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Tuesday, 08 April 2025
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Written by Adam Taylor
This April, movie lovers can enjoy a diverse lineup of films that span the genres of classic musicals, cult comedies, mind-bending thrillers and family-friendly stop-motion animation. From dancing in the rain to navigating alternate realities, these films promise to entertain, thrill, and captivate in equal measure. Here's everything you need to know about the upcoming screenings at the Cameo Art House Theatre.
Singin’ in the Rain – One Night Only on April 13
Step back in time to the golden age of Hollywood with Singin’ in the Rain (1952), one of the greatest movie musicals of all time. Directed by Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly, this dazzling comedy stars Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor as they navigate the exciting but challenging transition from silent films to “talkies.” With the backdrop of Hollywood in the 1920s, Singin’ in the Rain has become an iconic exploration of the magic, chaos, and drama that accompanied the birth of synchronized sound in movies.
Gene Kelly’s choreography remains revolutionary, blending classical dance and athleticism with sophisticated storytelling. The seamless integration of its musical numbers with plot progression makes it one of the best examples of how music can shape a film’s narrative. Debbie Reynolds, as the sweet, yet tough, aspiring actress, holds her own amongst the giants of Kelly and O'Connor, making this film a joyful, feel-good experience from start to finish.
Showtime: Sunday, April 13 – 1:30 p.m., Rated G; Runtime: 1hr 43min
The Big Lebowski – April 19 & 20
Celebrate 4/20 weekend with The Big Lebowski (1998), the Coen Brothers’ cult classic that has solidified its place in the annals of stoner comedy. Starring Jeff Bridges as the laid-back Jeff “The Dude” Lebowski, this eccentric film follows a middle-aged slacker whose life gets turned upside down after a case of mistaken identity.
The Big Lebowski is a strange, twisted, yet strangely endearing film. The film’s magic lies in its refusal to adhere to traditional narrative structures, choosing instead to dive into the absurdity of life and letting its characters—particularly The Dude—wander through bizarre, unpredictable situations. Jeff Bridges gives a career-defining performance as The Dude, capturing the essence of an aimless, washed-up man perfectly. His slow-paced delivery, combined with the film's brilliant dialogue and memorable characters (John Goodman’s explosive Walter, in particular), makes The Big Lebowski endlessly quotable.
Showtimes: Saturday, April 19 – 9:30 p.m. & Sunday, April 20 – 4:30 p.m., Rated R; Runtime: 1hr 57min
Donnie Darko – Fourth Friday Fright Night on April 25
For fans of mind-bending cinema, Donnie Darko is a 2001 film that must be experienced. Directed and written by Richard Kelly, this psychological thriller follows troubled teen Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) as he begins to have disturbing visions of a mysterious, sinister rabbit named Frank. After surviving a freak accident, Donnie is pulled into a surreal journey that questions the nature of time, fate and existence itself.
Donnie Darko is a film that refuses to be easily categorized. At its core, it’s a coming-of-age story about a young man grappling with mental illness, but it's also a haunting exploration of time travel, alternate realities, and existential dread. Jake Gyllenhaal delivers a powerhouse performance as Donnie, capturing the emotional depth and confusion of a troubled adolescent trying to make sense of the world around him.
Showtime: Friday, April 25 – 9:30 p.m., Rated R; Runtime: 1hr 53min
Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit – April 26
For a lighter, family-friendly option, head out for a Saturday Morning Cartoon Matinee featuring Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit from 2005. This delightful stop-motion animated film from Aardman Studios follows the lovable inventor Wallace and his trusty dog Gromit as they try to solve the mystery of a giant rabbit that’s causing chaos in the town’s vegetable gardens. Hired by the charming Lady Tottington (Helena Bonham Carter), Wallace must also compete with the pompous Victor Quartermaine (Ralph Fiennes) for her affections.
Showtime: Saturday, April 26 – 11 a.m., Rated G; Runtime: 1hr 25min
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Tuesday, 08 April 2025
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Written by Adam Taylor
On Thursday, April 10, at 7 p.m., the Fayetteville-Saint Avold Friendship Alliance will host an exclusive, one-time screening of The Girl Who Wore Freedom at the Cameo Art House Theatre. This deeply moving documentary captures the untold stories of D-Day 1944, as told by the men, women, and children who lived through the Nazi occupation and experienced the Allied liberation of Normandy, France.
Following the screening, the film’s producer, co-writer and director, Christian Taylor, will take part in a special Q&A session, offering insights into the making of the documentary and the incredible personal stories it brings to light.
“This film is a unique opportunity to hear from the people who experienced the war firsthand,” Taylor said. “Their voices are a testament to the resilience and gratitude that the people of France still feel toward the Allied forces who liberated them.”
This screening is more than just a film event—it is a moment to reflect on history and celebrate the enduring friendship between Fayetteville and Saint Avold, France, two sister cities with deep military and cultural ties.
“I hope viewers walk away with a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made during World War II and the unbreakable bonds of gratitude and friendship that continue to this day. The documentary is a tribute to those who fought for freedom and to the citizens of Normandy who have never forgotten their liberators. It’s a reminder of the human cost of war and the lasting impact it has on people, families, and communities. Most importantly, I want viewers to feel inspired to honor the past and ensure that the stories of these veterans and their sacrifices continue to be shared and remembered,” says Taylor.
A Sister City Connection
The upcoming screening was made possible through a longstanding relationship between Fayetteville and Saint Avold, which was first established by Madame Raymonde Schwietzer, Deputy Mayor of Saint Avold, and strengthened by dedicated individuals committed to historical remembrance.
A delegation of five visitors from Saint Avold will arrive in Fayetteville on Wednesday, April 9, where they will be hosted by FSAFA board members Bud Lafferty and Stacie Ferry. Their visit will include an in-depth exploration of Fayetteville’s military history and its connection to France.
Their itinerary includes a visit to the Airborne & Special Operations Museum, led by Rob Patton, Executive Vice President of the Fayetteville Economic Development Corporation. That evening, they will be welcomed at an All-American Cookout, providing an opportunity to build friendships between the French delegation and the Fayetteville community.
On Thursday, the group will take a guided tour of Fayetteville with retired City Historian Bruce Daws, followed by a visit to the 82nd Airborne Museum, hosted by Brig. Gen. (R) John Aarsen, museum director and curator, and an FSAFA member. After a dinner downtown, they will attend the special screening at Cameo Art House Theatre. Although their visit will be brief—the group departs early Friday morning—the FSAFA is committed to making their time in Fayetteville memorable and meaningful.
A Trip of Memory and Friendship
For the delegation from Saint Avold, this visit is deeply personal. Their journey is dedicated to honoring the Americans who liberated France.
"In 1944, Captain Winters' plane crashed where we live, leaving behind in Florida a newborn son he had never seen," said Nadège Hauck-Pansera, one of the delegation members. "Billy Winters, his son, contacted the right people, and in 2014, a memorial was established. Billy visited for the first time and also saw the Lorraine American Cemetery in Saint Avold, where his father rests."
Fayetteville also shares a direct connection to this history through Pvt. William Shaw, a local soldier who was killed in action on September 12, 1944, near Nancy, France. He is buried in the Lorraine American Cemetery, the largest American WWII cemetery in Europe. His youngest sister, Mrs. Gillie Shaw Revelle, will be attending the film screening.
The FSAFA continues to honor these legacies through events like this screening, as well as future projects, including the Bastille Day Silent Auction and Membership Drive on Saturday, July 12, at Sanford House at Heritage Square.
The Delegation from Saint Avold
The five delegates from Saint Avold are all deeply connected to Captain Winters' story and are actively involved in historical
preservation efforts:
• Dany Heckel – Deputy Mayor of Wolfskirchen, where Captain Winters' plane crashed. He has been preserving the memorial since 2014.
• Carmen Hocevar – Lays flowers at the Lorraine American Cemetery for the American World War II Orphans Network, including on Captain Winters’ grave.
• Lucien Drommer – Vice President of SHAB, a local historian specializing in graves and monuments, and the organizer of the Captain Winters booklet.
• Paul Anthony – President of the Société d'Histoire de l'Alsace Bossue, a history teacher, and historian actively engaged in various remembrance organizations.
• Nadège Hauck-Pansera – Granddaughter of a WWII political resistance fighter deported to Dachau, English teacher, President of the local chapter of Le Souvenir Français, and Secretary of SHAB.
Keeping History Alive Through FSAFA
The Fayetteville-Saint Avold sister city relationship was established in 1993 thanks to the efforts of the late Martha Duell, a French war bride dedicated to strengthening ties between the U.S. and France. While Saint Avold is not in Normandy, the effects of D-Day were deeply felt throughout France, particularly in the Lorraine region, which was liberated months later on November 27, 1944.
The suggested donation for attending the screening is $5 for FSAFA members and $10 for non-members. This event is more than just a film screening—it is a powerful tribute to memory, sacrifice, and the friendships that continue to grow across generations and continents.
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