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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.
There's always something interesting happening here—check out our ongoing events.
Saturday, March 9, 2019 • 2:00 p.m.
Explore the many forms shadows can take. Watch shadows stretch, intersect, multiply, and warp throughout the day.
Friday, March 1–Sunday, April 28, 2019
In Silhouette invites you to experience remarkably complex and inventive works of shadow play. Upon entering the darkened Black Box, you encounter what appear to be mundane blank surfaces. However, hidden within each piece are unforeseen images that are revealed only under a flashlight’s beam.
Sunday, February 24, 2019 • Noon, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
Crossing traditions of dancing images, abstract art, and minimalism, the Punto y Raya festival highlights eye-catching animations from around the world. Catch a 30-minute all-ages screening and at 3:00 p.m. watch the complete program of the 18 best films of the 2018 festival.
Saturday, February 23, 2019 • Noon, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
Crossing traditions of dancing images, abstract art, and minimalism, the Punto y Raya festival highlights eye-catching animations from around the world. Catch a 30-minute all-ages screening and at 3:00 p.m. watch the complete program of the 18 best films of the 2018 festival.
Thursday, February 7, 2019 • 8:00 p.m.
In association with Canyon Cinema, we welcome celebrated filmmaker Janis Crystal Lipzin to present a screening of her recent work alongside selections from the Canyon Cinema collection.
Saturday, February 2, 2019 • 11:00 a.m., noon, and 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
Explore the many forms shadows can take. Watch shadows stretch, intersect, multiply, and warp throughout the day.
Saturday, January 12, 2019 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
In conjunction with our Curious Contraptions exhibition, this whimsical collection of expressive, short films celebrates wonder, frivolity, and ingenuity using the kinetic properties of the moving image.
Saturday, December 8, 2018 • 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
In conjunction with our Curious Contraptions exhibition, this whimsical collection of expressive, short films celebrates wonder, frivolity, and ingenuity using the kinetic properties of the moving image.
Saturday, November 10, 2018 • 2:00 p.m.
In conjunction with our Curious Contraptions exhibition, this whimsical collection of expressive, short films celebrates wonder, frivolity, and ingenuity using the kinetic properties of the moving image.
Saturday, November 3, 2018 • 2:30 p.m.
Follow nine high school students from around the globe as they navigate rivalries and setbacks on their journey to compete at the International Science and Engineering Fair.
Saturday, October 6, 2018 • 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Explore an unusual film form in this hands-on workshop. Create 16mm “cinegrams,” hand-exposed moving images, by placing objects and materials that cast shadows directly onto film, and by using light.
Wednesday, August 1–Sunday, September 9, 2018 • Daily: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. + Thursday Evenings: 6:00–10:00 p.m. + Friday Evenings: 5:00–9:00 p.m.
Immerse yourself in oceanic narratives—from the microscopic lives of plankton to the complex relationships between humans and the world beneath the waves.