Nine inspirational and provocative international movies will premiere every Thursday and Sunday throughout March at 2 p.m. at the Cine+Lago Theater in Plaza Bugambilias in Ajijic.
The first, “The Great Dictator” (Sunday, March 1) by Charlie Chaplin, was a groundbreaking political satire that challenged Nazism in 1940 while the U.S. remained neutral. Despite pressure to cancel filming when war began in Europe in 1939, Chaplin persevered, convinced comedy could work as a powerful weapon against tyranny. It became a box office hit with five Oscar nominations. It’s hailed today for its brave and early condemnation of antisemitism and authoritarianism. A “must see”.
Thursday’s (March 5) “Mr. Nobody Against Putin”, co-produced by Denmark/Czechia/Germany, is told by “Pasha”, a teacher who becomes a whistleblower exposing Russia’s aggressive militarization in its schools. Under the guise of his actual role as staff videographer, he records hundreds of hours of footage as his school is transformed by propaganda, repressive new laws, and the recruitment of graduating students to fight in Ukraine. Eventually, Pasha flees Russia, smuggling his footage with him. This film won the 2026 British Academy Award for Best Documentary and is a 2026 Oscar nominee.
“Lilly” on March 8, International Women’s Day, showcases a courageous factory supervisor who seeks equal pay and career advancement after years of discrimination by her company. Her fight led to the 2009 Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act.
“The Alabama Solution” (March 12), also a 2026 Oscar nominee, follows incarcerated men who expose a cover-up in one of America’s deadliest prisons by filming with contraband cellphones.
“Orwell 2+2=5” (March 15), made with his Estate, investigates the life, work, and enduring influence of George Orwell. It juxtaposes his writings with the “newspeak” of authoritarian rule today, AI, commercial metaverses and book banning.
“The Librarians” (March 19), highlights ongoing valiant efforts to combat book banning and defend intellectual freedom amid increasing censorship in the U.S.
“The Blue Trail” (“O Último Azul”) on March 22, is a sci-fi drama set in a dystopian future in Brazil. It follows a 77-year-old Brazilian woman who flees mandatory internment for the elderly, and discovers herself and adventure on the Amazon River.
“Deaf President Now!” (March 26), recounts a historic protest in 1988 by deaf students when a hearing president is yet again appointed over highly qualified deaf candidates. Their win led to the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and inspired Deaf Pride movements worldwide.
The last drama, “A Million Miles Away” (March 29), depicts NASA astronaut José Hernández, who began life as a migrant worker. His parents were from Michoacán, Mexico.
This annual fundraiser by the Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala Chapter helps support its non-partisan U.S. voting assistance at Lakeside. Tickets may be obtained by donating online in U.S. dollars to the Chapter’s website. A Season Pass for all nine films costs $US60 (Early Bird Pass $US55) and individual tickets are $US7.50. For details and to buy tickets, type into your browser: short.at/Y9VyU.