Film Screening | Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale

When Ste. Claire and SS Columbia sounded their whistles, every Detroit kid knew it heralded the coming of summer and the magic of ferrying over to nearby Boblo Island Amusement Park. After 85 years of operation, these two sister steamships – the oldest in America - awaken from a deep slumber to find a devoted team of enthusiasts have set out to rescue them from their deteriorating state. SS Columbia has been whisked away to New York while Claire's fate rests in the hands of an unlikely band of heroes: a doctor, a psychic, and an amusement park fanatic.

Film Screening and Q&A | Warrior Lawyers: Defenders of Sacred Justice

WARRIOR LAWYERS is a one-hour documentary about Native American role models, Nation Re-Building and Tribal Justice. Through the personal and professional stories of American Indian Attorneys, Tribal Judges and their colleagues, the program provides an overview of the major historical, governmental, legal, judicial and intertwining social justice issues shaping many Federally Recognized Nations today.

This 60-minute documentary is unrated. Join us for a screening of the film followed by a Q&A with the director Audrey Geyer.

Film Screening | We Have Reached The Moment with the Michigan Community Scholars Program

Join the Michigan Community Scholars Program and members of the community in a film screening of We Have Reached The Moment.

This documentary follows Vic Barrett, who was just 12 years old when Hurricane Sandy hammered his native New York City. The film shows us Vic as he tries to explain to his climate-denying father the impacts of the climate crisis on their own disenfranchised communities.

Panelists include:

The Big Gay Read | Stormé: The Lady of the Jewel Box Screening & Director Q&A

Join AADL for a screening of the documentary Stormé: The Lady of the Jewel Box, followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Michelle Parkerson.

Stormé tells the true story of one of New York City's premier male impersonators from the 1950's and their life thereafter. This film gives us insight into the time period and cultures explored in Malinda Lo's Last Night at the Telegraph Club.

This 21 minute documentary is unrated.

Chasing Dark Skies: Milky Way Photography in Michigan

Astrophotographer Adrian Bradley has been chasing dark skies — seeking out the Milky Way in particular — throughout Michigan for several years, honing his skills as a photographer. In this presentation, Adrian will share some of his photographs, give a brief overview of his process and equipment, and present tips for finding and measuring dark sky locations in Michigan.

Japan Week Film Screening | Mifune: The Last Samurai

Join us for a screening of the documentary Mifune: the Last Samurai by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Steven Okazaki which explores the acting career of Toshiro Mifune. Mifune was a prolific actor who starred in many Akira Kurosawa films during what is considered the Golden Age of Japanese Cinema.

This event is in partnership with the UM Center for Japanese Studies.

This 80-minute documentary is unrated.

The Big Gay Movie Night: Forbidden City USA

It was the swinging 30s. The big bands of the 40s. And the crowds were packing the nation's premiere all-Chinese nightclub, Forbidden City. Settled in San Francisco's Chinatown, Forbidden City gained an international reputation with its unique showcase of Chinese American performers in eye-popping all-American extravaganzas. Join AADL for a showing of Forbidden City USA, a documentary full of archival footage and firsthand insight on what it was like to be there. This film presentation is in partnership with The Big Gay Read 2023.