In these dark days of winter join us for Films that Inspire! These sessions will be on Wednesday evenings; please note the double header on 2/26.  View the films at home (check https://www.justwatch.com for options) and join us for a Zoom discussion led by Bob Kagan.

Bob Kagan taught Communications and film at Manchester Community College, Central Connecticut State University and the University of Hartford for over 40 years. He has been leading film discussions at the Avon Free Public Library for the past 7 years.

Please register once for the series, even if you can’t attend each session. Zoom links will go out before the event.

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January 22, Mountain Queen: The Summits of Lhakpa Sherpa 2024, Directed by Lucy Foster. Imagine climbing Mount Everest. Now do it 10 times. This documentary follows West Hartford’s Lhakpa Sherpa as she summits Mount Everest in an incredible display of grit, courage and strength. An amazing story with breathtaking cinematography. Watch the trailer here. 

January 29, Nyad, 2023, Directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarheli and cowritten by Diana Nyad, this drama follows the swimmer Diana Nyad as she trains and attempts to swim from Cuba to the Florida Keys. Annette Bening shines as we follow Nyad’s grueling training regime under her coach, played by Jodie Foster, and Nyad’s refusal to quit. Watch the trailer here.

February 5, Will and Harper, 2024, Directed by Josh Greenbaum. This documentary follows Will Ferrell and his friend of 30 years, Harper Steele, as they travel the backroads of America shortly after Harper has transitioned. Poignant, funny and painful at times, this film raises questions about friendship, acceptance and the cost of being true to yourself. Watch the trailer here.

(Then there is a gap: discussions will resume on 2/26)

February 26: Special Double Feature!Watch one or both!

Rustin, 2023, Directed by George Wolfe. Colman Domingo gives a master class in acting in this drama portraying the life of Civil Rights leader Bayard Rustin. Focusing on the 1963 Civil Right’s March in Washington, Rustin is forced to navigate a world hostile towards him for both his color and his sexuality. Watch the trailer here.

Hidden Figures, 2017, Directed by Stuart Mel. This film tells the largely unknown story of three African American women whose mathematical abilities were key to NASA’s space program and for the launching of John Glenn’s flight into orbit. For those of you who were challenged by math in high school this is a must see. Copies of this movie are available at the library. Watch the trailer here

Please register once for the series, even if you can’t attend each session. Zoom links will go out before the event.