Marin County is buzzing with a rich slate of film events in the coming weeks. The action centers in San Rafael but stretches out to Larkspur.
From a Disney favorite for families to environmental storytelling, there’s something for everyone. You’ll also find lively conversations with filmmakers and local historians.
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These screenings reach every corner of Marin—from San Anselmo to Novato and beyond.
A weekend of family-friendly cinema in San Rafael and the surrounding neighborhoods
San Rafael and nearby towns are rolling out a friendly lineup. Residents of Mill Valley, Corte Madera, and San Anselmo are invited to drop in for an afternoon or a convivial evening.
Classic family entertainment sits side by side with thoughtful documentaries. It’s all set against Marin’s scenic backdrop.
Disney’s Zootopia 2 at the Civic Center Library in San Rafael
Downtown San Rafael hosts Disney’s Zootopia 2 at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday in room 427 of the Civic Center Library. Admission’s free, and they’re giving out popcorn, so it’s a pretty perfect family-friendly afternoon in Marin County.
San Rafael libraries often team up with community groups to bring accessible cinema to folks from Fairfax, Sausalito, and beyond.
International Ocean Film Festival makes waves in Marin
Starting Thursday, the International Ocean Film Festival brings environmental storytelling to Marin. The festival opens with a short film showcase at 4 p.m. featuring “Wild Hope: Puffling Patrol,” “Penguins of the Point” and “13 Hours to Survive: Trapped at Low Tide”.
Later, there’s a 7 p.m. screening of the feature documentary “A Life Illuminated” at the Smith Rafael Film Center. Tickets run $15.75 to $17.75.
This festival draws audiences from Larkspur to Tiburon and highlights Marin’s commitment to environmental advocacy through film.
Film historian Harry Chotiner presents a surprise movie pick in Larkspur
In Larkspur, San Anselmo film historian Harry Chotiner will present a surprise movie pick and lead a discussion at 7 p.m. April 8 at the Lark Theater. Admission is $25.
This event keeps Marin’s tradition of deeper cinema engagement alive. The lively Q&A often touches on Marin’s film heritage and regional memories from Tiburon to Corte Madera.
Public libraries as hubs for film and dialogue in Marin
Marin’s public libraries aren’t just about books. They’re community studios for conversation and discovery.
The San Rafael Public Library is hosting an engaging National Library Week program. It pairs a documentary screening with a filmmaker conversation, showing Marin’s commitment to lifelong learning across towns like San Rafael, San Anselmo, and Novato.
Free for All: The Public Library at the San Rafael Public Library
As part of National Library Week, the PBS documentary “Free for All: The Public Library” screens at 2 p.m. April 19 in San Rafael.
Afterward, filmmakers Dawn Logsdon and Lucie Faulknor will join a conversation about the film. They’ll share thoughts on the library’s role in Marin communities—from San Anselmo’s cozy shelves to the endless stacks in Mill Valley and beyond.
If you’re curious about how public access to information and local culture is changing, this is your chance to hear it right from the source. It’s not every day you get to chat with the folks behind the camera.
Each venue’s website has more details and locations. These programs attract people from all over—San Rafael, Larkspur, Mill Valley, Novato, and San Anselmo all share a packed calendar.
You’ll find a mix of family-friendly fare, environmental storytelling, and talks with filmmakers and historians. Marin really feels like a living classroom for anyone who loves movies or stories, no matter your age.
Trying to plan a weekend or maybe a midweek gathering for your book club? Here are a few picks that stand out:
- Disney’s Zootopia 2 at the San Rafael Civic Center Library, Wednesday 2:30 p.m., free with popcorn.
- International Ocean Film Festival short films, Thursday 4 p.m. and “A Life Illuminated”, 7 p.m. at the Smith Rafael Film Center, tickets $15.75-$17.75.
- Harry Chotiner’s surprise pick and audience discussion, April 8, 7 p.m., Lark Theater, $25.
- Free for All: The Public Library screening and filmmaker conversation, April 19, 2 p.m., San Rafael Public Library.
Keep an eye on Marin County calendars and venue sites for updates. Spring’s shaping up to be a great time for film and community, whether you’re in Sausalito, Belvedere, Ross, or Fairfax.
Here is the source article for this story: 4 special film events coming up in Marin
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