Old Growth Forest: Nature’s Biotic Water Pump at Real Art Ways

February 23, 2026 - February 23, 2026

 UPDATE as of Monday, 2/23: We will reschedule this event due to the unsafe weather conditions of the storm. Please stay tuned for the new date that will be announced soon. Thank you for understanding, and stay safe!—A New England Forests film, directed by naturalist, local nature documentary filmmaker, and friend of Real Art Ways, Ray Asselin. Old Growth Forest: Nature’s Biotic Water Pump is the next film in Asselin’s New England Forests series for America 250.The free screening will take place… Find out more

February 20, 2026 - February 26, 2026

For the 21st consecutive year, ShortsTV presents the Oscar-Nominated Short Films! This year, we will be showing the full program at Cinestudio in Hartford.With all three categories – Animated, Live Action and Documentary – this is your chance to predict the winners and have the edge in your Oscar pool)! An annual hit with audiences around the world, don’t miss this year’s selection of shorts. The Academy Awards take place on Sunday, March 15, 7-10 pm. Mark your calendar to… Find out more

February 7, 2026 - February 7, 2026

 You’re invited to the 2nd annual Hartford Film Showcase! Presented by The Hartford Film Foundation, hosted at Cinestudio, in partnership with Real Art Ways, the showcase is an all-day event featuring some of Hartford’s filmmaking talent!Hartford Film Company presents short and feature films spanning various styles and genres, made in Hartford or by filmmakers in the Hartford area. Stay for a filmmaker panel and talkback to learn how these films were made and get to know some of the creative talent… Find out more

January 4, 2026 - January 4, 2026

“Articulate & intelligent… Beautifully crisp and detailed closeups of the work, well-informed and articulate talking-heads, and a nicely judged overall approach that is intelligent but not indigestible.” – The Guardian “The documentary succeeds on all fronts: creativity blended with insight that progresses our understanding of the artist. Exhibition on Screen has another hit on its hands.” – The Reviews Hub “Probably the greatest film I’ve ever seen on Caravaggio. There’s no better way to learn about this artist and his work –… Find out more

January 4, 2026 - January 4, 2026

 This is the last movie we will show at Real Art Ways before we begin construction in 2026.You’re invited to enjoy this classic Italian film with our staff and community of movie lovers in our cinema. A “farewell” affogato will be available for purchase. —“Still rapturous after all these years, Cinema Paradiso stands as one of the great films about movie love.” – Washington Post“A cinema-lover’s delight.” – Metro (UK)“Where the original release was an essay in childish delight and adolescent longing,… Find out more

January 4, 2026 - January 4, 2026

 Tickets for this animated film screening include a cereal buffet. Come get your fix of nostalgic favorites…cut fruit and milk will be available. Coffee and tea (for exhausted parents) will be sold separately.This is a family-friendly event – feel free to come in your pajamas. All ages are welcome!—“The lessons of The Wild Robot are simple, but the artistry it uses to get there is anything but. It’s the kind of kids movie that feels all too rare with its… Find out more

January 4, 2026 - January 4, 2026

“Strangers” offers an inspiring look at creative people from very different walks of life who nonetheless communicate beautifully with one another. They don’t need to speak a common language: Their dazzling music says it all.” – Washington Post“What drives the narrative is the musicians’ mutual desire to forge meaningful connections across cultures, an affirmative answer to Leonard Bernstein’s question of whether music can truly serve as a “universal language.” – Chicago Reader“An irresistible kaleidoscope of music and good fellowship…” –… Find out more

January 3, 2026 - January 3, 2026

“…a hoot with heart.” – Detroit News“Warmly funny and deeply delightful.” – Screen International“Director Taika Waititi proves expert in his management of tone, such that the farcical elements, however numerous, don’t detract from the very real friendship the renegades develop as they elude the world’s most dedicated social services officer.” – San Diego Reader“Hunt for the Wilderpeople has been a huge audience favourite at festivals this year and you can see why, with its brand of dark New Zealand humour,… Find out more

January 3, 2026 - January 3, 2026

 A New England Forests film, directed by naturalist, local nature documentary filmmaker, and friend of Real Art Ways, Ray Asselin. This will be the theater premiere of Old Forest or Young Meadow – The Marvel of Seeds, and will kick off a series of Ray’s screenings for America 250 in the region. Ray has screened various projects at RAW over the years, including THE LOST FORESTS OF NEW ENGLAND and the BEAVER POND WILDLIFE series.The screening will be followed by a Q&A… Find out more

January 2, 2026 - January 2, 2026

 Please join us for a special screening on Friday, January 2nd, at 7 pm, and stay for an audience activation and discussion facilitated by Rodneyna Hart, Deputy Director of The Amistad Center for Art & Culture. For advance tickets, please click here.If you’ve watched the film, you’re welcome to join the audience discussion post-screening (without a ticket). We’ll host the discussion in our Real Room gallery starting at 9pm. All are welcome.Rodneyna M. O. Hart is a community-centered cultural leader with nearly… Find out more