Pick of the week:
Featuring a diverse lineup that runs from established filmmakers to newcomers, the Film Society of Minneapolis St. Paul's annual Cine Latino Film Festival is back. The weeklong fest includes movies from 11 countries, including the United States. But the diversity goes beyond geography, with films from nine female directors and five first- or second-time filmmakers. It also includes two movies that are their country's official entries in the Academy Award competition, including Thursday's opening-night screening of Spain's "Summer 1993," which will be introduced by writer/director Carla Simón. All screenings are at the St. Anthony Main Theatre. To see the schedule or order tickets, go to mspfilm.org/festivals/cine-latino.
Picture perfect: If you're worried about strangers photobombing your family's holiday portrait, check out this offer from the Como Park Zoo and Conservatory: On five mornings over the next few weeks, the gardens inside the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory are going to open two hours early for the exclusive use of photographers. You can bring a tripod and pose your family in front of the stunning floral displays without having to worry about passersby inadvertently intruding into the frame. The hours are 8 to 10 a.m. on Nov. 19 and Dec. 2, 9, 10 and 17. Admission is $5 per person (comozooconservatory.org).
Day by day: Monday is world Kindness Day, a time to focus on sharing understanding and kindness. Sure, it sounds good now, but let's see how far we get into rush hour before the whole thing falls apart.
Recommended reading: Is it OK to go high-tech to monitor your kids' activities? And, if so, is there a point at which it crosses the line? Wednesday's Variety examines the dos and don'ts of digital parenting.
JEFF STRICKLER • jeff.strickler@startribune.com
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More from Star Tribune
More From Star Tribune
More From Variety
Books
Helen Simonson is in Jane Austen mode with 'The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club'
FICTION: Her latest is set in an English coastal town, at the end of World War I.
Nation
South Dakota Gov. Noem erroneously describes meeting with North Korea's Kim Jong Un in new book
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem described in a new book having met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during her time in Congress. But her office said Friday that the story of the meeting was an error as further scrutiny was put on the Republican governor's life story.
Nation
Mick Jagger wades into politics, taking verbal jab at Louisiana state governor at performance
Mick Jagger briefly waded into Louisiana politics, taking a verbal jab at the state's conservative governor, as The Rolling Stones performed at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival.
Nation
Thousands believe COVID vaccines harmed them. Is anyone listening?
All vaccines have at least occasional side effects. But people who say they were injured by COVID vaccines believe their cases have been ignored.
Stage & Arts
Review: 'Flex' brings hoops and dreams to life at Penumbra Theatre
At a time when Minnesotans are hoping for a championship basketball run, the St. Paul theater has a real winner.