Movies

February Movie Lineup: Iconic Films, Enduring Impact

Highlighting Black Artists, Stories, and Cultural Legacy

In celebration of Black History Month, the Dowd Center Theatre presents our Iconic Films, Enduring Impact lineup, which celebrates landmark films that center Black voices, artistry, and storytelling. From bold interpretations of classic tales to unforgettable performances that reshaped culture, these films continue to inspire and unite artists and audiences alike.

Casablanca plays at the Dowd Center Theatre.

Casablanca (1942, NR*, 1h 42m) 

Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.

Summary
Set against the uncertainty of World War II, Casablanca is a timeless love story which has often been touted as one of the greatest films of all time. When former lovers Rick Blaine and Ilsa Lund are unexpectedly reunited in a Moroccan café, old feelings resurface, forcing them to reckon with what they owe each other and to a world in crisis. 

Filled with unforgettable dialogue including the "best last line of a movie ever," and one of cinema's most iconic musical themes, the film continues to resonate as a story about choosing between personal desire and something larger than yourself.

Cultural Context & Legacy
In Casablanca, Dooley Wilson's portrayal of Sam is more than the pianist whose music defines the film's tone, he is Rick Blaine's closest confidant and moral anchor. Their friendship is marked by trust, loyalty, and mutual respect, a portrayal that stood in contrast to many of the limited roles available to Black actors in Hollywood at the time. 

Sam's presence reflects how performers of color contributed depth and humanity to Hollywood narratives, even when the spotlight was rarely centered on them.

Starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, and Dooley Wilson

*Casablanca was released prior to the MPAA rating system. By today's standards, the film is conventionally considered to be rated PG.

Red Tails plays at the Dowd Center Theatre.

Monroe America 250 Courthouse Logo (PNG)
Red Tails (2012, PG-13, 2h 5m)

Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 7:00 p.m.


Presented as part of the City of Monroe's America 250 Celebration

Summary
Inspired by the true story of the Tuskegee Airmen, Red Tails brings to the screen the bravery and skill of the first African American military aviators in U.S. history. The film follows these pilots as they confront racism at home while risking their lives abroad, proving their excellence in the skies over Europe during World War II.

Cultural Context & Legacy
The Tuskegee Airmen's real-life success challenged long-held myths about race and military capability, directly contributing to the eventual desegregation of the U.S. Armed Forces. Red Tails is notable for centering Black heroism in a genre that has historically excluded it, and for introducing a new generation to a chapter of American history that was long overlooked in mainstream film.

Starring Terrence Howard, Cuba Gooding Jr., and Nate Parker

The Wiz plays at the Dowd Center Theatre.

The Wiz (1978, G, 2h 14m) 

Thursday, February 26, 2026 | 7:00 PM


Summary
A bold reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz transforms a familiar story into a vibrant celebration of Black music, fashion, and imagination. Set in a fantastical version of New York City, the film blends soul, funk, and Broadway spectacle, featuring an all-Black cast.

Cultural Context & Legacy
The Wiz was groundbreaking in its scale and ambition, presenting Black performers at the center of a major studio musical during an era when such representation was rare. Though reactions at the time were varied, the film has since earned enduring acclaim, influencing generations of artists, designers, and storytellers, affirming that classic stories can be reinterpreted through culturally specific lenses without losing their power.

Starring Diana Ross, Michael Jackson, Nipsey Russell, and Ted Ross

Concessions

Concessions are available for purchase: 

Popcorn: $4

Soda: $4

Candy: $3

Bottled Water: $2