A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf

A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf

A student-operated publication at Santa Rosa Junior College.

The Oak Leaf

Petaluma Cinema Series

The Petaluma Cinema Series returns for another semester with a host of new and fantastic independent films to watch and learn about.

Series organizer Mike Traina promises an exciting set of films this semester with Oscar-nominated films included in the lineup. “THEEB,” nominated for best foreign language film, will show Feb. 24 and tells the story of a Bedouin boy as he travels across the Wadi Rum desert in WWI era Middle East.

“Room,” nominated for best adapted screenplay will show April 27. It tells the sad tale of a child raised in captivity, a coming-of-age story that showcases human development despite extreme circumstances.

This year’s Cinema Series also showcases a number of directors as they guide students through their films from their point of view. Tom Donahue  visits during the pre-film lecture at 6 p.m. March 16 in the Carole L. Ellis Auditorium to answer audience questions before and after the screening of his film “Thank You For Your Service.” This is  within the same few weeks as the film’s official release, giving viewers a unique opportunity to view it for the first time.

Justin Lerner will visit along with his film “The Automatic Hate.” Traina hopes Lerner will also participate in the film festival later in the year to lead workshops for students.

“The idea behind the Cinema Series is to build a community around the art of cinema,” Traina said.

Petaluma has a thrilling series of films coming your way and you’d be a fool to miss them. Show up, learn something, enjoy yourself and most importantly, support your community.

Feb. 24

THEEB: Naji Abu Nowar, 2015, United Arab Emirates/Jordan

March 2

After the Wedding: Susanne Bier, 2006, Denmark

March 9

Strangers on a Train: Alfred Hitchcock, 1951, USA

March 16

Thank You For Your Service: Tom Donahue, 2015, USA

March 30

Slow West: John Maclean, 2015, U.K.

April 6

Mulholland Drive: David Lynch, 2001, USA

April 13

Blow Out: Brian De Palma, 1981, USA

April 20

A Pigeon Sat on a Branch Reflecting on Existence: Roy Andersson, 2015, Sweden

April 27

Room: Lenny Abrahamson, 2015, USA

May 11

Anomalisa: Charlie Kaufman, 2015, USA

May 18

Star Wars: The Force Awakens: J.J. Abrams, 2016, USA

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Devin Schwarz, Podcast Editor

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