Friday, Oct. 4

Tonight at 7:30 p.m., you have quite a few choices. At the Egyptian Theatre, the German Currents: Film Festival Los Angeles series kicks off with an opening party and the screening of Measuring the World (Die Vermessung der Welt), based on the best-selling novel by Daniel Kehlmann. The film follows the lives of mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss and scientist Alexander von Humboldt. And it's only $11 — the cheapest gala night you're likely to find. The film fest ends on Monday.

Over at the Nuart, a benefit screening of After Tiller will take place for the Women's Reproductive Rights Assistant Project (WRRAP). Co-director Lana Wilson will be present for the post-film Q&A. You can find our review of this documentary, about the doctors in America who perform third-trimester abortions, in this section.

The Amazing Medium With Richard Williams screens at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater as part of the Marc Davis Celebration of Animation. Williams will talk about his inspirations and take us through his work, including Who Framed Roger Rabbit. Also starting Friday, the Academy Grand Lobby Gallery will exhibit a visual tour of Williams' career, through Dec. 22.

Finally, if you'd rather stay outdoors and by the beach, Front Porch Cinema celebrates the 40th anniversary of The Sting at the Santa Monica Pier. Not only do you get to watch this Robert Redford/Paul Newman classic but it's also Casino Night. There will be a live ragtime piano player and card tables, plus food and drinks for purchase. Doors open at 6 p.m.; the film starts at 7:30 p.m.

See also: More L.A. Weekly Film Coverage

Tuesday, Oct.8

The 14th annual Polish Film Festival kicks off in various theaters around town and runs through Oct. 17. If you want to get into the opening-night gala at the Egyptian, you need to make a minimum donation of $80 to the Polish American Film Society. That gets you invited to the 6 p.m. reception, plus a screening of Piotr Trzaskalski's My Father's Bike, a story that starts when the wife of a 70-year-old man writes a letter telling him that she's leaving him. For information on how to donate and the festival's program, go to polishfilmla.org.

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