Thursday, May 1, 7 PM

Featuring an in-person Q&A with directors Jesse Moss & Amanda McBaine moderated by the host of KUT’s All Things Considered, Jerry Quijano.

Armed with curiosity, teenage rebellion, and their school’s AV equipment, the students of Middletown High — led by their unconventional teacher, Fred Isseks — uncover a shocking environmental scandal involving toxic waste that threatens their entire community. Dubbed “ERIN BROCKOVICH meets THE BREAKFAST CLUB” (Collider), this powerful story explores a moment when growing up means stepping up. From the award-winning filmmaking duo Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss (BOYS STATE and GIRLS STATE).

Doc Days festival pass holders and MIDDLETOWN ticket holders are invited to an opening-night reception in the AFS Cinema lobby after the screening.

Friday, May 2, 5:30 PM

A French filmmaker embeds themself in western Pennsylvania to understand the school board wars happening in American public schools, where conservative activists crusade against teachers and librarians for control of libraries and curriculum.

Friday, May 2, 8:30 PM

Featuring a virtual Q&A with director Elizabeth Lo.

Filmmaker Elizabeth Lo pulls back the sheets on the clandestine world of cheaters in her Venice Film Festival award-winning documentary, which follows a woman in China who hires a professional to go undercover, confronting her husband’s betrayal in a last-ditch effort to salvage their relationship and save their marriage.

Saturday, May 3, 12:30 PM

Featuring an in-person Q&A with director Alexis Franco.

Alexis Franco, recipient of an AFS Grant for this film, creates a visual poem about little-seen Argentinian Gaucho culture and the devastating effects of climate change in their community.

Saturday, May 3, 2:45 PM

Featuring a post-screening panel on the topic of Black land ownership and sustainable farming in Texas, in partnership with Black Leaders Collective.

Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival, SEEDS captures the stories of modern Black farmers in the South in poetic vignettes, shot over a decade.

Saturday, May 3, 6 PM

Featuring an in-person Q&A with director Rachel Grady.

From award-winning filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady (12TH & DELAWARE) comes a stunning coming-of-age story following three Gen Z teenagers who enroll in a traditional folk school in the Arctic Circle. Rachel Grady in attendance.

Sunday, May 4, 11 AM

A poetic challenge to humanity’s insatiable hunger for concrete by master director Victor Kossakovsky (GUNDA).

Sunday, May 4, 1:15 PM

Featuring an in-person Q&A with director/producer/editor David Usui moderated by KUT reporter Kristen Cabrera.

As erosion from sea-level rise poses an existential threat, the tiny Chesapeake Bay fishing community of Tangier grapples with the challenge of integrating a changed reality into their deeply held traditions and beliefs. With director David Usui in attendance.

Sunday, May 4, 3:45 PM

Featuring a virtual Q&A with producer Josh Penn moderated by KUT reporter Mose Buchele.

The story of how the US has dealt with climate change since the discovery of excess CO2 in the atmosphere is revealed via a brilliant archival deep dive, including political campaigns, media stories, environmental convenings, and internal memos from the federal government and oil companies. A selection of the Telluride Film Festival.

Sunday, May 4, 6 PM

Featuring an in-person Q&A with director Sandi Dubowski

Amichai Lau-Levie is the dynastic heir of 38 generations of Orthodox rabbis, but his spiritual practice is anything but. SABBATH QUEEN is a riveting personal story about daring to lead with courage and integrity. A NY Times Critic’s Pick.