Film Seminars | Discussions | Intros

With a blend of vivid animation, interviews and 18 minutes of surviving footage from the lost silent epic in which she plays herself, AURORA’S SUNRISE tells the true story of how a 14-year-old girl escaped the slaughter of the Armenian genocide and embarked upon an odyssey that took her to the heights of Hollywood stardom. Part of Doc Spotlight

A New York detective (Al Pacino) is tasked with going undercover to hunt down a psychopath who is scouring New York City gay clubs and viciously slaying its patrons in Friedkin’s sleazy, oft-misunderstood slasher. Part of A Tribute to William Friedkin

Presented in conjunction with the Belcourt’s Doc Spotlight series, this seminar is for anyone interested in the documentary form. Documentary filmmaker and Vanderbilt cinema and media arts assistant professor Carmine Grimaldi will explore the trajectory of documentary film from the birth of cinema to contemporary trends. He’ll discuss documentary styles and practices and explore multiple ways of looking at documentary films, including some of the titles featured in the Doc Spotlight series. The seminar will challenge viewers to see documentaries in new ways, and send participants home with a list of films for recommended viewing.

Explores the life and music of the legendary drummer, composer, bandleader and social activist through a remarkable series of creative peaks, struggles and personal reinventions — from the Jim Crow era to the Civil Rights years, surveying the heady days of post-war modern jazz to hip hop and beyond. Co-directed by Sam Pollard (MR SOUL, MLK/FBI). Part of Doc Spotlight and Music City Mondays

Fashion revolutionary Bethann Hardison looks back on her journey as a pioneering Black model, modeling agent and activist, shining a light on an untold chapter in the fight for racial diversity. In tandem with Frédéric Tcheng (HALSTON, DIOR AND I), Hardison and her co-director craft an absorbing record of Hardison’s accomplishments and a rare contemplation on the life of a radical thinker. Part of Doc Spotlight

An encore screening of F.W. Murnau’s vampiric classic featuring a live synth score by Eve Maret, Dream Chambers and Belly Full of Stars.

This intimate portrait of the legendary folk singer is neither a conventional biopic nor a traditional concert film, but rather a visual memoir anchored by Joan’s extraordinary archive, including newly discovered home movies, diaries, artwork and audio recordings. Special screenings include Joan Baez in conversation with Jack White (Fri, Oct 20, 6:45pm) and TN State Rep. Justin Jones (Sat, Oct 21, 12:45pm).

Like a ghastly graveyard revenant, 12 Hours of Terror claws its way back to the Belcourt big screen for its 12th iteration. The beloved overnight horror spectacular returns. 7 films. 12 hours. No gravestone left unturned.