Let’s be blunt: There’s not a lot of good cinema out there these days. And considering we’re already into Oscar-trolling season, for film lovers that’s a picture bleaker than Synecdoche, New York. (Well, maybe not that bad.)

Starting Thursday, however, you’ll have some alternatives — and best of all, they’re free. The Brazilian Embassy is hosting its second annual Première Brazil Washington, a selection of features, shorts, and a kids’ program stopping at American University’s Greenburg Theatre after runs in Rio and New York City.

The festival ends Sunday, Nov. 16; for schedule details and descriptions of the films themselves visit the Embassy’s site.

And don’t forget AFI’s annual European Showcase, continuing through Nov. 25. For ticket details and descriptions of the remaining films (often future Academy Award contenders) go to AFI Silver.