Screened in conjunction with the Frye’s ongoing Empire exhibit, Youssef Chahine’s autobiographical Alexandria…Why? is a wonderfully energetic 1978 panorama of that city’s multi-tiered society. Irrepressible teenage Yehia’s showbiz aspirations can’t be stopped, despite his family’s declining circumstances and the political turmoil swirling around him during WWII. Rommel’s advancing army promises “liberation” from the hated British, but also causes the city’s Jewish population to flee. Meanwhile, Yehia’s suave rich uncle can’t decide whether to kiss or kill an alluring blonde English soldier. Everett Herald critic Robert Horton delivers introductory remarks. (NR) BRIAN MILLER

Sun., Oct. 19, 2 p.m., 2008