There are two sides to every film, the artistic and the commercial. The artistic side consisting of the directors, writers, cinematographers and so on, while the commercial consists of the producers and the studio, anyone involved with the money. Typically, these two sides of the film should work in tandem to create the best possible film for both parties, an artistic film, one that spreads the message of the ones who made it, and a profitable film, for those who paid for it all to happen. This is typically how it is done, and for the most part, it works.

Elizabeth Lo’s “strangely beautiful” (Screen International) exploration of Istanbul’s street dog population, Stray, opens Friday, March 12 at FACETS Virtual Cinema. In anticipation of the film’s release, we’ve curated a list of arthouse canine flicks that are shaping the future of the genre as we know it. People really love dogs, that’s just how it is, how it’s always been, and how it will remain. Taking a look back through our shared cinematic history, this seemingly universal appreciation for canines has been a mainstay. Often a staple of the “family movie night” category, films like Lassie, Balto, Old Yeller, Homeward Bound,

In these days of isolation that we have all found ourselves in for nearly a year, sometimes we need a reminder of some of the good things in life. This Valentines Day, FACETS has curated a watchlist highlighting films that demonstrate love’s ability to overcome all obstacles and barriers. From queer films about love in the face of discrimination and adversity, to films about love in times of hardship, to films about the implications of love in the face of familial disapproval, this watchlist can serve as a reminder to all of that even though we may not be able to

This year for Black History Month, FACETS is highlighting Sam Soko’s new documentary Softie. A film about a Kenyan activist taking to the streets and eventually running for public office. Softie is available to stream at FACETS Virtual Cinema until February 11. Black History Month is a time to reflect on the impact that Black individuals and communities have had on the history of the United States and the entire world. A time to pay tribute to the generations of African Americans who struggled with adversity to achieve citizenship, and equality in American society. A time to look back on the

Some Kind of Heaven is currently available to watch at FACETS Virtual Cinema until February 4. For an interesting double feature, we suggest Jasper Mall, the new documentary about a slowly dying mall in the small town of Jasper, Alabama.   Some Kind of Heaven Directed by Lance Oppenheim Director Lance Oppenheim’s debut feature Some Kind of Heaven explores life inside America’s largest retirement community, The Villages. Known as the “Disneyland for Retirees,” this planned colony is home to over 130,000 mostly white seniors, who are provided with every medical convenience and a utopian vision of the American yesteryear: safe streets, manicured lawns, and countless activities—including canasta games

Savage State is currently available to watch at FACETS Virtual Cinema until January 21. For a captivating double feature, we suggest Meek’s Cutoff, Kelly Reichardt’s 2010 Western with a star studded cast who give career defining performances. Savage State Directed by David Perrault French director David Perrault’s sophomore feature takes place in 1863, St. Louis, Missouri and follows a French family, attempting to abide by Napoleon’s strict rule of neutrality in the American Civil War. When American soldiers occupy the city and new laws disrupt the family’s ability to remain impartial, they make the difficult decision to return to France. Eschewing conventional Civil War narratives that

Watch newly released independent and international films at FACETS Virtual Cinema here. If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling to watch the year’s best films before it’s over and award season sneaks up, you might ask yourself, “how in the world did I miss this many great films?” When every critic releases a Best of the Year list and deems a handful of new films essential, it’s no wonder the recommendations can pile up. Even in 2020, where we spent a majority of the year inside planted in front of a screen, the amount of great films available could tend to feel overwhelming for