2023 Film Series
Following the success of its inaugural 2022 series, Athens Cultural Center returned in 2023 with another season of free outdoor film screenings at Athens Riverfront Park. Held on the third Saturday of each month from May through September, the series invited audiences to enjoy thoughtfully selected films, community gatherings, and special programming along the Hudson River. Refreshments provided by The Stewart House Hotel supported ACC and helped make these evenings of outdoor cinema possible.
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War of the Worlds (2005)
May 20, 2023
Screening at Sunset
“War of the Worlds” is Steven Spielberg's take on the H.G. Wells classic. An epic sci-fi thriller that follows the story of Ray Ferrier and his children as they grapple an extraterrestrial attack on Earth.A menacing storm erupts one day and giant otherworldly machines start attacking everything in sight. Masses attempt an escape to the countryside and Ray will have to overcome the fear and danger to protect those he loves the most.
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To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar
June 17, 2023
Screening at Sunset
Cult classic for the LGTBQ+ community, this comedy promises an unforgettable ride alongside our three main characters: drag queens Vida Boheme, Noxeema Jackson, and Chi-Chi Rodriguez.When they win a pageant in New York, they are rewarded with a trip to Los Angeles to compete for the title of Drag Queen of America. They decide to embark on a road trip across the country to achieve their dreams when they are left stranded in an isolated small town.
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Nomadland
July 15, 2023
Screening at Sunset
Based on the novel by Jessica Bruder, this drama masterpiece follows the physical and spiritual journey of Fern, living as a nomad traveling in her tattered van through the American West.After losing everything to the 2008 financial crisis, Fern decides to take to the road in the search for better opportunities. In her journey she explores a life outside of the norm, new meaningful relationships, and the sweeping effects of the economic recession.
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Visitors (2013)
August 19, 2023
Screening at Sunset
Director Godfrey Reggio reveals humanity's trance-like relationship with technology, which, when commandeered by extreme emotional states, produces massive effects far beyond the human species.Film score by Philip Glass.
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306 Hollywood
September 16, 2023
Screening at Sunset
Placed in a magical realism setting, this award-winning documentary follows the story of two siblings that take on an archeological excavation in their grandmother’s house once she passed away.It’s a family portrait built progressively around memories from the past that shine through recorded conversations, objects, and the legacy left behind.
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Harold and Maude
May 14, 2022
Screening at 8:30pmThe inaugural Second Saturdays Outdoor Film Series opened with Hal Ashby's beloved 1971 cult classic Harold and Maude. The unforgettable story of an unlikely friendship and love affair, paired with Cat Stevens' iconic soundtrack, set the tone for a season of films that celebrated creativity, connection, and community.
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Thirsty
June 12, 2022
Screening at 8:30pm
In celebration of Pride Month, ACC presented Thirsty, a musical coming-of-age film inspired by the life of renowned Cher impersonator Thirsty Burlington. Fighting obstacles along the way, what he really wants is self-acceptance.
Visitors were encouraged to begin the evening with Spectrum, ACC's exhibition featuring Hudson Valley LGBTQ+ artists, before gathering for the film. -
A Trip to the Moon
July 9, 2022
Hosted by Denny Daniel with 16mm projectionFeaturing a Live Score by Jef Brown at the Athens Cultural Center, 24 Second Street
Screenings at 2pm & 3:30pm
Presented as part of the Athens Street Festival, this special program celebrated the magic of early cinema with Georges Méliès' groundbreaking 1902 silent film A Trip to the Moon. The event featured a live musical score by Kingston musician Jef Brown, 16mm projection by Denny Daniel of the Museum of Interesting Things, and a display of historic optical devices including zoetropes, kinetoscopes, and camera obscuras. -
Summer of Soul
August 13, 2022
DJ set by LunarMoss at 6:30pm
Q&A with Producer Joseph Patel at 8pm
Screening at 8:30pm
ACC presented Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson's Academy Award-winning documentary Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised), a powerful film celebrating the music, history, and cultural legacy of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival.
The evening invited audiences to experience the festival's extraordinary live performances while exploring its enduring impact on Black history, culture, and fashion. The program opened with a DJ set by LunarMoss and featured a pre-screening conversation with Academy Award-winning producer Joseph Patel, who shared insights into the making of the acclaimed documentary, recipient of the 2022 Oscar for Best Documentary as well as numerous BAFTA, Sundance, Critics Choice, and Independent Spirit awards. -
I Dream Too Much
September 10, 2022
Screening at 8:30pm
ACC concluded its inaugural Second Saturdays Outdoor Film Series with I Dream Too Much, a heartwarming independent film written and directed by local filmmaker Katie Cokinos and set in upstate New York. The story follows a recent college graduate who finds herself caring for her reclusive great-aunt, whose long-hidden romantic past inspires both women to embrace new possibilities.
Featuring performances by Eden Brolin, Diane Ladd, Danielle Brooks, and Christina Rouner, the film explores family, love, and self-discovery across three generations while celebrating the landscapes and creative spirit of upstate New York.
This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by CREATE Council on the Arts. Additional funding provided by A Fair Game.