FilmFest DC returns for 40th year — plus more things to do this weekend

Cuneyt Dil

Two people in a blue-lit control room. Foreground: a serious blonde woman in a gray sweater; behind her, a bearded man in dark clothing with arms crossed as screens glow in the background. — "Case 137," a French film among the screenings at this year's festival. Image courtesy of FilmFest DC

Filmfest DC is back for its 40th year, starting today.

Why it matters: With over 3,600 films from 144 countries, you're in for an only-in-D.C. adventure for cinephiles and casual audiences alike.

Zoom in: There are international comedies (like "Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don't," from Italy) and movies about espionage and intrigue (like "Maigret and the Dead Lover," from France).

There are five new movies from the Arab world, including "Once Upon a Time in Gaza," in Arabic with English subtitles.
Plus many more categories celebrating activism, international music, and more.

Many filmmakers and guests will hold discussions, panels and other events, organizers say.

On Sunday, a special "sunset cinema" will happen at The Wharf's pier, with a showing of Martin Scorsese's 1986 movie "The Color of Money," starring Paul Newman and Tom Cruise as pool hustlers.

Regal Gallery Place will host most of the screenings, with others at the National Gallery of Art, the French Embassy, and MLK Library.

More events this weekend:

🎵 A big outdoor rave will go down on Pennsylvania Avenue on Saturday, with Project Glow and Black Book Records bringing in English house DJ Chris Lake. The 4–10pm dance takeover has tickets starting from $112.

💃 The District Sounds Festival will be at The Wharf for the first time on Saturday. All ages are welcome to the District Pier for a wide range of performances, from an Argentina-based orchestra to salsa dancing to a D.C. rapper and more. 3–9pm, $12 tickets

🪶 A Shakespeare birthday celebration is happening at the Folger on Saturday, featuring dancing, craft stations, costumes and more. Doors open at 11am; no ticket required

🧑‍🎤 Florence + The Machine is at Capital One Arena on Saturday night as part of their "Everybody Scream Tour." Tickets start ~$100

🥁 D.C.'s 21st annual Emancipation Day Festival, Parade and Concert happens on Sunday at Freedom Plaza, featuring bands and entertainers from 1–9pm. Free; reserve a spot

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FilmFest DC returns for 40th year — plus more things to do this weekend

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