Community Calendar

African Women Film Festival 2025
Voices of Resilience: The Power of Storytelling in African Cinema

A three-day celebration of the creativity, resilience, and global impact of African women in cinema—exploring how women filmmakers are redefining narratives and bringing new energy to the film industry.

The event features award-winning filmmakers from across the continent alongside University of Michigan faculty experts for film screenings, Q&A sessions, and panel discussions. Conversations will address topics such as representation, gender, and the changing landscape of African media—creating space for dialogue among filmmakers, scholars, students, and the broader community.

The festival will also welcome Mahen Bonetti, founder and executive director of African Film Festival, Inc., as the keynote speaker. Renowned internationally for her vision and decades of advocacy, Bonetti continues to champion African cinema and amplify its voices on the global stage.

The African Women Film Festival (AWFF) is organized by the African Studies Center at the University of Michigan and made possible with support from the Office of the Vice Provost for Engaged Learning, Global Michigan; the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies; the International Institute; and other campus partners. AWFF seeks to amplify the voices of African women in film, celebrating their artistry, innovation, and resilience while creating spaces for dialogue, mentorship, and cross-continental collaboration.

African Women Film Festival 2025
Voices of Resilience: The Power of Storytelling in African Cinema

A three-day celebration of the creativity, resilience, and global impact of African women in cinema—exploring how women filmmakers are redefining narratives and bringing new energy to the film industry.

The event features award-winning filmmakers from across the continent alongside University of Michigan faculty experts for film screenings, Q&A sessions, and panel discussions. Conversations will address topics such as representation, gender, and the changing landscape of African media—creating space for dialogue among filmmakers, scholars, students, and the broader community.

The festival will also welcome Mahen Bonetti, founder and executive director of African Film Festival, Inc., as the keynote speaker. Renowned internationally for her vision and decades of advocacy, Bonetti continues to champion African cinema and amplify its voices on the global stage.

The African Women Film Festival (AWFF) is organized by the African Studies Center at the University of Michigan and made possible with support from the Office of the Vice Provost for Engaged Learning, Global Michigan; the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies; the International Institute; and other campus partners. AWFF seeks to amplify the voices of African women in film, celebrating their artistry, innovation, and resilience while creating spaces for dialogue, mentorship, and cross-continental collaboration.

African Women Film Festival 2025
Voices of Resilience: The Power of Storytelling in African Cinema

A three-day celebration of the creativity, resilience, and global impact of African women in cinema—exploring how women filmmakers are redefining narratives and bringing new energy to the film industry.

The event features award-winning filmmakers from across the continent alongside University of Michigan faculty experts for film screenings, Q&A sessions, and panel discussions. Conversations will address topics such as representation, gender, and the changing landscape of African media—creating space for dialogue among filmmakers, scholars, students, and the broader community.

The festival will also welcome Mahen Bonetti, founder and executive director of African Film Festival, Inc., as the keynote speaker. Renowned internationally for her vision and decades of advocacy, Bonetti continues to champion African cinema and amplify its voices on the global stage.

The African Women Film Festival (AWFF) is organized by the African Studies Center at the University of Michigan and made possible with support from the Office of the Vice Provost for Engaged Learning, Global Michigan; the Department of Afroamerican and African Studies; the International Institute; and other campus partners. AWFF seeks to amplify the voices of African women in film, celebrating their artistry, innovation, and resilience while creating spaces for dialogue, mentorship, and cross-continental collaboration.

He’s the Pope of Trash. The Sultan of Sleaze. The man who made bad taste divine. Now, JOHN WATERS returns to Ann Arbor for an unfiltered evening of twisted tales, trashy truths, and cinematic confessions in his all-new spoken word show, Going to Extremes.

No topic is too taboo. No story too sordid. If you know Waters, you know to expect the unexpected and love every outrageous minute of it.

Want more Waters?
Add the Group Therapy Session to your ticket. After the show, John will return to the stage for a 15 to 20 minute Q&A with up to 50 guests. This exclusive add-on is extremely limited, so act fast.

Step into Tim Burton’s magical world where Halloween meets Christmas! Join us for a special big-screen showing of The Nightmare Before Christmas at the Flagstar Strand Theatre — a beloved classic that brings spooky cheer to audiences of all ages.

Follow Pumpkin King Jack Skellington as he swaps fright for festivity, setting off a holiday adventure that’s as heartwarming as it is haunting.

This family-friendly event opens its doors at 1:30 p.m., with the movie beginning at 2:00 p.m. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets:
Pontiac residents (with ID): $12
Non-residents: $20
Tickets can be purchased at the box office in person or by phone to avoid online fees.
Located in the heart of downtown Pontiac, the Flagstar Strand Theatre is more than just a historic stage—it’s a cornerstone of the community, surrounded by walkable dining, galleries, and shops. With additional spaces like the intimate Second @ Strand and elegant event rooms, it continues to shine as a hub for performances, celebrations, and cultural connection.

Charlene's Theatre Bar will be open for ticketholders to buy soft drinks and mocktails (or something more wicked for ages 21+)

For more information visit:
info@flagstarstrand.com
Box Office Regular Hours
Thurs, Fri: 12p - 5p
2 hours prior to events

Instagram @flagstarstrand
Facebook @FlagstarStrand
tiktok.com/@flagstarstrandtheatre
https://www.youtube.com/@flagstarstrandtheatre

12 N. Saginaw St, Pontiac, MI 48342
https://www.flagstarstrand.com/
248-309- 6445

boxoffice@flagstarstrand.com.
Box Office hours: M/W/F 12p-5p.

All aboard for a magical holiday journey! Experience The Polar Express on the big screen at the Flagstar Strand Theatre — the heartwarming film based on Chris Van Allsburg’s beloved children’s book.

Follow a young boy’s extraordinary train ride to the North Pole, where he learns that the spirit of Christmas never fades for those who truly believe. With stunning animation, an inspiring message, and holiday cheer for the whole family, this screening is the perfect way to kick off the season.

This family-friendly movie starts at 3:00 p.m. Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Tickets: $5

Tickets can be purchased at the box office in person or by phone to avoid online fees.
Located in the heart of downtown Pontiac, the Flagstar Strand Theatre is more than just a historic stage—it’s a cornerstone of the community, surrounded by walkable dining, galleries, and shops. With additional spaces like the intimate Second @ Strand and elegant event rooms, it continues to shine as a hub for performances, celebrations, and cultural connection.

Charlene's Theatre Bar will be open for ticketholders to buy soft drinks and mocktails (or something more wicked for ages 21+)

For more information visit:
info@flagstarstrand.com
Box Office Regular Hours
Thurs, Fri: 12p - 5p
2 hours prior to events

Instagram @flagstarstrand
Facebook @FlagstarStrand
tiktok.com/@flagstarstrandtheatre
https://www.youtube.com/@flagstarstrandtheatre

12 N. Saginaw St, Pontiac, MI 48342
https://www.flagstarstrand.com/
248-309- 6445

boxoffice@flagstarstrand.com.
Box Office hours: M/W/F 12p-5p.

The Flint Symphony Orchestra will present Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark™ Live in Concert featuring John Williams’ GRAMMY® Award-winning score performed live to the film.

Indiana Jones is the classic hero in this adventure set in the 1930s, which follows the quick-witted and determined archaeologist as he hunts for the Lost Ark of the Covenant. Often facing insurmountable odds, Indy always manages to succeed in the nick of time, joined by endearing companions and opposed by notorious villains.

With an impressive team of supporting actors including Karen Allen, John-Rhys Davies, Denholm Elliott, and Paul Freeman, combined with innovative special effects techniques by Industrial Light & Magic, Raiders has captured the spirits of moviegoers for generations and continues to inspire adventures yet to come.