This July, the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center launches its 2025 Summer Film Series—four compelling films presented on Monday evenings, followed by dynamic post-screening conversations with filmmakers and experts, led by longtime host Andrew Botsford.
Continuing WHBPAC’s long-standing tradition of thought-provoking cinema, this season’s selections explore themes of identity, resilience, justice, and truth. With appearances by filmmakers, journalists, and historians, each screening becomes more than a film—it becomes a community conversation.
The July 2025 Lineup Includes “Brooklyn, Minnesota” on July 7 at 7:30 PM. When the grandfather she never knew dies suddenly, headstrong 14-year-old Maisie and her artist dad Kurt leave the confines of their Brooklyn bubble to return to Kurt’s Minnesotan childhood home, where Maisie will upend old family patterns, fall in love, and force her family to confront each other and themselves. The film is followed by a live Q&A with filmmakers Erik Jensen, Jessica Blank, and Michael Cuomo.
“Words of War” will screen on July 14 at 7:30 PM. Based on a true story, the film follows world-renowned journalist and human rights activist Anna Politkovskaya on her brave crusade, fighting to be an independent voice of truth for the Russian people, putting her own life in jeopardy despite numerous acts of intimidation and violence. While Anna was ultimately silenced, her legacy lives on, and her story serves as a reminder of the dangers that journalists face and the importance of protecting their right to report the news without fear of death or reprisal. The evening features a virtual post-screening conversation with producer Mark Maxey.
“Honorable Mr. Morgenthau” will screen on July 21 at 7:30 PM. Honorable Mr. Morgenthau is a documentary about U.S. immigration policy during the Holocaust, highlighting Secretary of the Treasury Henry Morgenthau Jr.’s role in challenging the government’s refusal to admit European Jews. As anti-Semitism and political concerns shaped America’s immigration policies, Morgenthau, a close friend of President Roosevelt, was moved to act in the face of mounting horror. This poignant story explores the moral courage of one man against the backdrop of a world on the brink of destruction, drawing parallels to contemporary debates on immigration and bigotry. Director/producer Hilan Warshaw will join for a post-film Q&A.
“Sanibel” will be shown on July 28 at 7:30 PM. The film began as an offbeat comedy exploring the quirky, seashell-obsessed culture of Southwest Florida. But six weeks into filming, Hurricane Ian, one of the most destructive storms in U.S. history, devastated the region. As the waters receded, the crew returned to find a transformed landscape and story. What was once a lighthearted film now grappled with a deeper question: would the community’s love for shells and the coastline survive the weight of its overwhelming grief, or would it find a way to heal and rebuild?
“Our goal is to bring audiences not just films, but conversations that linger long after the credits roll,” said WHBPAC film curator Allison Frost. “This series is about more than entertainment—it’s about shared stories and deeper understanding.”
All screenings will take place at the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center. Tickets and full details are available at whbpac.org or by calling 631-288-1500.