Your Guide to DC's Film Scene

It’s Oscars season, and D.C.’s cinephiles are out in full force. We spoke with Abbie Ginis, the founder of DC Movie Club, about how to get involved in D.C.’s growing film scene and the best places to catch a flick.

How to Get Involved:

DC Movie Club — If you're new to D.C.'s film scene, DC Movie Club is the easiest on-ramp. The club hosts up to seven events a month — screenings, movie trivia nights, and small-group discussions — and is open to everyone, no matter what’s in your Letterboxd.

DC Public Library Screenings — DCPL hosts free movie screenings and discussions almost daily. From the short film discussion group at Southwest Library to Terrific Movie Tuesdays at the Chevy Chase location.

The DC Film Society — They host the annual Filmfest DC and also offer regular screenings and discussion groups. A small yearly membership gets you access to passes for preview screenings of independent and foreign-language films.

DC Movie Digest — This weekly substack sends out info on re-releases, indie-films, and special showings around the DMV.

Alamo Drafthouse Tuesday Movie Trivia — This is a fun way to meet fellow movie nerds and show off your knowledge without the pressure of a full discussion group.

DC’s Best Indie Theaters

AFI Silver Theatre (Silver Spring)

The gold standard for serious cinephiles. This restored 1930s theater regularly hosts retrospectives, international cinema, and special screenings on 35 mm and 70 mm film. This week, they are going all in on Oscar-nominated films, including short film screenings.

The Avalon Theatre (Chevy Chase)

A neighborhood gem in Chevy Chase doubles as a community space. Its café and indie programming make it a popular spot to linger before or after a film. Go for everything from blockbusters to local director screenings.

Angelika Pop-Up (Union Market)

Nothing fancy — and that's the point. The seats are a little uncomfy and they only show a couple of movies at a time, but their choices are peak. Then swing by the best restaurants in Union Market for post-film arguments about third acts.

Suns Cinema (Mt. Pleasant)

Suns is the cool kid hangout for the D.C. movie and arts scene (seriously, they don’t let you in without a digi-cam and carabiner keychain). The theater upstairs shows one or two screenings a night while downstairs runs a great bar and hangout space. Tickets drop at the end of each month and go fast, so plan ahead.

Alamo Drafthouse (Various Locations)

Alamo is a reliable destination for special events, themed screenings, and community programming. They have a partnership with DC Movie Club, and the Arlington location hosts events from DC Film Society.

Where To Watch the Oscars

• DC Movie Club Oscars Watch Party at Penn Social — Back for the third year in a row, this Oscars party has blown up in popularity (aka, get your tickets now!). People dress up, there’s a red carpet, photo booth, prizes, and drink specials — like the martini supreme after “Marty Supreme” 🤭
• DC Film Society at Alamo Drafthouse — Watch the Oscars live on the big screen. It will be hosted by two DC Film Society critics and longtime co-hosts Tim Gordon and Travis Hopson.
• Watch Party at The Crown & Crow — More about the yapping than the watching, this laid-back Oscars party comes with plenty of popcorn, photo props, and socializing.