Journalism doc, Chevy Chase, ‘Ralphie’ and ‘Rocky Horror’ 50th star in film season

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

‘Stripped for Parts — American Journalism on the Brink’

WHAT: It’s not often the Orlando Sentinel finds itself in the movies, but it has a part to play in “Stripped for Parts — American Journalism on the Brink,” a documentary that will receive a screening at Enzian Theater as part of a special “Meet the Filmmaker” program.

Two-time Academy Award nominee Rick Goldsmith made the film in 2024. It follows hedge fund Alden Global Capital, which — as the filmmaker puts it —  “is quietly gobbling up newspapers across the country and gutting them, but no one knows why — until journalist Julie Reynolds begins to investigate.”

Alden Global Capital owns more than 65 daily newspapers and 300 weekly papers, including the Denver Post, the Boston Herald, the San Diego Union-Tribune, the New York Daily News, the Chicago Tribune and the Orlando Sentinel.

The film goes on to explore how journalists, backed by the NewsGuild union, have gone toe-to-toe with their owners. “Who will control the future of America’s news ecosystem,” the movie asks, “Wall Street billionaires concerned only with profit, or those who see journalism as an essential public service, the lifeblood of our democracy?”

Goldsmith will participate in a question-and-answer session moderated by Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell at the event, which is funded in part by the Orlando Sentinel Guild.

WHEN: Sept. 21.

WHERE: Enzian Theater, 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland

INFO: enzian.org

YOUR SEASON PLANNER

Schedules are subject to change, so always double-check before heading to an event.

Barry Bostwick, center, is pictured as Brad Majors in a scene from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon. He will help celebrate the film’s 50th anniversary at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Orlando. (Courtesy Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

DR. PHILLIPS CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

The arts center is at 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: drphillipscenter.org

ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW 50TH ANNIVERSARY: Oct. 12. Original cast members Barry Bostwick, Nell Campbell and Patricia Quinn attend a screening of the movie. Props provided, an after-party is available. For ages 18+.

TWILIGHT IN CONCERT: Oct. 16. A 12-piece ensemble accompanies the vampire film in a candlelit atmosphere.

HOCUS POCUS IN CONCERT: Nov. 1. The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra accompanies a screening of the lighthearted film about witchy sisters who wreak Halloween havoc.

CHRISTMAS VACATION & A CONVERSATION WITH CHEVY CHASE: Nov. 21. The star of “Christmas Vacation” holds a Q&A after a screening of the holiday comedy.

Chevy Chase stars in “National Lampoon’­s Christmas Vacation.” (Orlando Sentinel file photo)

ENZIAN

The independent movie house is at 1300 S. Orlando Ave. in Maitland. More information: 407-629-1088 or enzian.org

National Theatre Live

The series presents stage productions filmed at London’s National Theatre.

NEXT TO NORMAL: Sept. 20. A musical about a family struggling with the mother’s mental illness.

MRS. WARREN’S PROFESSION: Oct. 25. A drama about a brothel owner played by Imelda Staunton.

THE FIFTH STEP: Dec. 6. A drily funny comedy about friendship, secrets and Alcoholics Anonymous.

Other events

STRIPPED FOR PARTS: AMERICAN JOURNALISM ON THE BRINK: Sept. 21. Filmmaker Rick Goldsmith takes part in a moderated Q&A with Orlando Sentinel columnist Scott Maxwell after a screening of his documentary that examines Alden Global Capital, a hedge fund that has been buying newspapers around the country, including the Sentinel, and the fight to save local journalism.

MANHATTAN SHORT FILM FESTIVAL: Sept. 29.

BEYOND BOLLYWOOD: 31ST ANNUAL SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL: Oct. 4-6.

KIDS’ HALLOWEEN PARTY & FILM: Oct. 19.

27TH ANNUAL CENTRAL FLORIDA JEWISH FILM FESTIVAL: Nov. 1-3.

33RD ANNUAL BROUHAHA FILM & VIDEO SHOWCASE: Nov. 22. Locally produced films and videos, the best work from film schools statewide, and a gathering for lovers of independent film.

Keira Knightley stars in Joe Wright’s “Pride & Prejudice,” a Focus Features release. It will be screened at Enzian Theater as part of a Central Florida Jane Austen celebration. (Courtesy Alex Bailey)

A YEAR WITH JANE AUSTEN: 2025 marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. Enzian Theater and the Winter Park Library have been celebrating with readings of her novels and screenings of the filmed adaptations, including the 2005 “Pride & Prejudice” with Keira Knightley (Nov. 23).

LETTERS TO SANTA: Dec. 7. Children’s holiday celebration.

SUNDANCE FILM FESTIVAL SHORTS TOUR: Jan. 25, 2026.

11TH ANNUAL REEL SHORT TEEN FILM FESTIVAL: Feb. 28, 2026.

35TH ANNUAL FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL: April 10-19, 2026. An Oscar-qualifying festival featuring independent and international cinema. More than 150 films and events with special guest celebrities and filmmakers. Watch for the festival program announcement on March 18.

GLOBAL PEACE 360º

The organization programs an annual film fest that features movies with cultural implications in the areas of diversity, ecology and other topics with the goal of making the world a better place. More information: GlobalPeace360.org

GLOBAL PEACE FILM FESTIVAL: Sept. 16-21. Opening night is at Enzian Theater, 1300 Orlando Ave. in Maitland, and features “Lilly,” a film about Lilly Ledbetter — a fighter for equal pay for women — that stars Patricia Clarkson. Other screenings are at Rollins College and Winter Park Library.

Patricia Clarkson stars as Lilly Ledbetter, pictured on the factory floor in “Lilly.” It’s the opening-night film at this year’s Global Peace Film Festival. (Photo courtesy Blue Harbor Entertainment)

LOVE YOUR SHORTS

Events take place at the Ritz Theater, 201 S. Magnolia Ave. in Sanford. More information: loveyourshorts.com

LOVE YOUR SHORTS SUMMER REWIND: Aug. 30. Revisit a selection of short films from the festival last February.

LOVE YOUR SHORTS FESTIVAL: Feb. 12-15, 2026. A celebration of short films.

ORLANDO FILM FESTIVAL

The annual festival takes place at CMX Cinemas Plaza Café 12, 155 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando. More information: offvirtual.com

ORLANDO FILM FESTIVAL: Oct. 31-Nov. 7. More than 350 films, industry panels, question-and-answer sessions and workshops focused on indie filmmaking. Nightly parties and a closing award ceremony featuring cash prizes.

ORLANDO URBAN FILM FESTIVAL

The annual festival takes place at CMX Cinemas Plaza Café 12, 155 S. Orange Ave. in Orlando, with a closing-night awards program at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, 445 S. Magnolia Ave. in Orlando. More information: orlandouff.com

ORLANDO URBAN FILM FESTIVAL: Ends Aug. 29. This showcase highlights African American talent and culture by uncovering hidden gems and amplifying the voices of emerging artists, as well as the achievements of established figures in films.

Peter Billingsley, right, starred in “A Christmas Story.” The actor will speak at a screening of the beloved holiday film at The Plaza Live. (Orlando Sentinel file photo)

THE PLAZA LIVE

The venue is at 425 N. Bumby Ave. in Orlando and also hosts concerts and comedians. More information: plazaliveorlando.org

EVIL DEAD IN CONCERT: Nov. 15. Sam Raimi’s film is screened in a newly restored format and brought to life on stage while a live ensemble performs the entire revamped original musical score from composer Joe LoDuca. For ages 17 and up only.

AN EVENING WITH PETER BILLINGSLEY AND A CHRISTMAS STORY: Nov. 29. Watch the holiday favorite and hear from one of its stars, Billingsley, who played young Ralphie.

VALENCIA COLLEGE

Film events take place in the screening theater of the School of Arts & Entertainment on the East Campus, 701 N. Econlockhatchee Trail in Orlando. More information: valenciacollege.edu/campaign/arts

1ST CLEMENTE FILM CELEBRATION: Feb. 28, 2026. Named for the late Ralph Clemente, who spearheaded the college’s film program, this is a student film festival.

— Listings compiled by Matthew J. Palm

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/08/27/orlando-sentinel-2025-26-arts-season-preview-film-festivals-events/