Bubbles and excitement flowed at the Martha’s Vineyard International Film Festival opening reception Thursday evening. The 20th anniversary celebration continues on screen through Sunday Sept. 7 at the Film Center in Vineyard Haven.

Vineyarders and attendees Robyn Birdwell and Deborah Hall both praised the opening night film Checkpoint Zoo, a Ukrainian documentary about the evacuation of a zoo and animal sanctuary in Kharkiv during the start of the Russian invasion.

Richard Paradise welcomes film fans. Festival continues through Sunday.

Ray Ewing

Richard Paradise welcomes film fans. Festival continues through Sunday.

Ray Ewing

“It was fantastic, it’s a true story and it was done well,” Ms. Birdwell said.

She enjoys the experience of watching and discussing films with other audience members.

“It’s fun to be around people who want to be a part of it,” Ms. Birdwell said. “I love it. I do. It’s the way I feel about the film society in general. It’s a gift to the Island.”

Triva Emery, who has attended the festival since the first year, loves seeing the lineup curated each year by film society executive director Richard Paradise.

Anne-Marie Wickey and Jim Wickey.

Ray Ewing

Anne-Marie Wickey and Jim Wickey.

Ray Ewing

“So many of the movies [at this festival] we don’t hear about and they’re brought here and there’s always a little surprise,” she said. “We like the hidden gem.”

Saturday will feature The Dating Game, about three men in China who join a dating camp to find love. Saturday’s lineup also includes Don’t Let’s Go To The Dogs Tonight, an adaptation of the bestselling memoir by Alexandra Fuller about her life growing up in Zimbabwe during the Rhodesian Bush War.

Returning summer intern Izzy DeVita is helping with the festival for the first time.

“Being able to see such a diverse range of films from Cuba and Zimbabwe [is special],” she said. “I think the people who come appreciate the experience with such a fun Vineyard community.”

For the full schedule and tickets, visit mvfilmsociety.com