newportFILM has unveiled the schedule for its 2026 outdoor documentary series, a run of free Thursday-night screenings at venues across Newport, each paired with live music and many with conversations featuring filmmakers and special guests.
The series opens Thursday, June 25, with “Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World” at the Great Friends Meeting House. The evening features a pre-film conversation with executive producer Michael Kantor, moderated by Colin Channer of Brown University, the Rhode Island poet laureate, with live music by John Monllos.
Subsequent screenings move to some of Newport’s best-known settings. “Summer of ’94” comes to Rosecliff on July 2, with directors Dave LaMattina and Chad Walker in conversation moderated by ESPN’s Jed Drake and music by Bill Bartholomew. “Cookie Queens” screens July 9 at Marble House, with director Alysa Nahmias and subject Olive, and “Odyssey” plays July 16 at Aquidneck Park.
The midsummer slate continues with “Jack Johnson: Surfilmusic” on July 23 on the Salve O’Hare Lawn, with music by Princess June, and “John Shearer: American Moments” on July 30 at Rough Point, presented in partnership with the Newport Jazz Festival. That evening features a conversation with director James Spione and producer Alison Shearer, moderated by Newport Jazz Artistic Director Nate Smith, along with a special performance by the Alison Shearer Quartet.
The series wraps up in August with “Learning to Fly” at Chateau-sur-Mer on Aug. 6; “Newport & the Great Folk Dream” at Miantonomi Park on Aug. 13, with director Robert Gordon; “Give Me the Ball!” at Rosecliff on Aug. 20, with director Elizabeth Wolff; and “Mighty Mary” at Fort Adams on Aug. 27, with director Mary Mazzio in conversation moderated by Variety’s Addie Morfoot.
Doors open at 6 p.m. for the June and early July screenings and at 5 p.m. for the later dates, with film start times shifting earlier as the season progresses and daylight wanes.
