On Sunday, June 24, the Hebrew Center begins its summer film series. Programmed by the Summer Institute, the series is known for thoughtful movies usually relegated to the shadows of big city, independent cinemas.

This Sunday’s film is Restoration, not the 1995 Robert Downey Jr./Meg Ryan feature. No, not at all.

In the summer, when attention turns to Island beaches and visitors come off the ferry in droves, a speaker series offers a chance to think about the world beyond Vineyard shores.

The Summer Institute speaker series at the Hebrew Center, now in its 13th year, aims to provide affordable, thought-provoking discussions, said Summer Institute committee chairman, Geraldine Alpert.

The idea is to enrich the cultural and intellectual life of the Island, Ms. Alpert said. “To enlighten.”