Hit summer films continue this week as we approach the “dog days” of summer. Come into the air conditioning and enjoy some sizzling hot movies.

“Dream Horse” (PG; 1 hour, 53 minutes): Experience the inspiring true story of Dream Alliance, an unlikely racehorse bred by small town bartender Jan Vokes (Academy Award nominee Toni Collette). With very little money and no experience, Jan convinces her neighbors to chip in their meager earnings to help raise Dream and compete with the racing elites. Their investment pays off as Dream rises through the ranks and becomes a beacon of hope in their struggling community. Also starring Damian Lewis (Band of Brothers & Homeland). According to film critic Glenn Kenney of the New York Times, in this underdog sports story, “Dream Horse, an unabashed crowd-pleaser directed by Euros Lyn, earns its smiles and cheers.” Final screenings Wednesday, July 14 at 2 and 7 p.m., Thursday, July 15 at 2 and 7 p.m. Presented in partnership with Damariscotta River Grill.

“Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It” (PG-13; 1 hour, 30 minutes): Over a 70+ year career, Rita Moreno defied both her humble upbringing and relentless racism to become a celebrated and beloved actor, one of the rare EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) Award Winners of our time. The film illuminates the humor and the grace of Moreno, as well as lesser-known struggles faced on her path to stardom, including pernicious Hollywood sexism and abuse, a toxic relationship with Marlon Brando, and serious depression a year before she emerged an Oscar winner. Moreno’s talent and resilience triumphed over adversity, as she broke barriers, fought for representation and forged the path for new generations of artists. Playing Friday, July 16 at 2 and 7 p.m., Saturday, July 17 at 2 and 7 p.m., Sunday, July 18 at 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 21 at 2 and 7 p.m., and Thursday, July 22 at 2 and 7 p.m. Presented in partnership with Mobius Inc.

Coming soon – tickets on sale now — The MidCoast Film Fest Season Two opens Friday, July 23; “The New Deal for Artists” (NR) plays two shows only on Thursday, July 29; “Summer of Soul (...Or, When The Revolution Could Not Be Televised)” (PG-13) opens Friday, July 30; “The Loneliest Whale” (PG) opens Friday, Aug. 6; “Cat Video Fest” (No rating) opens Friday, Aug. 13. Live on Stage – Tickets on sale now — Venticordi returns for ‘It Takes Five’ with Directors Kathleen McNerney and Dean Stein, on oboe and violin, and guest artists Catherine Hudgins, clarinet, Kallie Sugatski, viola, and Anthony D’Amico, double bass. Wednesday, July 28 at 7 p.m.

Theater information

For all matinee screenings until July 23, masks are required and tickets must be purchased in advance. For evening screenings, masks are optional for those fully vaccinated and tickets will be available for purchase online in advance at www.LincolnTheater.net and at the door. Movie tickets are $8 Adult, $6 LT Members and Youth 18 and Under. Event ticket prices vary. The theater office is open to assist with ticket purchases by calling 563-3424 on Tuesdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Information on upcoming films and events is available by visiting our website at www.LincolnTheater.net. Stay current by signing up through our website for our e-blasts. Please be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Lincoln Theater is located at 2 Theater Street in downtown Damariscotta. Curtain going up!