The Strand Theatre will present a special screening of the groundbreaking and critically acclaimed film Horsegirls on Sunday, July 26, at 5 p.m. The screening is featured as part of the Strand’s "Film Conversation Series" and will be followed by an in-person Q&A session with the film's producer, Michael Sherman. The stars of the film, Lillian Carrier, Gretchen Mol and Jerod Haynes, will also join in the conversation remotely. 

"The Conversation Series at the Strand brings great films and great ideas to our community in order to spark engaging conversations," said the Strand.

Featured moderators and speakers include filmmakers, artists and experts from the local community and beyond. 

Directed by Lauren Meyering and written by Meyering and Mackenzie Breeden, Horsegirls (PG-13) is a heartwarming dramedy.

As her mother, Sandy (played by Gretchen Mol), grapples with an uncertain medical diagnosis, autistic 22-year-old Margarita (portrayed by Lillian Carrier) must reluctantly take steps toward growing up. Overwhelmed by the demands of a new job at a Halloween store and the looming reality of her mother’s illness, Margarita discovers a competitive hobby horse dance team, a unique sport where young athletes mimic equestrian activities like jumping and galloping using a stick horse.  

The film celebrated its World Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival, was featured as a Special Festival Selection at the ReelAbilities Film Festival, and took home the prestigious Grand Jury Award for Best Feature Film at the Seattle Film Festival. Critics have praised the film's comedic, genuine, and non-patronizing portrayal of neurodiversity, according to a Strand Theatre news release. 

Running time for Horsegirls is 101 minutes.

Tickets are $12/Adult, $9/Students and Seniors, and $8/Strand Members. Tickets are available online at www.RocklandStrand.com, or at the walk-up box office one hour prior to showtime.

The Strand Theatre is located at 345 Main Street, Rockland.

For more information, visit www.RocklandStrand.com.  

The Strand Theatre, located in downtown Rockland, Maine, has been an anchor of the community's cultural life since 1923. Fully restored and operating as a non-profit, the theater is a premier venue for first-run art house films, live concerts, high-definition broadcasts, and special educational and community events.