Harper College’s Spring 2026 Film Series spans genres, eras

Posted January 13, 2026 1:11 pm

Submitted by Harper College

Harper College’s Spring 2026 Film Series invites students, faculty and community members to explore a diverse lineup of films that span genres, eras and global perspectives. From psychological drama and political thrillers to sci-fi/horror and music-driven storytelling, the series offers rich opportunities for discussion.

Presented by Harper’s Mass Communications Department, all screenings are free and open to the public, taking place at 6 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 27 through March 10, in Harper’s state-of-the-art Film Lab.

The series opens Jan. 27 with “Phantom Thread” (2017), Paul Thomas Anderson’s visually striking drama that examines creativity, power and intimacy through the relationship between a meticulous dressmaker and his muse.

See the sci-fi/horror film “Nope,” starring Daniel Kaluuya, left, Keke Palmer and Brandon Perea, Feb. 3 at Harper College in Palatine. Courtesy of Universal Pictures

On Feb. 3, Jordan Peele’s “Nope” (2022) blends sci-fi and horror to interrogate spectacle, obsession and the act of witnessing. The following week, on Feb. 10, Spike Lee’s “BlacKkKlansman” (2018) brings humor and urgency to a true story of racial extremism, activism and policing in 1970s America.

Music and class take center stage on Feb. 17 with “The Commitments” (1991), which follows a group of working-class Dubliners forming an R&B band. The series continues March 3 with “The Saint” (1997), a globe-trotting thriller with Val Kilmer that explores identity, morality and technological power. It concludes March 10 with “Three Days of the Condor” (1975), a classic political thriller starring Robert Redford and centered on government secrecy, trust and survival.

Each screening will feature a brief introduction and a post-film discussion led by Harper faculty experts, encouraging audiences to examine the cultural, social and artistic themes at the heart of each film. The selections were curated to complement coursework in not only film and media studies, but also sociology, political science and fashion, among other areas.

All screenings will include free popcorn in the Film Lab, which features 4K laser projection, Dolby 7.1 surround sound and accessible seating. The Film Lab is in Building E, Room E109, on Harper’s Palatine campus, 1200 W. Algonquin Road. Free, nearby parking is available in lots 9 and 10. Visit harpercollege.edu for details.