A Tribute to Circle Films

Aug. 9–Sept. 17

Circle Films was a Washington, DC-based independent production company that, along with its distribution wing, Circle Releasing Corporation, enjoyed significant success in the 1980s and 1990s, despite being located outside of the traditional film production and distribution hubs of Los Angeles and New York. Led by brothers Ted and James Pedas, Circle Films’ most significant success came with their association with the early career of the Coen brothers, distributing their debut film BLOOD SIMPLE and subsequently producing BARTON FINK, RAISING ARIZONA and MILLER’S CROSSING. Other notable titles distributed by Circle Releasing included John Woo’s international breakthrough THE KILLER (1989) — look for a new 4K DCP to screen at the Silver this fall — Guy Maddin’s debut TALES FROM THE GIMLI HOSPITAL and Al Reinert’s NASA documentary FOR ALL MANKIND. The Pedas brothers also operated the famed Circle Theatre, formerly located in DC’s Foggy Bottom/West End neighborhood, and the Circle Theatres chain, which once numbered 80 screens across Washington. Ted Pedas passed away in March of this year at the age of 93, after a lifetime of generous support for numerous arts organizations, including serving for many years on AFI Silver’s advisory council. This retrospective series honors his and his brother Jim’s unique and innovative legacy in the film world.