Roxbury International Film Festival
When: June 20-28 in person, June 27-July 2 online
Where: Hibernian Hall, MFA Boston, Northeastern University, MassArt and online
Highlights: “Celebrating people of color from around the world.” That’s the motto of this festival, entering its 26th year and once again hosting a robust film line-up with discussions, parties and script readings. In addition to the world premiere of “The People, United!” on June 21 by Boston filmmaker Crosby Tatum, RoxFilm screens the almost entirely woman-made feature “Ugly Sweater” on June 23. In it, high school senior Ruby wants to study astrophysics at an Ivy League school but her anxiety takes shape as — an ugly Christmas sweater. Sincere but not cloying, plus well-acted and adorned with thickly knitted practical effects (think sweaters), if I ran Hallmark I’d sign this for “Christmas in July,” pronto. A few months ago, producer Sara Marković wrote in an email, “our set was what the women before us fought for.” If that means more sweet nerds find a happy ending, then I’m game.
Good to know: ArtsEmerson will host RoxFilm’s online screenings June 27-July 2.