The Polk Theatre, Lakeland’s most well-known historic landmark, has been a champion of independent films for years. Lakelanders hoping to branch out from popular movies and see more off-the-path movie choices have been going to the Polk for years, enjoying films in the atmospheric theater.

Known for documentaries and independent films alike, the Polk Theatre has recently moved from showing films only on the weekends to showing them every night of the week, allowing Lakelanders more time to see lesser known films. The most popular film as of recent has been the Mr. Rogers documentary, Won’t You Be My Neighbor, which was extended several times and played for almost a month straight, drawing teary crowds.

Currently playing at the Polk is the movie Puzzle, from Marc Turtletaub the same director as the acclaimed of Little Miss Sunshine and Sunshine Cleaning. Puzzle is about a middle-aged mother who finds new life and a new relationship through a puzzling competition.

Starting tonight is the movie Leave No Trace from the same director that brought Jennifer Lawrence to notoriety in the movie Winter’s Bone. Leave No Trace tells the story of a father and his teenage daughter that live comfortably off-the-grid in the Pacific Northwest until they’re discovered and are both taken into social services.

Newer independent releases can be seen every day of the week, but on the weekends the Polk Theatre also plays family films and classics. Upcoming family films include the 2017 remake of Beauty and the Beast starring Emma Watson, Holes, Swiss Family Robinson and The Rocketeer. Upcoming classics include Laura, Mommie Dearest, and the modern classic, City Slickers. For more information on the Polk Theatre and show times, you can visit their website or their Facebook page.