The Weekly Watchlist, 5/6/26
Your weekly guide to cinema in Metro Detroit
Good morning movie lovers,
I think this is a really good newsletter today - there is really a lot to see and do, and a lot on the horizon in the Coming Soon section (see: my list of Cinetopia films coming to Marquee Arts theaters next week). Let’s get into the highlights for this week first:
The Arab Film Festival began yesterday and runs through Sun 5/10, and features a full program of Arab and Arab American documentaries, dramas, comedies, short films, and more. It primarily takes place at the Arab American Museum, but also has popup screenings at the Senate Theater and Cinema Detroit (at Planet Ant Theater)
Farmington Civic Theater celebrates independent and local filmmaking this week with a screening of Muscle Beach, directed by a Detroit-born filmmaker, featuring a Q and A after the show
You won’t want to miss this bonus screening of Nirvanna: The Band, The Show, The Movie at Lowkey Cinema this Thursday - this movie is hilarious and had a really short run in theaters. I went in with completely no background and had a great time - plus, it’s a free screening!
This just scratches the surface, read on and you’ll find classic movies, fan favorites, and unique cinematic experiences to check out in Metro Detroit
Support your local theaters, go out to a movie!
Colleen
Reminders:
Screening information is subject to change, please double check the theater websites before heading out to a show.
For more events and screening updates, follow us on Instagram.
Local Cinema Happenings
5/6 – 5/12
Unique screenings, classic movies, one night only events
Wednesday 5/6/26
Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival
The Sea (2025, Israel), 6:30pm - at Marquee Arts: State Theatre, Ann Arbor
Arab American National Museum
Arab Film Festival: Remember. (Re)imagine.
The President’s Cake (2025, Iraq/US/Qatar), 7pm
Marquee Arts: Michigan Theater
Twin Peaks - Season One: Episode 7 & 8 (1990, television), 6pm
Milford Independent Cinema
Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi (1983), 7pm
MJR Troy
Terms of Endearment (1983, dir. James L. Brooks), 7pm - part of the Magic of Movies monthly series
Stick around after the film for a discussion led by film critic Tom Santilli and unique giveaways
The Riviera Cinema
Harlem Nights (1989, dir. Eddie Murphy), 7pm - part of the Cinema Classics at The Riviera series
Slimeball Cinerama
Troll & Craft, 8pm - at Occult 83, Dearborn - free
Watch Troll (1986) while we craft! Work on your attire for Troll 2 Prom (on Wed 5/20, 8pm)!
Some crafting supplies will be provided. Enjoy snacks and beverages
Stadt Cinema Club
My Own Private Idaho (1991, dir. Gus Van Sant), 7pm - at Stadt Garten, Detroit
UFO Film Club
Who Killed Teddy Bear? (1965), 8:30pm - at UFO Bar, Detroit
VHS Detroit
TAPES ONLY, VHS swap at 7pm, show at 8pm - at Mitch’s Prints, Madison Heights
Thursday 5/7/26
Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival
The Last Spy (2025, documentary), 6:30pm - at Marquee Arts: State Theatre, Ann Arbor
Arab American National Museum
Arab Film Festival: Remember. (Re)imagine.
All That’s Left of You (2025, Occupied Palestinian Territory/Jordan), 6:30pm
Back Alley Cinema / Motor City Cinema Society
The World of Film with Back Alley Cinema, 6pm - at Ann Arbor District Library - Downtown Branch
Darian and Nick, of Back Alley Cinema and Motor City Cinema Society, will demonstrate the key elements involved with film projection encompassing many eras of film history and technological breakthroughs.
“The Library will be providing a live stream of this event and we intend to make it available for future viewing. A video player will appear on this page one hour before the start of the event.”
Farmington Civic Theater
Muscle Beach (2026), 7:45pm
Followed by Q&A with the Detroit-born filmmaker, Jacob Hurwitz-Goodman
Lowkey Cinema
Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie (2025), 8pm
Free movie, made possible by Cinema Lamont
Marquee Arts: Michigan Theater
The Road Home (2025, documentary), 6pm
Free admission, please reserve tickets in advance for accurate attendance
Followed by a panel discussion
Motor City Cinematheque
Cinematheque Expérimentale, doors at 7pm, show at 8pm - at Galerie Camille
16mm short films and silents, including live music accompaniment by Detroit electronic duo Sean & Diego
Penn Theatre
Forbidden Planet (1956), 7pm
Friday 5/8/26
Arab American National Museum
Arab Film Festival: Remember. (Re)imagine.
Annab (2025, Algeria), 12pm
A State of Passion (2024, Lebanon/Occupied Palestinian Territory, documentary), 1:45pm
Penn Theatre
Forbidden Planet (1956), 7pm
Senate Theater
Silents at the Senate Presents: The Sheik (1921, silent), doors at 7pm, show at 8pm - part of the Arab Film Festival
With live organ accompaniment by Scott Smith
Dr. Matthew Jaber Stiffler from the Arab Film Festival will introduce the film and provide historical and cultural context
Saturday 5/9/26
Arab American National Museum
Arab Film Festival: Remember. (Re)imagine.
Drama + Desire: An Introduction to Screenwriting Workshop, 10am
Two Films, 1:45pm
Two Tetas (2025, Lebanon/UK, documentary, short film)
Shapes of Normal Human Beings (2025, Lebanon, documentary)
The Little Sister (2025, France/Algeria), 6:30pm
Arab Film Fest: After Dark, 8pm
“A multi-faceted nightlight event, with hands-on opportunities to create, connect, and, of course, dance!”
Cinema Detroit
25 Cats from Qatar (2025, US/Qatar, documentary), doors at 3pm, show at 3:30pm - at Planet Ant Theatre, Hamtramck - part of the Arab Film Festival
Followed by a talkback with filmmaker Mye Hoang and subject Katy McHugh
Detroit Film Theatre
The Great Zodiac Animal Race (2021), 2pm - in the Detroit Institute of Arts Lecture Hall
Free with general DIA admission (tri-county residents get in free with ID)
Penn Theatre
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951, dir. Robert Wise), 7pm
Senate Theater
Cairo Station (1958, Egypt), doors at 3:30pm, organ overture at 4pm, show at 4:30pm - part of the Arab Film Festival
With an introduction from Dr. Matthew Jaber Stiffler of the Arab Film Festival
Sunday 5/10/26
Arab American National Museum
Arab Film Festival: Remember. (Re)imagine.
A State of Passion (2024, Lebanon/Occupied Palestinian Territory, documentary), 3pm - at First Presbyterian Church, Ann Arbor
25 Cats From Qatar (2025, US/Qatar, documentary), 3:20pm
Followed by a talkback with filmmaker Mye Hoang and subject Katy McHugh
Shorts Program: Reclaim the Void, 5:40pm
Calle Málaga (2025, Morocco/France), 7:15pm
The Riviera Cinema
Love & Basketball (2000), 7pm - part of the Cinema Classics at The Riviera series
Monday 5/11/26
Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival
Girls Like Us (2024, Israel), 6:30pm - at Marquee Arts: State Theatre, Ann Arbor
Berkbuster Film Club
TÁR (2022, dir. Todd Field), 6:30pm - at Berkley Public Library
“The Berkbuster Film Club is a monthly club where we meet and discuss classic and contemporary film with other movie lovers… We will view a few clips from the movie and have a conversation about the the film, its relevance, its craftsmanship, and whatever other aspects catch our interest!”
Dearborn Public Library
Blockbuster Film Series: Black Orpheus (1959, Brazil), 6pm
Milford Independent Cinema
Charade (1963, dir. Stanley Donen), 7pm - part of the Classics: Timeless Icons series
Motor City Cinema Society
Lady Sings the Blues (1972), doors at 6:30pm, show at 7pm - on 16mm
Tuesday 5/12/26
Ann Arbor Jewish Film Festival
Stay Forte (2025, Israel/US), 6:30pm - at Marquee Arts: State Theatre, Ann Arbor
Ferndale Area District Library
Film Club: The Namesake (2006, dir. Mira Nair, US/Japan/India), 7pm
“Watch the film ahead of time… and then join us at the Ferndale Library and meet/chat with other film buffs while we watch a few key clips from the film.”
Marquee Arts: Michigan Theater
Harlan County USA (1976, dir. Barbara Kopple, documentary), 7pm - part of the Arthouse Revival series
Royal Starr Arts Institute
Filmmaker Mixer, 7pm - at Eastern Palace Club, Hazel Park
“Join Royal Starr Arts Institute for our next Filmmaker Mixer, an evening for directors, actors, writers, crew, editors, producers, and anyone serious about creating.”
New Releases
Where to find new releases at local, independent theaters
Animal Farm
Animated/Comedy/Drama | PG | 1h 36m
The Christophers
Comedy/Drama | dir. Steven Soderbergh | R | 1h 40m
The Devil Wears Prada 2
Comedy/Drama/Fashion | PG-13 | 1h 59m
The Drama
Romantic Comedy/Dark Comedy | R | 1h 45m
Everyone is Lying to You For Money
Documentary | NR | 1h 30m
I Swear
Biography/Drama | UK | R | 2h
Michael
Biopic/Music | PG-13 | 2h 7m
Mother Mary
Music/Drama/Thriller | R | 1h 52m
Our Hero, Balthazar
Drama/Comedy/Thriller | R | 1h 36m
Project Hail Mary
Sci-Fi/Adventure | PG-13 | 2h 36m
The Sheep Detectives
Action/Comedy/Mystery | PG | 1h 49m
Coming Soon
Upcoming screenings through 5/19/26
8 Ball Movie Night / Burnout Society Film Club
In 3-D! Double Feature, Sun 5/17 - at 8 Ball Saloon, The Blind Pig, Ann Arbor
The Stewardesses (1969), 7pm
Robot Monster (1953), 9:30pm
Cinetopia Film Festival
Full Schedule, Wed 5/13 – Sun 5/17 - at Marquee Arts Theaters, Ann Arbor
Club Cinephilia
Unfinished Biz: Craft & Movie Night, Fri 5/15, 5:30pm - at Jim’s Community Corner, Ferndale
Reel Talk on the River, Sun 5/17, 3pm - at Riverside Park, Detroit
Dearborn Public Library
Blockbuster Film Series: A Complete Unknown (2024, dir. James Mangold), Mon 5/18, 6pm
Detroit Film Theatre
Harlan County USA (1976, dir. Barbara Kopple, documentary), Fri 5/15, 7pm; Sun 5/17, 1pm
American Dream (1990, dir. Barbara Kopple, documentary), Sat 5/16, 7pm; Sun 5/17, 4pm
Sons of Detroit (2025, documentary), Sun 5/17, 7pm
Farmington Civic Theater
Rebel with a Clause (2025, documentary), Sat 5/16, 12:30pm
General Baker Institute
Finally Got the News (1970, documentary), Fri 5/15, 5:30pm - at Bernath Auditorium, Detroit
Historic Howell Theater
May Film Society: L’Atalante (1934, dir. Jean Vigo, France), Thu 5/14, 7:15pm
Lowkey Cinema
Normal (2025), Thu 5/14, 8pm
Marquee Arts: Michigan Theater
Hoop Dreams (1994, documentary), Tue 5/19, 7pm - on 35mm
Milford Independent Cinema
Notorious (1946, dir. Alfred Hitchcock), Mon 5/18, 7pm
Motor City Cinema Society
Nanami: The Inferno of First Love (1968, Japan), Mon 5/18, 7pm - on 16mm
Motor City Cinematheque / Farmington Civic Theater
Secret Cinematheque, Thu 5/14, 7:00pm - at Farmington Civic Theater, Farmington
Penn Theatre
Resurgo (2024, documentary), Thu 5/14, 7pm
Somewhere in Time (1980), Sat 5/16, 7pm; Sun 5/17, 5pm
Loving Vincent (2017, animated), Tue 5/19, 7pm
Redford Theatre
10 Things I Hate About You (1999), Fri 5/15, 8pm
Amadeus (1984, dir. Miloš Forman), Sat 5/16, 2pm
Tombstone (1993), Sat 5/16, 8pm
The Riviera Cinema
Crooklyn (1994, dir. Spike Lee), Sun 5/17, 7pm
Senate Theater
Trivia: Outlier Media x Senate Theater, Tue 5/19, 6:30pm
Detroit Theaters:
Back Alley Cinema - Cinema Detroit - Cinema Lamont - Detroit Film Theatre
Doom City Cinema - Lowkey Cinema - Motor City Cinema Society
Redford Theatre - Senate Theater - Slimeball Cinerama
Southeast Michigan Theaters:
Farmington Civic Theater - Historic Howell Theater
Marquee Arts: Michigan Theater - Marquee Arts: State Theatre
Support your local theaters, go out to a movie!
