The Guild Cinema

COME AND SEE (1985)
Jun 12 & 13
Fri and Sat 7:00pm only!
Bleak Week Special!
Dir. Elem Klimov - 1985 - 142m - Soviet Union - In Russian with English subtitles - Valid for Punch Cards

The notorious Soviet shocker, as part of American Cinematheque’s worldwide BLEAK WEEK fest!

AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE’S BLEAK WEEK:  CINEMA OF DISPAIR  IS HERE!  AS ONE OF OVER A HUNDRED PARTICIPATING  MOVIE THEATERS AROUND THE WORLD, WE’RE OFFERING UP THREE DOUBLE FEATURES  (WERCKMEISTER HARMONIES / COME & SEE, IN A YEAR OF 13 MOONS / STROCZEK, CHRISTIANE F. / AU HASARD BALTHAZAR) & A CLOSING  7 PLUS HOUR  BELA TAR MONUMENTAL FEATURE  SATANTANGO!

NOTE:  THIS DOUBLE FEATURE WILL BE WITH BELA TARR &  ÁGNES HRANITSKY’S HUNGARIAN LANDMARK WERCKMEISTER HARMONIES!

Staff member Jack Mahoney’s pick! 

This widely acclaimed film from Soviet director Elem Klimov is a stunning, senses-shattering plunge into the dehumanizing horrors of war. As N**i forces encroach on his small village in present-day Belarus, teenage Flyora (Aleksei Kravchenko, in one of the screen’s most searing depictions of anguish since Renée Falconetti’s Joan of Arc) eagerly joins the Soviet resistance. Rather than the adventure and glory he envisioned, what he finds is a waking nightmare of unimaginable carnage and cruelty—rendered with a feverish, otherworldly intensity by Klimov’s subjective camerawork and expressionistic sound design. Nearly suppressed by Soviet censors who took eight years to approve its script, Come and See is perhaps the most visceral, impossible-to-forget antiwar film ever made.

“This 1985 Soviet anti-war drama is one of the best movies ever made.” - Tom Cassidy, Common Sense Media

“A compelling, harrowing, absurdly beautiful account of the little known holocaust in Byelorussia.” - Victoria Mather, Daily Telegraph (UK)

WERCKMEISTER HARMONIES (2000)
Jun 12 & 13
Fri and Sat 4:00pm only!
Bleak Week Special!
Dir. Bela Tarr & Ágnes Hranitzky - 2000 - 145m - Hungary - In Hungarian with English subtitles - Valid for Punch Cards

The Bela Tarr & Ágnes Hranitzky Hungarian epic, as part of American Cinematheque’s worldwide BLEAK WEEK!

AMERICAN CINEMATHEQUE’S BLEAK WEEK:  CINEMA OF DISPAIR  IS HERE!  AS ONE OF OVER A HUNDRED PARTICIPATING  MOVIE THEATERS AROUND THE WORLD, WE’RE OFFERING UP THREE DOUBLE FEATURES  (WERCKMEISTER HARMONIES / COME & SEE, IN A YEAR OF 13 MOONS / STROSZEK, CHRISTIANE F. / AU HASARD BALTHAZAR) & A CLOSING  7 PLUS HOUR  BELA TAR MONUMENTAL FEATURE  SATANTANGO!

NOTE:  THIS DOUBLE FEATURE WILL BE WITH THE NOTORIOUS RUSSIAN ANTI-WAR EPIC COME & SEE!

Staff member Don Sherry’s pick! 

 One of the major achievements of twenty-first-century cinema thus far, Béla Tarr’s mesmeric parable of societal collapse is an enigma of transcendent visual, philosophical, and mystical resonance. Adapted from a novel by the celebrated writer and frequent Tarr collaborator László Krasznahorkai, Werckmeister Harmonies unfolds in an unknown era in an unnamed village, where, one day, a mysterious circus—complete with an enormous stuffed whale and a shadowy, demagogue-like figure known as the Prince—arrives and appears to awaken a kind of madness in the citizens, which builds inexorably toward violence and destruction. In thirty-nine of his signature long takes, engraved in ghostly black and white, Tarr conjures an apocalyptic vision of dreamlike dread and fathomless beauty.

“Mesmerizing, haunting, deeply moving.” - Diane Carson, KDHX (St. Louis)

“It is an arduous task, but the film achieves a transcendent and ethereal beauty that only the few truly great masterpieces attain.” - Derek Smith, Cinematic Reflections

TOP OF THE HEAP (1972)
Jun 11
Thu 6:00pm only!
A BLAXPLOITATION MIDWEEK SPECIAL DOUBLE FEATURE!
Dir. Christopher St. John - 1972 - 90m - Valid for Punch Cards

The underseen/underplayed 70s gem as part of our BLAXPLOITATION MID WEEK with author/film writer Josiah Howard!

It’s on!  Author of the the superb compendium Blaxploitation Cinema: The Essential Reference Guide Josiah Howard (who also curated all the chosen films for this midweek) will be in our cinema house to introduce & do a post screening discussion!  Welcome to BLAXPLOITATION MIDWEEK!

DOUBLE FEATURED (2-MOVIES-FOR-THE PRICE-OF-ONE, SEE ONE OR BOTH FOR THE SAME PRICE!) WITH THE OUTSTANDING SINGULAR IVAN DIXON FEATURE THE SPOOK WHO SAT BY THE DOOR (1973)!

A year after his supporting role in the blockbuster Shaft, Christopher St. John wrote, directed, and starred in this kaleidoscopic fever dream of a Black cop’s crisis of sanity after being passed over for a promotion, and the death of his mother.

With dreamlike imagery depicting St. John’s George Lattimer as a war hero, astronaut, and other representations of American idealism, the film tackles the contradiction of a Black man who follows the ‘rules’ in a position of power, only to find himself trapped in the same impossible position he was in before joining the police. Top of the Heap is an underrated twist on Blaxploitation cinema, and an essential piece of American independent film, free of studio interference and muddled messaging.

“As written, the film is punctuated by escapist visions in which Lattimer pictures himself a revered astronaut in a lacquered 2001-esque space station, but outer space isn’t far enough to elude the earthly news of his mother’s death; the only approaching celestial “voyage” on his itinerary is to her funeral in rural Alabama. In this dark substitution, the film reckons not only with systemic prejudice but the cosmic menace of aging and death—or rather, demonstrates Ruth Wilson Gilmore’s definition of racism as “the state-sanctioned or extralegal production and exploitation of group-differentiated vulnerability to premature death.”’ ~ Veronica Fitzpatrick, Screen Slate

THE SPOOK WHO SAT BY THE DOOR (1973)
Jun 11
Thu 3:30, 8:15
A BLAXPLOITATION MIDWEEK SPECIAL DOUBLE FEATURE!
Dir. Ivan Dixon - 1973 - 102m - Valid for Punch Cards

The extaordinary Ivan Dixon feature in a new restoration as part of our BLAXPLOITATION MID WEEK with author/film writer Josiah Howard!

It’s on!  Author of the the superb compendium Blaxploitation Cinema: The Essential Reference Guide Josiah Howard (who also curated all the chosen films for this midweek) will be in our cinema house to introduce & do a post screening discussion!  Welcome to BLAXPLOITATION MIDWEEK!

DOUBLE FEATURED (2-MOVIES-FOR-THE PRICE-OF-ONE, SEE ONE OR BOTH FOR THE SAME PRICE!) WITH THE UNDER PLAYED 70’S GEM TOP OF THE HEAP (1972)!

The film follows Dan Freeman (played by Lawrence Cook), an African American man who becomes the first black CIA officer. His hiring is initially a token gesture to placate civil rights activists and project an image of inclusivity within the agency. However, Freeman proves to be highly competent, quickly mastering espionage techniques and tactics. Despite his skills, he is relegated to a low-profile, menial position, symbolically seated by the door to serve as a token black employee. Growing increasingly disillusioned with the systemic racism and marginalization he experiences, Freeman decides to use his training for a revolutionary cause. He resigns from the CIA and returns to his hometown of Chicago, where he begins to recruit and train a militant group of young African Americans. Utilizing the guerrilla warfare techniques he learned at the CIA, Freeman’s group, disguised as a community organization, aims to fight against racial oppression and challenge the status quo. As Freeman’s insurgency grows, it attracts the attention of law enforcement and government officials, leading to a tense and escalating conflict. The film explores themes of racial identity, institutional racism, and the complexities of resistance. “The Spook Who Sat By the Door” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that examines the potential for radical change and the lengths to which oppressed individuals might go to achieve liberation.

For this summer's special BLAXPLOITATION MIDWEEK DOUBLE FEATURES with author/film historian Josiah Howard, he's brought a limited supply of his stunningly gorgeous & informative BLAXPLOITATION CINEMA: THE ESSENTIAL REFERENCE GUIDE book for sale! Look at that pic, what a beauty of the physical print media! Tue June 9 thru Thur June 11 of this 2026 blasting off with a SUPER FLY / BLACULA pair up then rounding out with the remarkable THE SPOOK WHO SAT BY THE DOOR / TOP OF THE HEAP double whammy! Gonna be a great time, it's culture & entertainment! Come say hi to Josiah and check out these flicks!

BLACULA (1972)
Jun 9 & 10
Tue and Wed 6:15pm only!
A BLAXPLOITATION MIDWEEK SPECIAL DOUBLE FEATURE!
Dir. William Crain - 1972 - 93m - Valid for Punch Cards

The William Marshall Drive-In Classic as part of our BLAXPLOITATION MID WEEK with author Josiah Howard!

It’s on!  Author of the the superb compendium Blaxploitation Cinema: The Essential Reference Guide Josiah Howard (who also curated all the chosen films for this midweek) will be in our cinema house to introduce & do a post screening discussion!  Welcome to BLAXPLOITATION MIDWEEK!

DOUBLE FEATURED (2-MOVIES-FOR-THE PRICE-OF-ONE, SEE ONE OR BOTH FOR THE SAME PRICE!) WITH THE GORDON PARKS JR. LEGENDARY BAD ASS ORIGINAL 70’S LANDMARK SUPER FLY (1972)!

The eternally cool William Marshall puts a fresh spin on the age-old legend of the vampire, condemned to wander the Earth with an insatiable lust for blood in these riveting Blaxploitation classics.

William Marshall (Twilight’s Last Gleaming, Pee-wee’s Playhouse, Maverick) stars as African Prince Mamuwalde in Blacula, the avant-garde blaxploitation horror film that’s both subversive and refreshingly entertaining. In 1780, Mamuwalde travels to Transylvania seeking Count Dracula’s (Charles Macaulay, Splash, Star Trek) support for the abolition of the slave trade between their countries. Instead, Dracula curses the prince by transforming him into a vampire and locking him in a coffin. Two centuries later, Blacula is set free in modern day Los Angeles to terrorize the city in his nightly quest for blood. William Crain (Dr. Black, Mr. Hyde, TV’s The Dukes of Hazzard) directs and Vonetta McGee (Hammer, The Eiger Sanction, Repo Man, The Great Silence), Denise Nicholas (Let’s Do It Again, TV’s In the Heat of the Night, Room 222), Elisha Cook (Rosemary’s Baby, The KIlling, House on Haunted HIll) and Thalmus Rasulala (Friday Foster, New Jack City, Above the Law) co-star!

“Blacula is beautiful, a totally entertaining movie that is not only a successful satire... but also provides a number of genuinely terrifying moments.” - Dick Lochte, Los Angeles Free Press

“Vibrant funking-up of Hammer bloodsuckers” - Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion

SUPER FLY (1972)
Jun 9 & 10
Tue and Wed 4:00 8:30

The legendary 70s bad ass flick as part of our BLAXPLOITATION MIDWEEK with author Josiah Howard!

A BLAXPLOITATION MIDWEEK SPECIAL DOUBLE FEATURE!

Dir. Gordon Parks Jr. - 1972 - 93m - Valid for Punch Cards
It’s on!  Author of the the superb compendium Blaxploitation Cinema: The Essential Reference Guide Josiah Howard (who also curated all the chosen films for this midweek) will be in our cinema house to introduce & do a post screening discussion!  Welcome to BLAXPLOITATION MIDWEEK!

DOUBLE FEATURED (2-MOVIES-FOR-THE PRICE-OF-ONE, SEE ONE OR BOTH FOR THE SAME PRICE!) WITH THE WILLIAM MARSHALL DRIVE-IN CLASSIC BLACULA (1972)!

Priest is a prince of the streets, a charismatic businessman who wants out of cocaine-dealing. But a mysterious kingpin doesn’t want Priest to change his ways. And that triggers murder, revenge and double-crosses that push Priest into a corner — and heat the neighborhood to flash point.

Super Fly is one of the more enduring streetwise films of its era, due to the dynamic central performance of Ron O’Neal (Red Dawn, Original Gangstas), the sizzling score by Curtis Mayfield and the gritty direction of the late Gordon Parks, Jr. (Three the Hard Way, Aaron Loves Angela). Super Fly is super entertainment with an indelible message. It’s life on the edge, put together by talents who know just how sharp it can get.

“Classic blaxlpoitation film is still one of the best to come out of the genre. O’Neal gives a fine (but always funky) performance ... (a) terrific soundtrack.”Larry Carroll, Countingdown.com

“Among the early and most sacred films in the Blacksploitation cannon, 1972’s Super Fly is a towering pillar in many circles.” - Ed Travis, Cinapse

“This is a quintessential blaxploitation film. And it’s fun as hell to watch.” - Ted Prigge, rec.arts.movies.reviews

THE 9 LIVES OF BARBARA DANE
Jun 8 plus Jun 23 thru 25
Mon 4:30 *matinee, 7:00pm * all seats $15
Tue to Thu 5:30pm *regular pricing
Dir. Maureen Gosling - 2023 - 108m - 7pm screening Not Valid for Punch Cards, all others are!

With director & producer in person plus a live performance by Lara Manzanares at the  opening evening show!

BONUS!  The director Maureen Gosling & the producer Jed Riffe will be in person for a short intro and post-screening talk/Q&A at the 7pm screening & possibly the 4:30pm show as well!  ALSO, as part of the WOMEN’S REBEL VOICES FILM AND MUSIC TOUR, award winning New Mexico singer-songwriter Lara Manzanares will perform before the evening screening!

Featuring Bonnie Raitt, Jane Fonda, Louis Armstrong, the Chambers Brothers, Amy Goodman and more - American history gets a shakeup through the story of a powerhouse blues, jazz, folk singer!

THE 9 LIVES OF BARBARA DANE reveals the untold story of an often-overlooked artist whose dedication to music and social justice showcases the tireless spirit and spirit at the heart of American activism, from the 1960s to today.  Mentored by Pete Seeger, discovered by Louis Armstrong, with Bob Dylan bringing his songs to her and Bonnie Raitt drawing inspiration from her work, Dane stood at the center of major cultural movements. She launched the career of the Chambers Brothers and helped shape Jane Fonda’s politics, raising a compelling question: Why isn’t Barbara Dane a household name?  The film chronicles a trailblazing woman who chose conscience over fame, transforming setbacks into opportunities and forging her own path through art. With singular confidence, Dane emanated the people-powered connectivity of folk, the defiance of blues, and the elemental cool of jazz - using music as a force for change and earning a four-inch FBI file along the way.

THE 9 LIVES OF BARBARA DANE directed by Maureen Gosling/produced by Jed Riffe, features a “ravishing cascade” of music and stories.

Our participation (amongst hundreds of other movie theaters worldwide) with the mighty American Cinematheque's BLEAK WEEK: CINEMA OF DESPAIR is coming right up June 12 thru 18! Advance tix on our website www.guildcinema.com via clicking whichever poster image you're interested in & then scrolling down on that page to the different purchase options. 3 double features (a 2-for-the-price-of-1 deal) plus Bela Tarr's mammoth all 7 plus hours SATANTANGO! Get ready for WERCKMEISTER HARMONIES, COME AND SEE, IN A YEAR OF 13 MOONS, STROSZEK, AU HASARD BALTHAZAR, CHRISTIANE F. and that big one final one!

SILENCE IN THE SAND
Jun 7
Sun 3:30, 7:30
All Seats $7
Dir. Chad Brummett - 2026 - 60m - Not Valid for Punch Cards

A new pro-active MMIP documentary by local filmmaker Chad Brummett with guest speakers t.b.a. !

Two months before Gabby Petito disappeared in 2021, another missing person’s case hit Shiprock, New Mexico. Thirty three-year-old Ranelle Rose Bennett disappeared without a trace - but you probably never heard of her case.

“Silence in the Sand” explores the theory of “Missing White Woman Syndrome,” and the role media and law enforcement play in perpetuating the issue. The documentary also shares the story of Bennett’s disappearance, what is known about her case, and what community can do to change the paradigm of missing and murdered Indigenous women.