This week, catch a film about the brain. Catch a film about robots. Catch a film about dogs on an island. Amid the escapism of film, take time to learn more about the Berkeley community, while also donating to the Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.
Tuesday, March 20 | ‘Brain Waves’ at the 8th Annual Albany FilmFest
At 7:30 p.m. at the Albany Twin Theatre, catch a double feature of “The Final Show” and “My Love Affair with the Brain: The Life and Science of Dr. Marion Diamond” for the “Brain Waves” programming of the 8th Annual Albany FilmFest, which will run through March 25.
“The Final Show” is a comedy about the afterlife, in which a woman chooses who to take along with her once she passes, starring Marion Ross (“Happy Days”) and Nancy Dussault. “My Love Affair with the Brain” tells the story of neuroscientist and teacher Dr. Marion Diamond, whose studies of the human brain were groundbreaking, and whose delivery method of her source of study — carrying a preserved human brain inside a flowery hat box — is adorable. Stick around afterwards for a Q&A with the filmmakers of the latter, Gary Weimberg and Catherine Ryan.
Wednesday, March 21 | The Berkeley Forum Presents a Panel on Police and the Community
The Berkeley Forum will be holding a much-needed discussion about the police and its use of force, in response to debates that arose in the wake of September’s “Free Speech Week.” The Berkeley Forum’s discussion will be a valuable contribution to the discourse surrounding police violence, and it comes at a time when level-headed discourse grows ever more necessary. Stay tuned to the event’s Facebook page, as the location of the forum has yet to be announced.
Thursday, March 22 | Premiere of ‘Pacific Rim Uprising’
In “Pacific Rim Uprising,” director Steven S. DeKnight takes the reins from recent Academy Award winner Guillermo del Toro, delivering a sequel to del Toro’s 2013 robot-on-kaiju smackdown and brightening up the franchise’s color palette while he’s at it. Since the original film ended with a sense of finality, a sequel seemed superfluous — that is, until John Boyega was added to the cast. As Boyega hops from a galaxy from far, far away into one overrun by CGI monsters, we can’t wait to see him further cement his star power.
Thursday, March 22 | SUPERB Presents: Advance Screening of ‘Isle of Dogs’
At 7 p.m. at the UA Berkeley 7, catch an advance screening of “Isle of Dogs” for free with a Cal ID. Wes Anderson’s newest is a stop-motion animated film about a 12-year-old boy who goes to Trash Island to find his missing dog after Megasaki City exiles all canines to the remote area. Catch it one day before the premiere — that’s something to wag your tail over.
Saturday, March 24 | 9th Annual Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs
Have a dog? Like watching dogs sniff out dog-friendly snacks in colorful plastic eggs? The 9th annual doggie Easter egg hunt has some treats for you and your favorite furry friend. Hosted by Wag Hotels in San Francisco, this event will last from noon to 2 p.m. and promises an abundance of snacks and bites from local vendors. All proceeds will go toward Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.
