Redlands Cinema Classic returns with international film lineup

Film lovers can travel from 18th-century Venice to modern-day Beirut, the Amazon rainforest and the world of Japanese Kabuki without leaving Redlands during this fall’s Redlands Cinema Classic Film Festival.

The annual festival returns Sept. 2 with four international feature films, followed by two special screenings of the Manhattan Short Film Festival, where local audiences will join moviegoers around the world in voting for their favorite short films and performances.

Presented by the Margaret Clark Art Education Enrichment Fund of the Redlands Art Association, the festival runs Sept. 2 through Oct. 1 at Harkins Mountain Grove 16, 27481 San Bernardino Ave. Net proceeds benefit art education programs throughout Redlands.

This year’s feature film lineup includes films from Italy, Lebanon, Brazil and Japan, with screenings offered on Wednesday evenings and Thursday afternoons.

Primavera

Italy in Italian with English subtitles
Runtime: 1 hr, 50 mins
Showtimes: Sept. 2, at 7 p.m. and Sept. 3 at 2:30 p.m.

Set in 18th-century Venice, Primavera follows violinist and composer Antonio Vivaldi, best known for The Four Seasons, as he teaches the young female musicians of the Ospedale della Pietà, an institution for abandoned girls. One of them, Cecilia, is an exceptionally talented violinist whom Vivaldi mentors. “The storyline, choreography and music are superb,” said Annette Weis, organizer of the Redlands Cinema Classic.

A Sad and Beautiful World

Lebanon, in Lebanese Arabic with English subtitles
Runtime: 1 hr, 50 mins
Showtimes: Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 10 at 2:30 p.m.

Nino and Yasmina are childhood sweethearts growing up in Beirut. They try to survive the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the militant group founded by Iran in 1982. Nino remains optimistic that the war will end, while Yasmina struggles with feeling that it will never end. Described as a romantic comedy-drama, this film has won many awards with rave reviews by critics and viewers.

The Blue Trail

Brazil, Mexico, the Netherlands in Portuguese, with English subtitles
Runtime: 1 hr, 26 mins
Showtimes: Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. and Sept. 17 at 2:30 p.m.

A delightful ‘what if’ premise storyline of Tereza a 77-year-old woman who has lived her whole life in a small town in the Amazon. When she receives the government order to relocate to a senior compound to make room for the younger generation, she runs away determined to accomplish her one last wish. Her journey through the rivers and rainforest of the Amazon is transformative as she meets unusual characters. Brazilian actress Diane Weinberg’s performance is outstanding. Director Gabriel Mascaro states, “Narratives about old age often reduce the elderly to memories and finitude. The Blue Trail vindicates the potential of elderly bodies to be seen on screen as pulsating with energy and the desire to live.”

Kokuho

Japan in Japanese with English subtitles
Runtime: 2 hrs. 55 mins
Showtimes: Sept. 23, at 5:30 p.m. and Sept. 24 at 1:30 p.m.

After the death of his father, the leader of a yakuza gang, 14-year-old Kikuo is taken under the wing of famed Kabuki actor Hanjiro Hanai. Alongside Hanjiro’s son, Shunsuke, Kikuo dedicates himself to the traditional Japanese theater form. Over the ensuing decades, the two develop their skills as they experience rivalry, brotherhood, scandal and glory on their way to Kabuki’s grandest stages.

“This film, though long, goes quickly and is not to be missed. It is a masterpiece,” said Weis.

The film stars Ryo Yoshizawa as Kikuo, Ryusei Yokohama as Shunsuke and Ken Watanabe as Hanjiro. Kokuho was nominated for Best Makeup and Hairstyling at the 2026 Academy Awards.

Manhattan Short Film Festival

The Manhattan Short Film Festival returns this fall, with the Redlands Art Association hosting two screenings featuring 10 short films from around the world. The finalists are eligible for consideration for the Academy Awards.

Redlands audiences will join more than 100,000 filmgoers in more than 500 cities across six continents in voting for Best Film and Best Actor. Ballots cast at the Redlands screenings will be sent to New York and counted with votes from audiences around the world.

Screenings: Sept. 30 at 5.30 p.m. and Oct. 1 at 1:30 p.m.

Ticket Information

Tickets for all featured films in Redlands Cinema Classic Film Festival are $20.

Tickets are available online, at the Redlands Art Association or inside the theater at Harkins Theatres Mountain Grove 16 before each show.

Manhattan Short Film Festival tickets are $50 and includes food and beverages. Tickets are available online or the Redlands Art Association (215 E State Street) and must be purchased by Sept. 24.