The Oscars are on their way and the Island’s movie theatres are offering a chance to see some of the lesser-known films that are in contention for the golden statues.
The Martha’s Vineyard Film Center in Vineyard Haven is showing the five nominees up for live action short film award on Friday, Saturday and the following Thursday. The films, which are between 12 and 36 minutes long, come from across the globe.
Butcher’s Stain depicts the life of a Palestinian butcher working at an Israeli supermarket, A Friend of Dorothy follows an unlikely friendship that inspires a budding actor, Jane Austen’s Period Drama informs clueless 19th-century men on the menstrual cycle, The Singers connects downtrodden bar flies through an impromptu sing-off, and Two People Exchanging Saliva portrays a society where kissing is punishable by death.
The Vineyard Haven theatre is also showing Mr. Nobody Against Putin, which is nominated for best documentary. The film is a first-person expose on Russia’s campaign to indoctrinate primary school children, filmed by a school teacher.
For those who like animation, both the film society and Edgartown Cinemas are showing Arco, a French film that is up for best animated feature at the Academy Awards. Screenings in Vineyard Haven are on Saturday and Sunday. Edgartown is showing the film on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
The film society is also holding a contest to see who can predict the most Oscar winners. Ballots are available at the movie theatre. Winner gets a free membership.
This article appears in February 27, 2026.