Actors Jon Heder and Kevin Smith screening their films in NC. Here’s how to see them.

When “Napoleon Dynamite” was released in the summer of 2004, it was just a goofy little indie with pretty mild buzz about it. But word spread about the story of an awkward Idaho high school student, and it quickly become a major hit.

There was enough buzz that the studio commissioned a scene to be added after the end credits so that people would come back for more. And as I witnessed while working at the Varsity Theater in Chapel Hill at the time, many folks (mainly students) certainly did return to see it again and again.

I bet some of those same faces will be at the Carolina Theatre in Durham on Feb. 21, for “Napoleon Dynamite: Film and Conversation.” The event features the film’s star, Jon Heder, taking part in a moderated discussion and an audience Q&A. No word whether Heder, who went to film school with the movie’s director, Jared Hess, will do a show-stopping dance, or if the concession stand will feature tater tots.

But the night is bound to be “flippin’ sweet” regardless. The screening is at 8 p.m. Tickets start at $32.50.

Heder is just one movie star visiting the Carolina Theatre for a screening and conversation. Kevin Smith, another fan favorite, will be at the Carolina Theatre on Feb. 16. He’s screening his latest movie, “Jay and Silent Bob Reboot,” and participating in a Q&A that will no doubt contain some lengthy anecdotes.

There will be a free screening of Smith’s “Clerks” (1994) on Feb. 9 for Fan Appreciation Day. 919-560-3030 or carolinatheatre.org.

‘Harriet’ free screening

“Harriet,” starring Oscar-nominated Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman, will be screened at 50 theaters around the country, including in Raleigh, for Black History Month. The screenings in Raleigh are at Regal Brier Creek at 7 and 9:30 p.m. on Feb. 4 and 11. The movie tells the story of Tubman’s escape from slavery. It also stars Leslie Odom Jr., and Janelle Monae. The film is also up for an Oscar for Best Original Song for “Stand Up.” Tickets can be obtained at regmovies.com.

Hayti Heritage Film Festival 2020

The Hayti Heritage Cultural Center is presenting the 26th Hayti Heritage Film Festival from Feb. 13-15. The annual event will feature “an array of classic black cinema, cutting-edge documentary and fictional shorts and features, master classes and more.” On Feb. 13 at 10 a.m., celebrate the late John Singleton’s “Higher Learning,” which is 25 years old. All films will be shown at the St. Joseph’s Historic Foundation/Hayti Heritage Center in Durham. Details and schedule: haytifilmfest.org

Here’s a look at what else is playing in February.

Carolina Theatre

The Carolina hosts the MovieDiva Series showing of “Heat Lightning” (1934) on Feb. 5, and “Five Star Final” (1931) on Feb. 19 and the Full Frame Winter Series screening of “Apollo 11” (2019) on Feb. 5.

The Retro Film Series is presenting double features of “Blue Velvet” and “Body Heat on Feb. 7; “The Princess Bride” and “Robin Hood: Men in Tights” on Feb. 14; and “Nightmare Alley” and “Stranger on the Third Floor.”

On Feb. 9, “Singing in the Rain” (1952) is part of the Fan Appreciation Day with “Clerks.” Free popcorn and soda will be provided. 2 p.m.

“The Doors: Break On Thru — A Celebration of Ray Manzarek” screens on Feb. 12. On Feb. 28 to March 1, the 21st annual Nevermore Film Festival haunts the Carolina with a roster that includes a bunch of brand new horror films, with both full length features, and packages of shorts. 919-560-3030 or carolinatheatre.org.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

On Feb. 21-23, the Alamo is hosting Cute Fest, a film series that promises “a full weekend of vampire girls, New York City drag queens and high school divas.” The programming includes Cat Video Fest 2020 (all the cute cat videos you can see in one place that’s not the internet), and films like “Marie Antoinette” (2006), “To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar” (1995), and “Mean Girls” (2004).

The Cat Video Fest also will be screened at Marbles Kids Museum (Feb. 22) and the Carolina Theatre (Feb. 22 at 2 p.m.). drafthouse.com/raleigh.

The Cary

The Cary will celebrate Valentine’s Day with showings of “Casablanca” (1942), and “Moonstruck” (1987) on Feb 14. On Feb. 28 and 29, there will be a mini Robin Williams marathon featuring four of his well-known films: “Good Will Hunting,” “The Fisher King,” “The Birdcage” and “The World According to Garp.” 919-462-2051 or thecarytheater.com.

Monday at the Movies

The Rialto is presenting the 1971 classic “Harold and Maude,” starring Bud Cort and Ruth Gordon, on Feb. 17. 919-834-2233 or ambassadorcinemas.com.

N.C. Museum of Art Winter Series

On Feb. 9, the NCMA series is presenting “Keeper of the Flame” (1942), starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. On Feb. 16, it’s “Ruby Gentry” (1952), starring Jennifer Jones, Charlton Heston and Karl Malden. “Road House” (1948), starring Ida Lupino and Cornel Wilde, shows on Feb. 23. 919-715-5923 or ncartmuseum.org/calendar.

This story was originally published February 4, 2020 at 4:21 PM.