OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The Ira Holmes International Film Series at the College of Central Florida returns in October to celebrate its 64th season with a Fab Four-themed series of Beatles-related film screenings, film talks and special events.
The season will launch with a series-first event at the Ocala Downtown Square. The family-friendly When I’m 64 Kickoff Celebration on Saturday, Oct. 4, will include a Beatles karaoke party at 6:30 p.m. followed by a sunset screening of “A Hard Day’s Night.”
“The cultural phenomenon that is the Beatles was also the soundtrack for the early days of the Ira Holmes Film Series,” said Wendy Adams, CF professor and series director. “Many of our films are great master works, and the Beatles’ music has stood the test of time. So we want to celebrate the cultural impact of the Beatles and, with multiple family-friendly events, introduce a new generation to the excitement of original rock ‘n’ roll and its impact on cinema.”
Following the kickoff, the season will continue with a mix of international features, documentaries and special programs. Highlights include “PreFab!” on Oct. 14, which will feature exclusive screenings and a filmmaker Q&A, and “Good Day Sunshine State,” an Oct. 22 author talk presented in partnership with CF’s Department of Humanities.
On Nov. 11, the 2019 British film “Yesterday” will screen with an accompanying author discussion. Other titles include the Japanese drama “Drive My Car” (Oct. 28), the Norwegian comedy “Long Flat Balls II” (Nov. 25), and the Spanish feature “Living is Easy With Eyes Closed” (March 24).
The season will also spotlight Beatles-related artistry with a Feb. 24 talk by CF art professor Tyrus Clutter on Heinz Edelmann, the illustrator behind the animated classic “Yellow Submarine.” That day will also include a screening of the Japanese film “Linda Linda Linda.”
Adams said the season’s programming reflects the series’ long tradition of pairing film with cultural context. Regular screenings will take place Tuesdays at 2 p.m. at the Appleton Museum of Art, 4333 E. Silver Springs Blvd., and at 7 p.m. at the College of Central Florida, 3001 SW College Road, Building 8, Room 110 in the Ira Holmes Classroom.
Films at the CF Ocala Campus are free and open to the public. At the Appleton, screenings are free for museum, film series members and CF students; nonmembers may attend with museum admission. Organizers note that some of the films may contain mature content.
The Ira Holmes International Film Series, named for its founder, has been a staple of Ocala’s cultural scene for more than six decades. With this season’s When I’m 64 theme, Adams said, the series hopes to honor the past while inspiring new audiences.
Series Schedule
- Oct. 4: A Hard Day’s Night (UK, 1964) – Family-friendly event with karaoke party and film screening at Ocala Downtown Square
- Oct. 14: PreFab! (US/UK, 2025) – Exclusive screenings with filmmaker Q&A
- Oct. 22: Good Day Sunshine State – Author book talk presented with CF Department of Humanities
- Oct. 28: Drive My Car (Japan, 2021)
- Nov. 11: Yesterday (UK, 2019) – Evening screening includes author discussion
- Nov. 25: Long Flat Balls II (Norway, 2008)
- Jan. 13: Flow (Latvia, 2024)
- Jan. 27: Harry Benson: Shoot First (USA, 2016)
- Feb. 10: Nowhere Boy (UK, 2010)
- Feb. 24: Heinz Edelmann’s “Yellow Submarine” and More – Film talk with artist Tyrus Clutter
- Feb. 24: Linda Linda Linda (Japan, 2005)
- March 10: Across the Universe (UK/USA, 2007)
- March 24: Living is Easy With Eyes Closed (Spain, 2013)