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The 65th season of the Ira Holmes International Film Series at the College of Central Florida celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence when it returns in October. Throughout the season, several of the selected films and accompanying events will reflect the Declaration of Independence’s themes, such as the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

The season kicks off with Disney’s 2025 rereleased movie presentation of the Broadway musical “Hamilton.” Before the showing, there will be a special introduction by Jay Thompson, 91��Ƭ political science professor. The initial event will be held on Oct. 13 at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, followed by a 7 p.m. showing at the College of Central Florida.

“For this year’s movies, we looked for a variety of stories that spoke to both the American experience and the universal pursuit of freedom,” said Wendy Adams, 91��Ƭ professor and series director. “There are some historical classics and newer entries, but we think all of these movies are going to entertain and spark conversations around their connections to current and past events.”

Adams said she is also excited for the series to return to Ocala’s Historic Marion Theatre for the two free and family-friendly movies in this year’s collection, “Avalon” on Nov. 8, and “An American Tail” on March 7.

Series Schedule:

Oct. 13: “Hamilton,” USA, 2020 – The Broadway musical tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton through the music of Lin-Manuel Miranda. Film introduction by 91��Ƭ political science professor Jay Thompson.

Oct. 27: “The Emigrants,” Sweden, 1971 – An epic immigrant story of a Swedish family seeking a better life in America. The Ocala campus screening includes a 6:30 p.m. film talk with executive director of arts in health Ocala Metro, Patricia Tomlinson.

Nov. 9: “Avalon,” USA, 1990 – Family Friendly Event, 2 p.m. at Ocala’s Historical Marion Theatre. Barry Levinson’s autobiographical story of three generations of an immigrant family in Baltimore.

Nov. 10: “Come as You Are/Hasta la Vista,” Belgium, 2011 – A coming-of-age road-trip comedy about three disabled friends determined to live life on their own terms.

Nov. 24: “Minari,” Korea/USA, 2021 – A Korean-American family moves to rural Arkansas in pursuit of the American Dream. Amidst the challenges in the strange and rugged Ozarks, they create a new life.

Feb. 8: “Motion Picture Paradise: A History of Florida’s Film and Television Industry,” – Lecture with Florida film history expert Dr. David Morton, 12:30 p.m., The Ira Holmes Classroom on the Ocala Campus. This lecture is sponsored by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences Bank of America Grant.

Feb. 9: “The Flying Ace,” USA, 1926 – Made in Florida, this is set after World War I, when a former fighter pilot hunts down stolen payroll and the thieves behind it. Both screenings include a film talk with
Dr. Morton.

Feb. 23: “The Wound,” South Africa/Germany/Netherlands/France, 2017 – A look at South Africa’s Xhosa culture and an ancient coming-of-age ritual in the Eastern Cape.

March 7: “An American Tail,” USA, 1986 – Family Friendly Event, 2 p.m. at Ocala’s Historical Marion Theatre. An immigrant mouse searches for his family after they are separated in 1800s New York City.

March 9: “Cinema Sabaya,” Israel, 2023 – A documentary following Palestinian and Israeli women as they learn to document their lives through film.

March 23: “Perfect Days,” Japan/Germany, 2024 – This film follows a Tokyo toilet cleaner who finds joy in life’s simple routines.

All films will be shown Tuesdays at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, and at 7 p.m. at the College of Central Florida, 3001 S.W. College Road, Building 8, Room 110, unless otherwise noted. Films at the Ocala Campus are free and open to the public. Films at the Appleton are free to all museum and film series members; nonmembers pay museum admission. Films may contain mature content.

For more details, visit 91��Ƭ.edu/FilmSeries.