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The Cinema Arts Program

The Cinema Arts Program

Approaching movies as an active viewing experience, staff in the Cinema Arts Program view the projection screen as a portal to investigation. We engage with filmmakers who create works that inspire the imagination and instigate conversation. Animation, documentary, poetic observations, and abstract visuals serve a broad spectrum of curious audiences while blending the methods and aesthetics of artists and scientists. Through our programming, we aim to provide an opportunity for visitors to explore the compelling people, places, and ideas that extend through the museum and beyond. Our collection of films and events offer a rich resource for public audiences, and also provide an important research collection for both our teaching programs and exhibit development teams.

Upcoming Events

Film still from Attraction by Emily Scaife
Glow Cinema: Illuminated Frames

Thursday, November 17, 2022–Sunday, January 29, 2023

The dimmed atmosphere of the microcinema sets the perfect scene to luxuriate in these abstract, transportive, and luminescent motion pictures.

Past Events

Joshua Light Show
Off the Screen: Joshua Light Show with Linda Perhacs and Julia Holter

Sunday, April 19, 2015 • 8:00 p.m.

The legendary Joshua Light Show returns to the Exploratorium’s Kanbar Forum to improvise an immersive, otherworldly environment of light and sound in collaboration with celebrated musicians Julia Holter and Linda Perhacs.

Joshua Light Show
Off the Screen: Joshua Light Show with Linda Perhacs and Julia Holter

Saturday, April 18, 2015 • 8:00 p.m.

The legendary Joshua Light Show returns to the Exploratorium’s Kanbar Forum to improvise an immersive, otherworldly environment of light and sound in collaboration with celebrated musicians Julia Holter and Linda Perhacs.

Market Street Prototyping Festival: Kino Kiosk

Friday, April 10, 2015 • 8:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Part of the Market Street Prototyping Festival, the Exploratorium’s Kino Kiosk presents historical footage, documentaries, and artistic oddities about San Francisco’s main thoroughfare. Help create soundtracks, and test your trivia knowledge to win door prizes.

Saturday Cinema: Visual Illusions

Saturday, April 4, 2015 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.

This eye-popping, mind-bending callback to April Fools’ Day features a trippy collection of shorts sure to have an effect—and after effect—on your senses.

Saturday Cinema: A Study in Style

Saturday, March 28, 2015 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.

Join us for an afternoon of pedagogical fun and games. Drawing from the genre of educational and instructional cinema, this playful program features films demonstrating that humor can be the best way to arrive at complex ideas.

Off the Screen: Spring Jamboree with the Goat Family
Off the Screen: Spring Jamboree with the Goat Family

Thursday, March 19, 2015 • 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy a raucous film and music performance by the Goat Family. Backed by a projection screen, the Goats combine toe-tapping tunes with vibrant, 16mm visuals—all handcrafted by members of the band.

Saturday Cinema: Seeing Circles

Saturday, March 14, 2015 • 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30 p.m.

Celebrate Pi Day (3.14.15) with a gathering of films invoking the infinite beauty of circles and spheres. From intricate computer animations to hand-drawn delights, these artworks give pride of place to pi.

Saturday Cinema: Forgotten Formats with Dino Everett

Saturday, March 7, 2015 • 2:00 p.m.

Join archivist Dino Everett to explore 28mm and 3mm films. Discover the fascinating histories behind these formats, and enjoy the rare sight of 28mm and 3mm films projected from vintage cameras onto the big screen.

Spring Members' Night: At the Movies

Friday, March 6, 2015 • 6:00–9:00 p.m.

Join us for a night of cinematic excitement at the Spring Members' Night: At the Movies event. 

Science and Cinema Donor Reception

Friday, March 6, 2015
5:30–6:30 p.m.: Donor Reception in the Kanbar Forum
6:00–9:00 p.m.: Member Party throughout the museum

Chairman's Circle, Catalyst Circle, and Innovator donors are invited to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Exploratorium, Jon Boorstin’s Academy Award–nominated film, which explores the museum and its exhibits through imagery and sound.

After Dark: Extended Cinemas 2015
After Dark: Extended Cinemas

Thursday, March 5, 2015 • 6:00 p.m.–10:00 p.m.

Immerse yourself in visual storytelling that extends the possibilities of cinema, from live film performances to video installations, and even the chance to make your own cinematic toys and sound effects.

Saturday Cinema: The Animated Life of A.R. Wallace

Saturday, February 28, 2015 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.

Celebrate the life of naturalist A.R. Wallace and his early contributions to the theory of evolution and natural selection.

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The Kanbar Forum
The Kanbar Forum

Experience our state-of-the-art venue for films, music, and more.

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For questions about the Exploratorium Cinema Arts Program, please contact us at:
cinemaarts@ exploratorium.edu

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