the worst movie ever made”—it’s so bad it’s good.
Next up: Plan Nine from Outer Space, Nov 28
More info: lightfactory.org
El Bulli
First Run Film Series
Niche: Brand-new releases that would never, ever come to Charlotte otherwise
When: Generally the second Thursday, Friday, and Saturday of the month
Where: Hodges Taylor Art Consultancy, 401 N. Tryon St. (sponsored by The Light Factory)
Cost: $5 for Light Factory members; $7 for nonmembers
Fun fact: These are the movies New Yorkers and Angelenos are getting to see … now!
Next up: El Bulli: Cooking in Progress, Nov 10-12, 7:30 p.m.
More info: lightfactory.org
The Pawnbroker
Classic International
Black Cinema Series
Niche: Classic, but possibly overlooked, films. Most are by African American directors; all are about the black experience.
When: Second Sunday of each month at 2 p.m.
Where: Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Art+Culture, 551 S. Tryon St.
Cost: Free with museum admission ($6-$8)
Fun fact: The current theme is “Conflict and Resolution.”
Next up: The Pawnbroker, Nov 13
More info: ganttcenter.org
