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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

Colorful soap film
Something Wonderful . . .

Thursday, July 1–Thursday, September 30, 2021

Visual delights, ingenious craft, and luminous phenomena. Something wonderful awaits you in this collection of artist-made films.

Past Events
Off the Screen: Winter Solstice

Thursday, December 19, 2013 • 7:00 p.m.

As we approach the shortest day of the year, we consider the emotional resonance of winter.
Off the Screen with San Francisco Cinematheque: Teeming and Tenuous/Fleeting and Alive

Wednesday, December 11, 2013 • 7:00 p.m.

Experimental film artist Alex MacKenzie travels from British Columbia to present a trio of fantastical, multi-screen cinematic works. He’ll present works exploring the chemistry, mechanics, and fragility of film as a medium, using live manipulations of 16mm projectors.
Saturday Cinema: Glow

Saturday, December 7, 2013 • noon, 2:00 & 4:00 p.m.

As darkness encroaches on our days, we pause to celebrate luminosity in all its varied forms. Enjoy fun and fascinating takes on light, from dancing kaleidoscopes to beautiful studies of cities in motion.
Saturday Cinema: Tinkering!

November 30, 2013 • noon, 2:00, & 4:00 p.m.

Showcasing inventive curiosity and handmade aesthetics, this film program celebrates artists and makers such as those championed by the Exploratorium’s Tinkering Studio.
Saturday Cinema: Food on Film

November 23, 2013 • noon, 2:00, & 4:00 p.m.

Join our feast of films illuminating the essential artistry of favorite foods.
Saturday Cinema: For Kids Only

Saturday, November 16, 2013 • noon, 2:00, & 4:00 p.m.

Join us “For Kids Only,” which looks at the exceptional world of kids in films that are about—and for—them.
Off the Screen with San Francisco Cinematheque: Necrology and More

Wednesday, November 13, 2013 • 7:00 p.m.

Structural film pioneer and new Bay Area local Standish Lawder appears in person for a mini-retrospective of his formally witty and visionary film works.
Saturday Cinema: Donald Duck in Mathmagic Land

Saturday, November 9, 2013 • noon–4:30 p.m. Starts approximately on the half hour.

From music to sculpture, Donald’s misconceptions about math are transformed through fun, whimsical, and (uh-oh!) educational vignettes.
Saturday Cinema: Internal Worlds

Saturday, November 2, 2013 • noon, 2:00, & 4:00 p.m.

See films that explore how we construct memories, manufacture emotions, and relate to one another.
Off the Screen: International Animation Day

Wednesday, October 30, 2013 • 7:00 pm.

Celebrate International Animation Day with amusing and inventive works from all around the world. Featuring films from ŠAF (Croatia) and Pupf-Phew!
Spooky Celluloid

Sunday, October 27, 2013 • 12:00 p.m.

Accordionist Rob Reich plays along with classic animations to set the mood for Halloween mischief.
Saturday Cinema: The Haunted Classroom

Saturday, October 26, 2013 • 2:00 p.m.

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