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Film Programs

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The National Gallery shares unique films in person and free of charge. Join us for recent restorations, classic art cinema, exceptional documentaries, and a variety of films by artists.

Sunday, November 6, 2:00 p.m.

Art Films and Special Screenings

The History of the Civil War 

Watch renowned Soviet film pioneer Dziga Vertov’s documentary, The History of the Civil War, detailing the struggle of the Bolsheviks in overcoming domestic opposition to their revolution. Restored digitally in 2021, this special screening of the silent film is accompanied live by The Anvil Orchestra (duo Roger Miller and Terry Donahue, formerly of The Alloy Orchestra), performing their original score. Registration is required.

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October 2 – December 3

Recent Films from Spain

Enjoy this DC area premiere of eight recent titles by Spanish, predominantly femme, directors. Programmed in conjunction with the exhibition Sargent and Spain, this series aims to highlight current practices and approaches to production by Spanish filmmakers interested in fiction, documentary, and more. Registration is required. 

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July 10 – October 30

Dark Mirrors: The Double in Cinema

Adding to the experience of The Double: Identity and Difference in Art since 1900, this film series taps into the rich history of doubled forms in motion pictures with stories of twins, clones, alter egos, revenants, dream selves, and doppelgängers. Registration is required.

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About Film Programs

The National Gallery of Art’s year-round film program presents classic and contemporary cinema from around the world in a traditional theatrical setting. Through screenings, filmmaker discussions, and introductions by critics and scholars, the program encourages viewers to learn more about the history of the cinema, its relationship to other art forms, and the role of media in society. Enjoy innovative retrospectives, restored works of historical value, silent films with live musical accompaniment, new documentaries, and experimental media by noted artists on weekends, throughout the year.

For information about past film programs, please visit the Film Programs Archive. The National Gallery is an associate member of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF).

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For more information, e-mail [email protected].