Although this film is the story of a middle class, Palestinian woman and her son who emigrate to the United States, it is not the familiar “coming to America” story we have learned to expect. Although it encompasses many of the universal problems immigrants face – acceptance, recognition of their skills and cultural understanding, the timing of the film adds an additional dimension. It takes place just after the invasion of Iraq when feelings about the mid-east were exceptionally hot. Yet writer-director Cherien Dabis, the child of a Palestinian father and a Jordanian mother, who herself grew up in the mid-west during the Gulf War, manages to treat the reality of the immigrant experience in America with appreciation, humor and respect. The exceptional acting skills of the cast make you want to spend time with them because you care about them. Starring Muna Nisreen Faour and Fadi Melkar Muallem. In English and Arabic with subtitles. 96 minutes. Rated PG-13 for brief drug use and language.

Yes Men Fix the World

Can satire, intelligence and impersonation save the world? The Yes Men seem to think so. Whether they are posing as representatives of Dow Chemical to announce that Dow would take responsibility for the horrible gas spill in Bhopal or pretending to be from Haliburton promoting an inflatable 6 foot “Surviveaball” providing protection from climate change, the Yes Men are taking on the purveyors of corporate greed. They set up fake websites, they get entrance to corporate meetings posing as the real thing, and they make waves. They not only hoodwink corporate execs into believing they are who they say they are, but they remind us that we wish some of their promises were true. Written and directed by Andy Bichibaum and Mike Bonanno. 1 hour, 27 minutes. This film is not rated.

Beaches of Agnes

Still gamin-like and humble at 81, famed director Agnès Varda spins the tale of her life using extraordinary imagery to link her past and her present. Bursting into French cinema at 34 with “Cleo from 5 to 7,” Varda was the only female member of the French New Wave and the director who first brought Gerad Depardieu, Philippe Noiret and Harrison Ford to the screen. Whether she is using a circle of mirrors to reflect aspects of her life or dancing with her children and grandchildren on the beach, Varda never fails to acknowledge the impact of others in her life, especially her beloved, deceased husband Jacques Demy, the director of “The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.” Written and directed by Agnès Varda. In French with subtitles. 110 Minutes. This film is not rated.