Wilmington Democrats present the film How Saba Kept Singing, a documentary film that tells the story of David "Saba" Wisnia, a Holocaust survivor who believes he survived Auschwitz by entertaining Nazi guards with his singing. The film follows Saba and his grandson, Avi Wisnia, as they embark on a journey to explore Saba's past and the power of music in his life. Through their travels, they uncover the remarkable story of how Saba used music to cope with his traumatic experiences during the Holocaust. Ticket link: https://events.ticketleap.com/tickets/wilm-democrats/films-worth-talking-about-how-saba-kept-singing

If poetry had a pop icon, Mary Oliver would be it. Celebrated best-selling poet, Pulitzer Prize-winner, lover of dogs and long walks in the woods, openly queer but intensely private, Oliver was America’s unlikely contemporary mystic, stalking the ponds and forests of Cape Cod for nearly fifty years in order to open herself – and her readers – to the known and unknowable world. From a lonely childhood to literary fame, Oliver’s life was shaped by devotion to nature, paying attention, and the long journey toward learning to love and to be loved. Her poems inspire liberals and conservatives, atheists and believers, naturalists and urbanites, speaking directly to contemporary anxieties about attention, presence, and the human relationship with the natural world – issues that feel especially pressing in an era of climate crisis, digital distraction, and social fragmentation. Featuring interviews with her close friends, including John Waters, never-before-seen personal photos, notebooks, and correspondence from her archive, and recitations of her work by Stephen Colbert, Lucy Dacus, Steve Buscemi, and Oprah Winfrey, Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World considers the poet’s long lifetime of work in context, capturing the uniqueness of her world and the natural beauty that inspired her.

In revolutionary Iran, as fundamentalists tighten their grip on society, a professor secretly gathers seven of her most dedicated female students to read and discuss forbidden classics of Western literature, including Lolita and Pride and Prejudice. Based on the bestselling memoir by Azar Nafisi. A film by Eran Riklis starring Golshifteh Farahani (Paterson), Zar Amir (Holy Spider), and Mina Kavani (No Bears).

A documentary that follows Sarah McBride’s groundbreaking first year in Congress as the first openly transgender person elected to the U.S. legislature, State of Firsts captures her battle against relentless political attacks. As MAGA Republicans ban her from restrooms and publicly misgender her, McBride confronts threats and discrimination with resilience. Focused on meaningful policy work over partisan conflict, she draws inspiration from historical figures who overcame adversity, offering a powerful look at perseverance in the face of systemic opposition.

A middle-aged couple who are feeling stagnant in their relationship invite the younger and livelier couple from the apartment upstairs for a get-together that takes an unexpected turn. Starring Olivia Wilde, Seth Rogan, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton. Directed by Olivia Wilde written by Rashida Jones and Will McCormack.

In the mid-19th century a mute woman (Holly Hunter) is sent to New Zealand along with her young daughter (Anna Paquin) and prized piano for an arranged marriage to a farmer (Sam Neill), but is soon lusted after by a farm worker (Harvey Keitel). Won 3 Oscars including Best Picture, Best Actress for Holly Hunter and Best Supporting Actress for Anna Paquin.

In February 2023, a Eurasian Eagle-Owl named Flaco escapes from the Central Park Zoo and sets off on a magical odyssey through the island of Manhattan. Flaco answers the call of the wild – and discovers he was wild inside all along. WILD INSIDE is an underdog story of resilience and self determination as Flaco the Owl beats the odds and accomplishes the impossible. Flaco busts out of his cage barely able to fly, but he adapts, he explores and eventually – it seems – he goes far beyond mere survival, becoming an internationally known icon of freedom, hooting from the highest water towers. He claims all of New York City as his wild kingdom.