. . . we’re saying hello to the great Pedro Almodóvar! And it’s double the fun and double the gorgeous Almodóvar-color, too, with two short films from the Spanish master. “The Human Voice,” starring Tilda Swinton, was Almodovar’s English language debut, but its U.S. theatrical release in March 2021 was stunted, due to the pandemic. (Pickford patrons will recall we did not reopen until May of 2021.)  Thus, it’s a wonderfully opportune time to pair “Human Voice” with Almodóvar’s newest 2023 film, also a short, “Strange Way of Life,” a gay Western that stars Pedro Pascal and Ethan Hawke and debuted at Cannes earlier this year. Both films are being released together, and, as an added bonus, they include a new, recorded Q&A with Almodóvar himself.  Almodóvar fans may recall that he was initially attached to Brokeback Mountain before giving it up, worriedthat Hollywood would not let him make the fully physical film he imagined. And while Almodóvar is a great admirer of Ang Lee’s Brokeback Mountain, he has called “Strange Way of Life” “my answer to Brokeback Mountain.” So perhaps, in watching “Strange Way of Life,” we might see glimmers of what an Almodóvar-version of Brokeback might have been. An intriguing thought! 

We also have two special events this week: a Halloween-themed Kid Pickford special and a blast from the 80’s, Ghostbusters, and the fourth film in our Stephen King Scream Kingseries, Cujo*, another 80’s film that is perhaps more sophisticated and delightfully suspenseful than many might remember it. Cujo’s opening scene is brilliant, subverting expectations beautifully; throughout, the filmmaker employs thrilling camera movement in a way we rarely see today (where rapidly-paced editing is more often used to create intensity); and Dee Wallace is the badass mom I’d love to have on my team any day. What a treat her character and performance are!  

There are two chances to see Ghostbusters: Saturday at 1:30 pm and Saturday at 10 pm, for the night owls. Tickets for both screenings are Kid Pickford-priced at $6 each. And Cujo is playing just once, Tuesday at 7:45 pm   

*For the dog lovers: No animals were harmed in the making of this film. 

Finally, here are this week’s Doctober selections -- lots of last chances to see some great films and a couple of new films that are making their Doctober debut.  Once again, full descriptions are in our calendar, but here’s a quick hit list of each festival film and the events and community partners associated with each:

Joan Baez: I Am a Noise -- Oct. 20-26 -- Back by popular demand and here for a theatrical run, Joan will be gracing our screens for a full week, with shows once a day

Common Ground -- Oct. 21, Oct. 22 -- Also back by popular demand, we’ve added two encore shows of this thought-provoking and ultimately hopeful film about regenerative farming. Presented by Sustainable Connections, Whatcom Million Trees Project, Whatcom Peace and Justice Center, and Kulshan Carbon Trust

Dusty and Stones -- Oct. 20 -- final showing!

Allihopa: The Dalkurd Story (Advance Special Screening) -- Oct. 20, presented by Whatcom Sports and Recreation -- final showing! 

Impossible Town -- Oct. 20, with virtual Q&A with filmmakers Meg Griffiths and Scott Faris. Film presented by Mount Baker Group Sierra Club. Encore, Oct. 26 (no Q&A) -- first and final showings!

Breaking the News -- Oct. 21 , presented by the Salish Current. If you haven’t had the chance yet, be sure to check out Salish Current’s wonderful article about the film in their most recent edition -- final showing! 

Mom and Dad’s Nipple Factory (feature film) preceded by “Savi the Cat” (short film) -- Oct. 21. Mom and Dad’s Nipple Factory presented and introduced by Allies Boutique -- final showing!