FOMA Film Series Brings Independent and International Cinema to FIA Museum + Art School

FLINT, Michigan — For moviegoers looking beyond the latest blockbuster, the Flint Institute of Arts Museum + Art School is offering a different kind of trip to the theater this fall.

The Friends of Modern Art, or FOMA, Film Series has returned to the FIA for its 2026–27 season, continuing a decades-long tradition of bringing independent, international, and classic films to Flint. In October, audiences can travel from Lebanon to 16th-century Japan and France through a lineup of films that reflects the eclectic approach behind the series.

For Heather Jackson, FIA collections manager and film coordinator, maintaining that variety matters, especially as opportunities to see independent and international cinema on the big screen have become more limited.

“The landscape of independent theaters has changed dramatically in Michigan in the past 10 or so years,” Jackson says. “As many of the arthouse theaters have closed, the opportunity to see independent, international and even some classic films becomes harder.”

Building on a longtime Flint tradition

Although Jackson began overseeing the FOMA Film Series in winter 2022, following the unexpected death of longtime film curator Ed Bradley, the program has been part of the FIA for decades.

The Friends of Modern Art itself was formed in 1969 and supports contemporary art exhibitions and acquisitions at the FIA in addition to organizing programs including the FOMA Film Series and Flint Art Fair.

Bradley, Jackson says, helped cultivate a dedicated community of moviegoers whose support continues today.

“Ed built a loyal, dedicated group of filmgoers that continue to support the program,” Jackson says. “I would think the selection of films offered has contributed to the success of the FOMA Film Series as well.”

That longstanding film tradition gives Flint audiences access to movies they may otherwise have to travel to another city to see in a theater.

“There is such a breadth and depth of great films that are not shown in many major theaters, so they are not seen by mainstream audiences,” Jackson says. “The FOMA Film Series is, hopefully, known as an opportunity to see a great selection of these films.”

Finding films that might otherwise be missed

Putting together that selection requires more than simply following the year’s most talked-about releases.

Jackson says she researches film festivals, critic reviews, film podcasts, independent theater schedules, and distributor websites and emails. When possible, she also watches advance screeners.

The broad parameters are independent, international, and classic cinema, but Jackson says she leaves room for films that fall outside those categories when there is a compelling reason to bring them to Flint.

“Sometimes I will play films that are more mainstream or more popular,” Jackson says. “That could be for a variety of reasons, there is Oscar buzz about a title, the actors are crowd pleasers, or it just looks like a film that my audience may appreciate.”

That balance was apparent from the beginning of this year’s season. The 2026–27 series opened in September with Martin Scorsese’s Taxi Driver, marking the film’s 50th anniversary. The 1976 classic stars Robert De Niro as New York City taxi driver Travis Bickle.

Jackson says celebrating major film anniversaries gives longtime fans a chance to revisit an influential movie while introducing it to people who may never have seen it in a theater.

“Fifty years, that’s a milestone, and Taxi Driver is a classic from one of the most influential directors of all time,” Jackson says. “Those who haven’t seen it have the opportunity to experience such an iconic piece of cinema on the big screen. What better time to celebrate such a milestone, what better way to start off the season?”

Around the world on screen this October

October continues that emphasis on films and perspectives audiences may be less likely to encounter at a traditional multiplex.

The month began Oct. 2–4 with A Sad and Beautiful World, director Cyril Aris’ 2025 film, following childhood sweethearts Nino and Yasmina as they navigate love, family, and the question of whether to remain in Lebanon amid the country’s upheaval. The film is presented in Arabic with English subtitles.

From Oct. 9–11, the series shifts to 16th-century Japan with Kiyoshi Kurosawa’s The Samurai and the Prisoner. Based on a novel by Honobu Yonezawa, the historical mystery follows Lord Murashige Araki as mysterious crimes threaten order inside his besieged castle. He turns to imprisoned strategist Kanbei Kuroda to uncover what is happening.

Jackson specifically identifies the film as one of the titles she is looking forward to this season.

The following weekend brings a change of tone with The Marching Band, screening beginning Oct. 16. Directed by Emmanuel Courcol, the French film follows Thibaut, a prominent orchestra conductor who discovers he has a brother he never knew — Jimmy, a school cafeteria worker who plays trombone in a local marching band. After recognizing Jimmy’s musical talent, Thibaut becomes determined to help him. The film premiered at Cannes and is presented in English, French, and Italian with English subtitles.

On Oct. 23, the FIA begins screenings of Reading Lolita in Tehran. Directed by Eran Riklis, the 2024 film is presented in English and Persian with English subtitles.

The month closes with The Glassworker, screening Oct. 30–Nov. 1 in celebration of International Animation Day, observed Oct. 28. Directed by Usman Riaz, the 2024 hand-drawn animated feature from Pakistan follows a young glassblower in training and his relationships over the years as his country endures war and strife. The film is presented in English and Urdu with English subtitles.

Together, the October selections illustrate the range Jackson seeks when building the FOMA schedule, including different countries, languages, genres and stories, all sharing the FIA screen within a matter of weeks.

More to come

October is only the beginning of the 2026–27 season.

Jackson says audiences can watch for titles including Fjord, which she describes as a 2026 Oscar contender, along with other films and filmmakers she is excited to bring to Flint.

One returning favorite will be the Academy Awards Shorts program, which has historically drawn strong attendance. Last season, the FIA followed the shorts program with screenings of Oscar-nominated and winning films throughout March. Jackson says audiences responded well enough that the team plans to do something similar this season.

For Jackson, much of the excitement comes from finding films capable of surprising audiences.

“I always look forward to the new season, looking for films that may move the audience, that I think the audience will enjoy, that may be different,” she says.

FOMA Film Series screenings take place at the Flint Institute of Arts, 1120 E. Kearsley St. Unless otherwise noted, films are shown at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Admission is $7 for nonmembers, $6 for FIA members, and $5 for FOMA members. Film titles are subject to change. For the current schedule and ticket information, visit the Flint Institute of Arts film schedule.