Friday, September 7, 2007

East Meets West on Film

Travel to the other side of the world and back at "DC Meets Delhi," a week of films by Indian and Washington filmmakers, opening Friday at the University of the District of Columbia. Many screenings will be followed by discussions. As part of the festival, Sunday afternoon is Family Day, with children's films, dance performances and workshops, crafts activities and food vendors. Most programs cost $7, seniors and students $5, age 9 and younger free.

"DC MEETS DELHI" Friday through Sept. 14 in auditoriums at the University of the District of Columbia, 4200 Connecticut Ave. NW (Metro: Van Ness-UDC). 800-494-8497 orhttp://www.udc.edu/dcmd.

The DC Shorts Film Festival, opening Thursday, will screen 89 short films from around the world in a week at Landmark's E Street Cinema in Washington. The films are less than 25 minutes each and are bundled into eight programs. On Sept. 15, there will be an afternoon of free children's movies and an evening of script readings. Tickets for most events cost $12; a VIP all-access pass is $125.

DC SHORTS FILM FESTIVAL Thursday through Sept. 20 at the Landmark E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW (Metro: Metro Center). 202-452-7672 orhttp://www.dcshorts.com.

The 193rd annual Defenders' Day Celebration commemorates the Battle of Baltimore and the writing of "The Star-Spangled Banner" Saturday and Sunday at Fort McHenry National Monument. Activities both days include a military encampment with drills, musket- and cannon-firing demonstrations, and talks by authors and historians. Dignitaries will speak at a ceremony Saturday at 6, followed by a concert by the Chesapeake Concert Band, ship-to-shore pyrotechnics and a fireworks show. Daytime admission is $7, age 15 and younger free; Saturday evening is free.

DEFENDERS' DAY CELEBRATION

Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday from 8 to 2:30 at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, 2400 E. Fort Ave., Baltimore. 410-962-4290 orhttp://www.nps.gov/fomc.