Our Picks

ROLE MODELS: FEMININE IDENTITY IN CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN PHOTOGRAPHY-- Opens Friday. See Can't Miss.

REGIME CHANGE STARTS AT HOME-- Opens Saturday. Through Dec. 6. The politically themed exhibition includes new works by Shepard Fairey, Al Farrow and Paul D. Miller, better known in the music world as DJ Spooky. Irvine Contemporary, 1412 14th St. NW. 202-332-8767. FREE

MOUNTAINS, FIELDS AND SEA-- Opens Saturday. Through Nov. 15. Mary Page Evans, known for her en plein air landscape and seascape paintings, has artwork in numerous public collections, including the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the Delaware Art Museum. Addison/Ripley Fine Art, 1670 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-338-5180. FREE

TIMBUKTU TO TIBET: RUGS AND TEXTILES OF THE HAJJI BABAS-- Opens Saturday. Through March 8. An exhibit of non-Western fabrics explores the central role that textiles have played in cultures across several continents and chronicles how Western understanding and appreciation of non-Western textiles changed during the 20th century. Textile Museum, 2320 S St. NW. 202-667-0441. FREE

[Miscellaneous]

HOMECOMING '08-- Friday-Saturday at 9 p.m. It's that time of year again: Howard University's homecoming is upon us, and as usual there's much to choose from: the football game, the fashion and more. As has become tradition, the unofficial events draw some of the brightest stars. Such is the case at Love, where distinguished Howard alumnus Diddy is hosting back-to-back nights of revelry. For university and student-run events, visit http://www.bisonhomecoming.com; otherwise make your way to Okie Street. Love, 1350 Okie St. NE. 202-636-9030 or 202-397-7328. $30-$80.

POPLAR SPRING ANIMAL SANCTUARY OPEN HOUSE-- Today, 1-5 p.m. Enjoy live music, food and drink, a silent auction, clowns, face painting and the opportunity to visit rescued animals. Author and activist Karen Dawn will speak and sign copies of her book, "Thanking the Monkey." 15200 Mount Nebo Rd., Poolesville. To RSVP, call 301-428-8128. FREE

[Movies]

DAYS AND CLOUDS-- From the director of "Bread and Tulips" comes a drama about a wealthy couple suddenly faced with hard times. Love -- wouldn't you know it -- turns out to be the only true currency. In Italian with English subtitles. Landmark's E Street Cinema, 555 11th St. NW. 202-452-7672. $7.50-$10.

DOUBLE INDEMNITY-- See Can't Miss.

HAPPY-GO-LUCKY-- Mike Leigh's newest is opposite in tone from most of his previous movies: more hopeful than "Vera Drake," sunnier than "All or Nothing," less twisted than "Secrets & Lies." Sally Hawkins stars as a giddy, giggly woman who seems to waltz on sunshine through the drudgery of life. Landmark's Bethesda Row, 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda. 301-652-7273. $7.50-$10.

MAX PAYNE-- Mark Wahlberg plays a mavericky cop out to avenge the murder of his family. Sounds like "Gladiator" minus the togas.

MORNING LIGHT-- This documentary about sailing follows a group of youngsters who race a high-performance 52-foot sloop in the Transpacific Yacht Race, a 2,300-mile open-ocean sailing competition. Landmark's Bethesda Row, 7235 Woodmont Ave., Bethesda. 301-652-7273. $7.50-$10.

NOIR CITY DC-- Friday through Nov. 5. Washington's first edition of the Noir City film festival, produced by the Film Noir Foundation, features a dozen classics, including "Strangers on a Train," "Detour" and "Sunset Boulevard." AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring. 301-495-6720. $7.50-$10, age 12 and younger $6.