Alexandria Public Schools Community Education

A dramatization of Norway's deadliest terrorist attack, in which a right-wing extremist murders 77 teens at a youth camp in 2011.The movie is very compelling and makes you proud of how the Norwegian government and people respond to this tragedy. A few young survivors show, with grit and lots of work, they can overcome their wounds and help a country heal. Discussion led by Dave Anderson.Discretion Advised: There is a brutal killing seen in the first 30 minutes. Our intention is to show the whole movie, but will pause the movie to let some of the audience leave the theater and return when that scene is over.

A 2017 French documentary film directed by Agnès Varda and JR. The film follows Varda and JR traveling around rural France, creating portraits of the people they come across. Discussion led by Deb Trumm. 

The story of an elite moonshine produced in the heart of Minnesota by Catholic farmers during Prohibition, and the modern-day attempts of a micro-distillery to resuscitate the brand as a premium whiskey. Discussion led by Mike Donahue.

The Counterfeiters tells the true story of Salomon Sorowitsch (Karl Markovics), a swindler who made a name for himself as Berlin's "King of the Counterfeiters." However, his life of women and easy money is cut short when he's arrested and placed in a Nazi concentration camp. With the German army on the verge of bankruptcy, Sorowitsch makes a sobering deal with his captors: in exchange for a comfortable bed, good food and fair treatment, Sorowitsch, along with the other hand-picked specialists, must counterfeit bank notes to fund the Nazi War effort. If he does as they say, he lives another day. If he rebels, he faces the same fate as the rest of the camp's prisoners. But if he lives, will he be able to live with himself? Discussion led by Tom Obert.

After enduring WWII-era brutalization by Hitler's Nazi Party and decades of repressive Soviet dictatorship, the tiny nation of Estonia began to declare its independence from Communist rule in the late '80s. Over a five-year period, hundreds of thousands of Estonians began to systematically and repeatedly gather in public venues to collectively sing illegal patriotic songs, declaring their desire for national independence but never resorting to violence amid their protests. Discussion led by Tom Obert.

For more than half a century, the Lebanese singer Fairuz has been a living legend and somewhat of a unifying force in the Arab world. We Loved Each Other So Much tells the stories of diverse Beirut inhabitants who, despite differing religious or political beliefs and affiliations, have always felt a deep emotional connection with the singer and her music. Their reminiscences of life during a 15-year-long civil war, along with portions of many of Fairuz's songs, provide a moving commentary on Lebanon's tumultuous history. Discussion led by Jim and Mary Pohl. Jim and Mary have over a decade of experience living and working in North Africa and the Middle East. 

A nearly illiterate man in his 50s crosses paths with a highly intelligent old lady. They develop an unusual friendship in this sweet comedy, and learn more about themselves and each other than they ever expected. Discussion led by Jim and Mary Pohl. 

A murder investigation is altered and derailed by a right-wing newspaper that cater to a conservative, fascist, borgeouis public. Although fictitious, this film touches on issues that continue to be relevant today. Discussion led by guest Pieranna Garvaso

A sweet, sexy, surreal, and mouthwatering tale of the widow of a noodle shop owner on her quest for the perfect recipe, with help from an unexpected truck driver. The story is intertwined with culinary adventures and off-beat comedy sketches about the relationship of love and food. Discussion led by guest Lory Lemke.

Follow a man who returns home to discover a long-buried family secret, and whose attempts to put things right threaten the lives of those he left home years before. Discussion led by Dave Anderson. 

On the east coast of New Zealand, the Whangara people believe their presence there dates back a thousand years or more to a single ancestor, Paikea, who escaped death when his canoe capsized by riding to shore on the back of a whale. From then on, Whangara chiefs have always been the first-born and male. Many generations later, the contemporary tale revolves around a young mother whose male newborn twin dies in childbirth. Her young husband flees New Zealand in grief, leaving grandparents Koro and Nanny Flowers to raise the sole survivor, a feisty little girl named Pai, who radiates with life and energy. It's no wonder that her grandmother and the entire community love her, but alas, the grandfather she worships is too busy mourning the loss of the baby boy he expected would lead the tribe to better. Discussion led by Tom Obert.

This section enrolls you in all spring films scheduled for April, May and June. Savings of $5!

This section enrolls you in all winter films: Jan, Feb, and March. Savings of $5!