Preview of coming attractions

‘Circumstance,’ a coming-of-age story set in modern-day Iran, opens at Landmark today. (Photo courtesy of Roadside Attractions and Participant Media).

The fall movie calendar highlights include something for Twi-Hards, Spanish-film buffs and the return of D.C.’s Reel Affirmations.

The winner of the Audience Award at the Sundance 2011 Film Festival, “Circumstance” promises to captivate American audiences with its suspenseful coming-of-age story set in underground Iranian culture. The fully subtitled film gives audiences an inside look at modern-day Iran. The film focuses on one woman’s controversial passions that could end up being dangerous. It opens at Landmark Theatre’s E Street Cinema today.

The AFI Latin American Film Festival 2011: “Good Morning Freedom! Spanish Cinema After Franco” comes to AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center and runs from today through the 22nd. With the death of Franco and his 40-year dictatorship, Spanish culture entered a period of cultural liberation and creative experimentation that is highlighted through this selection of films. Two entries into the festival feature gay themes. For more information go to afi.com/silver.

“Labyrinth of Passion,” a 1982 film by Pedro Almodóvar, is an outrageous comedy set in Madrid and follows the love story between a nymphomaniac pop star Sexilia (Cecilia Roth) and Riza (Imanol Arias), the gay son of the emperor of Tiran. The film features Antonio Banderas as a gay terrorist. It’s being shown Saturday at 9:45 p.m. and Sunday at 2:45 p.m.

“Confessions of a Congressman,” a 1978 film, features a rare-for-its-time look at homosexuality in Spain. The film focuses on politician José Sacristán’s (Roberto Orbea) public and personal lives. It’s being shown Sunday at 9:10 p.m. and Monday night at 9.

Part of the Reel Affirmations Extra series, “What Happens Next” is the story of recently retired Paul Greco (Jo Lindstrom), who’s entered a new chapter in his life and finds himself with plenty of time on his hands. His daily routine includes a walking his dog in the park. He soon encounters Andy Chance (Chris Murrah), who has a similar schedule. It’s being shown Sept. 22 at 7 and 9:15 p.m. at Landmark Theatre’s E Street Cinema.

Reel Affirmations (reelaffirmations.org) is slated to return Oct. 13-22 after a one-year hiatus. Highlights include the world premiere of  “Into the Lion’s Den,” a new film from Breaking Glass Pictures that follows three close friends who have grown bored with the West Hollywood scene. The trio decides that a cross-country road trip from Los Angeles to New York City is the solution to getting out of their rut. On the final night of their journey, the boys decide to hang out at a secluded bar “The Lions Den.” Someone at the bar is watching them and planning an evening of unspeakable horrors. This unpredictable thriller features Jesse Archer and Ronnie Kroell, from Bravo’s “Make Me a Supermodel.” He’s scheduled to attend the Washington premiere.

“Hanna and the Hasbian,” an Australian movie, tells the story of a lesbian couple, one member of which is about to declare herself a “hasbian,” — no longer a lesbian. Breigh begins her search for “Mr. Right,” but discovers dating men is not as easy as she imagined.

As usual, LGBT content at the multiplex is spotty. A few films with gay appeal: Michelle Williams is the latest actress to tackle the role of Marilyn Monroe in “My Week with Marilyn,” which tells the tale of a week shared between Monroe and Colin Clark, a 23-year-old assistant on the set of “The Prince and the Showgirl.” It opens Nov. 4.

“Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn” opens Nov. 18, the first of a two-part finale to the series that continues to follow the love triangle between Bella, Edward and Jacob. It opens Nov. 18.

Some campy and fun DVDs to look for this fall inlcude “Bridesmaids,” “Scream 4” and “Green Lantern.” Also, don’t miss the “Looney Tunes Platinum Collection, Vol. 1,” the ultimate collection of 50-plus shorts from Looney Tunes. They’ve all been re-mastered. It’s out Nov. 15.