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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

A Salon With Janis Crystal Lipzin

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 Cinema: Shadow Play

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 Cinema: Curious Creations

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 Cinema: Curious Creations

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 Cinema: Curious Creations

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 Cinema: Science Fair

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.

Cinegram Workshop

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.

Cinema Arts: Stories from the Sea

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.

Lightplay: Festival of Light

Saturday, June 16, 2018 • 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

Observe and play in the glow of light, both natural and human-made. In this day-long festival, the transformative power of light and the human power of observation will be investigated through immersive artworks and hands-on activities.

After Dark: Thursday, June 14, 2018
After Dark: Trick of the Hand, Caffeine, and Sewn Scenarios

Thursday, June 14, 2018 • 6:00–10:00 p.m.

Join artists Tristan Duke and Richard Tuohy for a conversation and film screenings. Get a deeper understanding of how caffeine affects the human nervous system and shapes behavior. And watch sewing artist PNosa embroider your ideas on fabric.

Infinity Room

Thursday, June 14–Sunday, July 15, 2018

Step into an otherworldly portal and envelop yourself in distorted light and perpetually morphing visuals. Watch the walls melt away as the barrier between the material and virtual realms blur into infinity.

Untitled Solar Array

Thursday, June 14–Monday, August 20, 2018

In this commissioned artwork from Oakland-based artist Chris Fraser, the museum’s historic Pier 15 Bulkhead is the site of a large-scale light study that subtly traces the movement of the Sun.

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The Kanbar Forum
The Kanbar Forum

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

Contact Us

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

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