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Hot screenings in store at local film festivals, theaters

Emil Jannings in “The Last Laugh,” which will screen at the Coolidge. Below: “An American Ascent,” the opening night film of the Roxbury International Film Festival.

Blockbusters aren’t the only game in town this summer. Here are some other worthwhile programming notes to pencil into your calendars.

Coolidge Corner Theatre: F. W. Murnau’s silent classic “The Last Laugh” (1924), starring Emil Jannings and featuring an original Coolidge-commissioned score and live musical accompaniment by Berklee Silent Film Orchestra, screens on May 4. Throughout the summer, the Coolidge presents its Big Screen Classics on Mondays. Highlights include the landmark documentary “Grey Gardens” (June 1) from the late Albert and David Maysles; and “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” (July 13), which will be another tribute to the late Globe film critic Jay Carr presented in collaboration with the Boston Society of Film Critics. Cinema Jukebox features the 1983 hip-hop classic “Wild Style” (June 8). The film’s director, Charlie Ahearn, will be on hand for a post-screening discussion and Justin Freed, who owned the Coolidge from 1977 to 1989, will present the Coolidge with a reprint of the “Wild Style” photograph that was stolen from the theater last month. For more information go to www.coolidge.org.

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Brattle Theatre: One of cinema’s most influential directors is showcased in the series “Ingmar Bergman’s Fifties” (June 17-25). The legendary Swedish director had an unprecedented run of masterpieces over the course of a four-year period beginning in 1953 with “Summer With Monika” (June 17). The series includes Bergman’s often overlooked circus drama “Sawdust and Tinsel” (June 18), “Smiles of a Summer Night” (June 23), “The Seventh Seal” (June 24), and “Wild Strawberries” (June 25). Classics continue on June 30 when the Brattle offers a free screening of Jacques Tati’s 1967 comedic masterpiece “Playtime” at 6 p.m. introduced by Emerson College professor Peter Flynn. For more information go to www.brattlefilm.org.

Harvard Film Archive: You could spend the entire summer inside the HFA and never see a dull movie. This season they’reit’s featuring the complete works of directors Robert Altman and Sam Fuller, and films from Rome’s Titanus Studios, which turned out some of the most popular and important titles in Italian cinema. For more information, go to http://hcl.harvard.edu/hfa/.

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ArtsEmerson:Their Its summer film program brings renowned stage productions to the screen, including National Theater Live’s “A View From the Bridge” by Arthur Miller (July 10-12) and Tom Stoppard’s “The Hard Problem” directed by Nicholas Hytner (July 17-19). There’s also the San Francisco Opera’s “Showboat,” directed by Francesca Zambello (Aug. 28-30). Screenings take place at the Emerson/Paramount Center’s Bright Family Screening Room. For more information go to www.artsemerson.org.

Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston: Among many notable events this summer (see “Archie’s Betty” screenings beginning May 30) is a screening of works by experimental local filmmakers, hosted by Balagan Films (July 11 at noon). For more information go to www.icaboston.org/programs/film/.

Ciclismo Classico Bike Travel Film Festival: Billed as the only film festival in the United States that focuses on bicycle travel and adventure, this 6thsixth annual edition screens a slate of international films (May 27 beginning at 7 p.m.) at the Regent Theatre in Arlington. A portion of the proceeds goes to MassBike, the statewide bicycle advocacy organization. For more information go to www.regenttheatre.com.

Berkshire International Film Festival: The 10th annual edition (May 28-31) offers new films at the Triplex Cinema in Great Barrington and at the Beacon Cinema in Pittsfield. For more information go to www.biffma.org.

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Still from the documentary “An American Ascent.”Roxbury International Film Festival

Roxbury International Film Festival: To commemorate its 17th year, the festival (June 17-28) expands to 10 days filled with premieres, workshops, and signature programs such as Dinner and a Movie. The opening-night film at the Museum of Fine Arts is “An American Ascent,” which documents the first African-American expedition to climb Mount McKinley, North America’s highest peak. For a complete schedule go to www.roxburyinternationalfilmfestival.org.

Provincetown International Film Festival: Now in year 17, the festivalhighlights this year (June 17-21) includes the Paul Weitz’s “Grandma,” the Sundance Film Festival hit that has earned late-career awards buzz for star Lily Tomlin as an aging feminist on a road trip with her granddaughter (Julia Garner). “Ten Thousand Saints” is the latest from Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini (“American Splendor”). Must-see documentaries include “Tab Hunter Confidential,” a tell-all from the now out actor and “Peggy Guggenheim — Art Addict,” about the woman who befriended and championed scores of important artists including many based in Provincetown. For more information go to www.ptownfilmfest.org.

Nantucket Film Festival: This one hits the 20-year mark this year (June 24-29). The opening-night film is “The End of the Tour” with Jason Segel as the late David Foster Wallace. Notable documentaries include Liz Garbus’s portrait of singer Nina Simone (“What Happened, Miss Simone?”). Signature programs include the Screenwriters Tribute (Aaron Sorkin was the guest of honor last year), In Their Shoes . . . (with Chris Matthews interviewing special guests), and Late Night Storytelling. For more information go to www.nantucketfilmfestival.org.

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French Film Festival: The MFA’s most popular series celebrates its 20th season (July 9-26) with a line-up that includes one of France’s biggest box-office successes, “Next Time I’ll Aim for the Heart” starring Guillaume Canet. There’s also the political thriller “The Clearstream Affair”; Bruno Dumont’s “Li’l Quinquin,” a comedy-drama about a police investigation in a small town; and the family drama “40-Love” starring Valeria Bruni Tedeschi and Olivier Gourmet. For more information go to www.mfa.org/film.

Maine International Film Festival:The 17th annual, held in Waterville (July 10-19), will showcase nearly 100 US independent and international films. For more information go to www.miff.org.

Woods Hole Film Festival: The oldest film festival on Cape Cod and the Islands celebrates its 24th season (July 25-Aug. 1) with dozens of films from around the world, visiting filmmakers, and workshops in the quaint village of Woods Hole. For more information go to www.woodsholefilmfestival.org.

FLICKERS: Rhode Island International Film Festival: Now in its 19th year, this festival (Aug. 4-9) has become a leading juried competition showcase for international independent filmmakers. The RIIFF will feature abroader focus this year with a curated musical competition and expanded walks and tours. For more information go to www.rifilmfest.org.

Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival: Another festival celebrating a milestone. This fest marks its 10th year (Sept. 8-13) with a full array of international films and special guests to be announced. For more information go to http://mvfilmsociety.com.


Loren King can be reached at loren.king@comcast.net.

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