Alliance for the Arts. -COURTESY PHOTO

The Alliance for the Arts invites the community to gather in the Art House Cinema for a special weekend of free film screenings celebrating art, activism and the creative spirit that continues to shape Florida’s cultural landscape.

Beginning Thursday, November 13, audiences are invited to honor the life and legacy of legendary artist Robert Rauschenberg with a screening of Taking Venice. On Saturday, November 15, families of all sizes are invited to a Free Family Movie following the monthly Family ArtLab. The documentary, Bittersweet Muck, will be showing on Sunday, November 16, followed by a special

Mystery Movie screening on Monday, November 17. All screenings are free and open to the public. Concessions will be available for purchase.

Taking Venice | Thursday, November 13 | 7 p.m. | Free Admission

Taking Venice. -COURTESY PHOTO

Taking Venice uncovers the gripping true story behind how a team of U.S. insiders, during the height of the Cold War, allegedly orchestrated a win for American artist Robert Rauschenberg at the 1964 Venice Biennale, often called the “Olympics of Art.”

The film follows Washington insider Alice Denney, curator Alan Solomon, and art dealer Leo Castelli as they navigate the politics of nationalism and culture, culminating in Rauschenberg becoming the first American to win the Grand Prize in Painting.

Rauschenberg’s groundbreaking vision, transforming everyday life into art, continues to inspire artists around the world and resonates deeply with Southwest Florida’s creative community, where he lived and worked for decades.

“Amei Wallach’s latest documentary feature is truly the most in-depth and entertaining film ever made about internationally-renowned artist, longtime local Captiva Island resident and Florida Southwestern State College’s Gallery namesake, Bob Rauschenberg,” according to BobRauschenberg Gallery at FSW director Jade Dellinger. Please join him and WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall as they introduce the film and answer questions following the screening.

Reel Families: Free Family Movie | Saturday, November 15 | 12 p.m. | Free Admission

Following the morning Family ArtLab, families are invited to stay and enjoy a free kid-friendly movie in the Art House Cinema. Designed to complement the hands-on art experience, this afternoon showing offers a creative, relaxed environment for children and caregivers alike. Bring a snack, settle in and share an inspiring afternoon at the Alliance.

Bittersweet Muck | Sunday, November 16 | 2 p.m. | Free Admission

Bittersweet Muck. -COURTESY PHOTO

NBC6 journalist Sasha Jones takes audiences deep into Florida’s sugar country in Bittersweet Muck, an award-winning documentary that explores the environmental and human impact of the pre-harvest burning of sugarcane fields.

Set in Belle Glade and neighboring communities along Lake Okeechobee, this powerful film shines a light on the people whose stories are often left untold, resilient residents who balance tradition, economy, and the fight for cleaner air.

Jones, a Regional Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award-winning journalist, believes that storytelling can drive understanding and change.

This event is being coordinated by the Sierra Club Florida Chapter. Following the screening, there will be a Q & A with leaders of the Stop The Burn Go – Green Campaign.

Michael’s Monthly Mystery Movie | Monday, November 17 | 7 p.m. | Free Admission

The free screenings conclude with a screening of a secret, thought-provoking film that will be announced on-site. Attendees are encouraged to come ready for discovery, discussion, and a shared celebration of cinematic storytelling.

“These films speak to the heart of what the Alliance stands for – art as a catalyst for reflection, dialogue, and community,” says Neil Volz, Executive Director of the Alliance for the Arts. “We’re thrilled to invite the public to join us in honoring both the creative legends who’ve shaped our past and the local stories shaping our future.”

All screenings will take place in the Art House Cinema on the Alliance for the Arts campus, located at 10091 McGregor Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33919. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, visit ArtInLee.org or call 239-939-2787.

About Alliance for the Arts

From yesterday’s vision to tomorrow’s masterpiece, a legacy of art and soul. The Alliance for the Arts is celebrating 50 years as a nonprofit community visual and performing arts center located in the heart of Fort Myers, Florida. The Alliance campus and galleries are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Located at 10091 McGregor Boulevard just south of Colonial Boulevard in Fort Myers.

For more information, please call 239-939-2787 , visit us at www.ArtInLee.org, find us on Facebook, MeetUp and Instagram.