A closer look at what inspires so many young riders from Judson and Brown Elementary to race in the Redlands Bicycle Classic's School Duel—many for the first time.
Widen your horizon at the upcoming Redlands Spring Cinema Classic Series
The Redlands Cinema Classic spring film series returns April 2 - May 1 for its 26th year with a new venue and a fresh lineup of international films, and a documentary about hummingbird rescue.
For the 26th time, the Redlands Cinema Classic spring film series kicks off on April 2 with Every Little Thing, a documentary about author and wildlife rehabilitator Terry Masear. She dedicates her life and home in Los Angeles to nurturing and caring for injured hummingbirds.
From April 2 through May 1, four foreign films—representing Thailand, France, Japan and Iceland—plus a documentary from Los Angeles will be featured at Harkins Theatres Mountain Grove 16.
Annette Weis, coordinator of Redlands Cinema Classic, selected the lineup. This year marks a new location for the film series.
“The owner and management of LOOK Cinemas said they could no longer continue hosting us due to technical and economic reasons,” Weis said. In recent years, technical difficulties delayed and even postponed some screenings. By moving the series to Harkins, Weis hopes the screenings will run smoothly.
The change in venue has resulted in a price increase for the first time in 10 years, raising tickets to $20 per person.
The first film in the series, Every Little Thing, is “not only educational but an absolute delight, particularly for the many folks in our area who feed and care for hummingbirds,” Weis said calling herself a hummingbird mom who learned many new fascinating new facts about the tiny birds. “Kids of all ages will love this film.”
Weis previewed Every Little Thing before its release because of her relationship with the film distributor.
The title of the second film, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies, was initially off-putting to Weis.
“I thought it sounded harsh, manipulative and heartless,” she said, “but all of those preconceived notions turned out to be completely wrong.”
She was intrigued by the directorial debut of Thai filmmaker Pat Boonnitipat.
“I was captivated by what can happen similarly in families across the globe, yet it was funny—especially with the acting debut of the 78-year-old who plays Grandma.” The film was a festival audience favorite. “Bring tissues,” she said.
For Weis, who has extensive experience selecting the movies since 1999, she always picks movies not already shown in local theaters. And she makes sure to have the Redlands audience in mind when she makes the pick.
“It’s not an easy task,” she said. “Of the 40 to 50 films I review each year, I can only select eight to screen—four in the spring and four in the fall.” This spring, however, there are five films instead of four.
“We are excited to begin our 2025 film series at a new location and in a new format,” Weis said, explaining that the films this year will be shown once a week instead of spreading the series over two months.
Essentially, Weis sees it as “somewhat of a mini film festival.”
Redlands Cinema Classic is a fundraiser for the Margaret Clark Art Education Enrichment Fund on behalf of the Redlands Art Association. All net proceeds benefit arts programs in the Redlands Unified School District, including scholarships, awards for K-12 students, and the free Youth Art Expo on Memorial Day weekend organized by the Art Association.
“We are very proud of this film series, as it not only benefits our youth but also provides enjoyment to our community by screening great films from all over the world,” Weis said. “I hope our patrons will continue to support us and join us as they visually travel to Thailand, France, Japan, London, Iceland and our neighboring city, Los Angeles.”
Weis, who loves to travel, has been to England and France and of the five countries represented in the series, "Thailand and Japan are on my bucket list."
When asked which film is a must-see, Weis replied, “All of them.”
About Redlands Cinema Classic
Tickets are available at the Redlands Art Association, 215 E. State St., Redlands (909-792-8435), and online at redlandscinemaclassic.com.
Ticket price: $20 per person
Film Schedule
Wednesday, April 2, at 7 p.m. & Thursday, April 3, at 2:30 p.m.
Every Little Thing (USA) A beautiful documentary featuring author and wildlife rehabilitator Terry Masear, who has dedicated her life and home in Los Angeles to caring for injured hummingbirds.
Wednesday, April 9, at 7 p.m. & Thursday, April 10, at 2:30 p.m.
How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (Thailand, with English subtitles) Despite its title, this is a heartwarming comedy-drama about a young man looking for quick money. However, his plans take an unexpected turn when he moves in with his grandmother, whose wit and resourcefulness pull him into the family dynamics of their uncaring relatives. A favorite at film festivals.
Wednesday, April 16, at 7 p.m. & Thursday, April 17, at 2:30 p.m.
My Motherland (France, with English subtitles) Based on a true story, this film follows Marie-France, a woman who opens her upscale home to an Afghan refugee through a program that connects homeless refugees with willing hosts. Starring multi-award-winning French actress Fanny Ardant, this film explores socio-economic divides and the unexpected bonds that form between two vastly different cultures.
Wednesday, April 23, at 7 p.m. & Thursday, April 24, at 2:30 p.m.
Tokito: The 540-Day Journey of a Culinary Maverick (Japan, with English subtitles) A visually stunning documentary following Michelin-starred chef Yoshinori Ishii as he transforms a historic Japanese inn, now named Auberge Tokito, into Tokyo’s premier destination for traditional Japanese cuisine. With breathtaking cinematography, the film showcases food as an art form.
Tuesday, April 29, at 7 p.m. & Thursday, May 1, at 2:30 p.m.
Touch (Iceland; in English, Japanese, and Icelandic with English subtitles) This romantic drama spans decades, beginning in the late 1960s when Kristofer, an Icelandic student at the London School of Economics, takes a dare to apply for a job at a Japanese restaurant. Hired on the spot, he not only washes dishes but also learns the art of Japanese cooking—and falls in love with Miko, the owner’s daughter.
After a holiday, Kristofer returns to find the restaurant closed, with Miko and her father gone. Fifty years later, now a widower in Iceland, he embarks on a journey to London, where he finds a lead—an address in Hiroshima. Touch was shortlisted for the 2025 Academy Awards.
Siw is the ultimate cheerleader of what happens in Redlands. She is a dual citizen (Danish and American) who likes to write about what is new as much as about the things we take for granted.
