Piedmont’s Appreciating Diversity Film Series kicks off its 20^th season of hosting free screenings, speakers and community conversation this fall, with a lineup that continues to celebrate great documentary films and activism.

First up in September will be And Then They Came for Us, co-directed by Bay Area filmmakers Abby Ginzberg and Ken Schneider. In 1942, Executive Order 9066 forced the incarceration of 120,000 Japanese Americans for the duration, an act now understood as a massive abuse of civil rights. The film explores this history and its relevance today, in the face of threats of a Muslim registry and imposition of a travel ban. (Ellen Driscoll Theater, Piedmont: 7 pm, Sept 27; New Parkway Theater, Oakland: 3 pm Oct 1)

CODE: Debugging the Gender Gap will be screened in October. CODE uncovers the history that led to today’s male-dominated tech world, and highlights the efforts of women computer coders to open this field to girls and young people of color, focusing on expanding STEAM education for all. (Piedmont, 7 pm, Oct 25; Oakland, 3 pm, Oct 28)

In December ADFS will present Growing Up Trans, an intimate, enlightening journey inside the struggles and choices facing young transgender kids and their families. (Piedmont, 7 pm Dec 7; Oakland, 3 pm Dec 9)

In January ADFS will screen The House We Live In and Arc of Justice, two films that explore the family wealth gap between white and black Americans arising from deliberate and systemic government policies, and separate efforts to help secure economic independence for African American families. (Piedmont, 7 pm, Jan 11; Oakland, 3 pm, Jan 13)

ADFS films are ALWAYS FREE. Piedmont screenings are at Ellen Driscoll Playhouse, 325 Highland Ave, Piedmont. Oakland screenings are at the New Parkway Theater, 474 24^th Street, Oakland.