Often when people hear the word documentary, they think: boring. Cast that thought aside and come experience the excitement of exploring the life of one of America's most beloved film critics, Roger Ebert; feel the politics and tensions leading to World War I; and wonder at the amazing endurance of a local athlete, a Medomak Valley High School graduate, who will also be at the screening to talk about his experience. You may never view documentaries in the same way again.

Ida (PG-13, 1 hour 20 minutes)

From acclaimed director Pawel Pawlikowski (“Last Resort,” “My Summer of Love”) comes Ida, a moving and intimate drama about a young novitiate nun in 1960s Poland who, on the verge of taking her vows, discovers a dark family secret dating from the terrible years of the Nazi occupation: 18-year old Anna (stunning newcomer Agata Trzebuchowska), a sheltered orphan raised in a convent, is preparing to become a nun when the Mother Superior insists she first visit her sole living relative. Naïve innocent Anna soon finds herself in the presence of her aunt Wanda (Agata Kulesza), a worldly and cynical Communist Party insider, who shocks her with the declaration that her real name is Ida and her Jewish parents were murdered during the Nazi occupation.

This revelation triggers a heart-wrenching journey into the countryside, to the family house and into the secrets of the repressed past, evoking the haunting legacy of the Holocaust and the realities of postwar Communism. Powerfully written and eloquently shot, Ida is a masterly evocation of a time, a dilemma, and a defining historical moment. It is also personal, intimate and human. In Polish with English subtitles. Thursday, July 31 at 2 p.m. Presented in partnership with J. Edward Knight Insurance.

Royal Shakespeare Company: Henry IV Part II (2 hours and 45 minutes)

King Henry's health is failing as a second rebellion threatens to surface. Intent on securing his legacy, he is uncertain that Hal is a worthy heir, believing him to be more concerned with earthly pleasures than with the responsibility of rule. Meanwhile, Falstaff is sent to the countryside to recruit fresh troops. Among the unwitting locals, opportunities for embezzlement and profiteering prove impossible to resist as Falstaff gleefully indulges in the business of lining his own pockets. As the King's health continues to worsen, Hal must choose between duty and loyalty to an old friend in Shakespeare's heartbreaking conclusion to this pair of plays. Plays Thursday, July 31 at 7 p.m. Presented in partnership with Charter Oak Capital Management.

Life Itself (R, 1 hour 55 minutes)

A documentary film that recounts the inspiring and entertaining life of world-renowned film critic and social commentator Roger Ebert. Plays at 7 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 1, Saturday, Aug. 2, Sunday, Aug. 3 and Tuesday, Aug. 5 and Thursday, Aug. 7 at 2 p.m. Presented in partnership with Legacy Properties Sotheby’s International Realty.

BBC Documentary: 37 Days (2 hours 35 minutes)

Commemorating the 100th anniversary of WWI comes a BBC miniseries about the various political, military and especially diplomatic machinations that took place in the title time between the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand and Germany’s declaration of war. Plays Monday, Aug. 4 at 7 p.m. This is the first of three in our series on Monday never-before-seen screenings offered free to the public.

Monty Python Live (mostly!)

For the first time in more than three decades, comedy legends Monty Python performed live on stage together this year. Monty Python are rightfully regarded as among the world’s finest-ever comedians. Plays at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 6 and Thursday, Aug. 14.

100: Head/Heart/Feet (NR)

If you thought a 26.2 mile marathon was tough, lace up your running shoes for a journey into the world of ultra-running. Some call them adventure racers, extreme endurance athletes or just plain crazy as they prepare to run a 30 hour, 100 mile race: no stopping, no resting no whining — just running. Plays Thursday, Aug. 7 at 7 p.m. The screening will be following by a question and answer session with the filmmakers.

The theater’s complete monthly schedule and information on all theater events are available at www.atthelincoln.org.

You can also check us out by viewing our Facebook page, calling the theater’s box office at 207-563-3424, or by dropping by for a visit. The office's summer hours are Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon.

Sign up for our weekly e-blast, a listing of what is playing for the week at Lincoln Theater. To sign up, just visit our website and click “contact,” or send us an email at info@atthelincoln.org. The Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater Street in Damariscotta. Curtain going up!