Welcome to the DER Circle Cinema. Our vision is to create a vibrant space where the global community of nonfiction film enthusiasts can gather to engage with film at the intersection of social science, world cultures, and lived human experience. These curated programs are available to members of the DER Community Circle. New programs are added quarterly and remain accessible for one year after they are first released.
Now Playing
Circle Cinema 4: IN HONOR OF HUGO ZEMP
October 2026
In honor of Swiss ethnomusicologist Hugo Zemp (1937-2026), whose films DER is proud to steward, this quarter’s showcase presents films that celebrate the range and scope of his work across regions and decades.
Previous Programs
Circle Cinema 3: Everyday Devotions
July 2026
Wonder and delight in specificity, that’s what draws together these six films that remind us that there is something worth looking closely at everywhere. These small acts matter- they are humorous, beautiful, and telling- connecting the intimate to the wider currents of our time.
Circle Cinema 2: American Belonging
April 2026
Intimate glimpses into families and communities across the US: intergenerational bonds, hyphenated identities, and the quiet ways people pass down who they are.
Circle Cinema 1: Flagship Program
January 2026
Our inaugural Flagship Program offers a first glimpse into our catalog. Together, these films offer a rich and varied exploration of how people live, remember, adapt, and connect across cultures.
Also included are online conversations with the filmmakers of Cotton Road, Framing the Other, and Sweetheart Dancers (recorded March 2026).
Are you a Community Circle member who needs help accessing the films? Contact us!
