“SCIENCE ON SCREEN®”
2025 Film Lecture Series
An initiative of the Coolidge Corner Theatre, with major support from the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.
Co-sponsored by The Bridgeport Art Trail & Housatonic Community College Performing Arts Center |
Science + Movies + Free Snacks?! Say less. We’re launching our Science on Screen® 2025 film + lecture series this April — and it’s gonna be a blast! Join us for 3 epic film screenings + panel discussions exploring the real-life science behind each story — all FREE and open to the community, with complimentary bites and surprises! REGISTER BELOW FOR: Thurs, April 10th – Hidden Figures (2016) Thurs, April 17th – Challengers (2024) Thurs, April 24th – Twisters (2024) Come through for the films, stay for the science, and leave inspired! 
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ABOUT HIDDEN FIGURES (2016)
Screening Thursday, April 10th Doors at 5:30pm | Panel Discussion at 6:00pm | Film Screening at 6:30pm Topic: Evolution of Women in STEM: Past, Present, Future Moderated by: Gwendolyn Brantley, MS Register Here Our discussion will be centered around the historical context of the contributions made by Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson who are depicted in the film “Hidden Figures”. We will dive into the personal stories of overcoming barriers and achieving success in STEM fields, current initiatives and programs aimed at supporting women in STEM and strategies for creating more inclusive and supportive environments in STEM workplaces and educational institutions for women who want to pursue this career. Brief film synopsis: As the United States raced against Russia to put a man in space, three brilliant African American women at NASA — Katherine Johnson (Taraji P. Henson), Dorothy Vaughan (Octavia Spencer), and Mary Jackson (Janelle Monáe) — became the brains behind one of the greatest operations in history: the launch of astronaut John Glenn (Glen Powell) into orbit, a stunning achievement that restored the nation's confidence, turned around the Space Race, and captivated the world. |
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CHALLENGERS (2024)
Screening Thursday, April 17th Doors at 5:30pm | Panel Discussion at 6:00pm | Film Screening at 6:30pm Topic: Nutrition and Performance in Sports and Beyond Presentation by: Alana Johnson, NASM-CPT Personal Trainer Register Here Our discussion will be centered around the role of nutrition in enhancing athletic performance and recovery. We will dive into the science behind sports nutrition, hydration strategies, and dietary requirements for athletes. Lastly, we will work with our potential speaker to share meal plans tailored for athletes and the importance of proper hydration. Brief film synopsis: Tennis player turned coach Tashi (Zendaya) has taken her husband, Art (Mike Faist), and transformed him into a world-famous grand slam champion. To jolt him out of his recent losing streak, she makes him play a “Challenger” event — close to the lowest level of pro tournament — where he finds himself standing across the net from his former best friend and Tashi’s former boyfriend (Josh O’Connor). |
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TWISTERS (2024)
Screening Thursday, April 24th Doors at 5:30pm | Panel Discussion at 6:00pm | Film Screening at 6:30pm Topic: Behind the Scenes of Storm Chasing and Extreme Weather Guest Speaker: Richard Ruggiero, Filmmaker + Cinematographer Register Here Our discussion will be centered around the relationship between climate change and the frequency/intensity of extreme weather events. Evidence linking climate change to changes in severe weather patterns. We will highlight the potential future impact of climate change on tornado frequency and severity, mitigation strategies to address climate change and reduce its impact on extreme weather and policy and advocacy efforts to combat climate change at local, national, and global levels. Brief film synopsis: Haunted by a devastating encounter with a tornado, Kate Cooper gets lured back to the open plains by her friend, Javi, to test a groundbreaking new tracking system. She soon crosses paths with Tyler Owens, a charming but reckless social-media superstar who thrives on posting his storm-chasing adventures. As storm season intensifies, Kate, Tyler and their competing teams find themselves in a fight for their lives as multiple systems converge over central Oklahoma. |
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