Rocky Horror Picture Show tickets are now on sale here. | Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets here. | Tower Of Terror. Every weekend Friday and Saturdays. Get info here. | Support SLFS here or join the Red Carpet Club here.

 

Tower Of Terror at Broadway

Tower Of Terror is back! Every weekend starting Sept. 8, we will be featuring horror films that will have you looking over your shoulder. While the Tower is under renovation, this year we will be screening these seasonal classics at Broadway Centre Cinemas.

Don't Forget... Invincible Czars 9/6 & 9/7

Grab tickets while you can for our kick off of the spooky season with the Invincible Czars! Celebrating their 20th anniversary, we are excited to have these amazing artists play their original scores to two of the silent era’s most influential masterpieces.

See these silent film classics with a live accompaniment score at the Broadway starting at 7:00 pm:
THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI (1920) – Sept 6
NOSFERATU (1922) – Sept 7

Get tickets now – > www.slfstix.org 

Tower Theatre Update

TOWER THEATRE THE NEXT 100 YEARS

The Tower Theatre won't be open in 2023 but read below for our planning update.

Our deep gratitude goes out to all who have inquired about and have continued to love the Tower. We know how important the Tower is to cinematic preservation and consequently to the 9th and 9th community. Throughout 2022, and into this year, your continued support in attending SLFS films and events at our Broadway location, and your donations in support of our mission to exhibit, create, and preserve the art of cinema, has been a key success factor in building a future for the Tower. We know that many of you feared the Tower might close permanently. We’re happy to say that SLFS is 100% committed to the preservation of this unique and wonderful gem of a venue. 

PURCHASE OF THE TOWER

Tori signing resized smaller
Tori Baker, CEO/President, signs for ownership of The Tower Theatre in December 2022.

SLFS has been operating the Tower Theatre since we formed our nonprofit 23 years ago. As a donor-supported cinema, we continued with relatively short leases which renewed repeatedly. There were restrictions on what we could do with the building since we did not own it. We are happy to announce that in December of 2022, and thanks to a generous grant from Alternative Visions Fund, SLFS has purchased the Tower Theatre location. 

 

This is monumental to the preservation mission goals of SLFS. We intend to ensure cinematic adventures continue at the Tower for generations to come. The Tower has always been part of our founding story, and our mission. By securing the building ownership, SLFS and our allies can now look towards neighborhood collaboration to build a vision that preserves the unique character of the Tower, supports the 9th & 9th economic viability, and harnesses the archive video/DVD collection for film preservation and education. 

 

This purchase allows for the Tower to have a fresh start. Therefore, we are happily turning away from previously-reported cosmetic improvement plans to begin serious long-term visioning for the Tower. We’ve named our new initiative “Tower Theatre: The Next 100 years.”

REMODELS, RENOVATIONS, and VISIONING for the TOWER THEATRE

Our inspiration is to repair and renovate the 1928 Tower Theatre as an environmentally responsible hub for cultural, nostalgic, modern, and uncensored cinematic experiences. As an economic and cultural anchor in 9th and 9th , the Tower will remain a safe haven for underrepresented voices and individuals who love to explore new ideas and tastes through the cinematic lens. 

  

This treasured movie theater, the oldest single-screen in Utah dedicated solely to film, represents a cultural cinematic landmark that demands to be preserved for future generations. SLFS intends to trailblaze environmental responsibility in theatrical exhibition and serve community through historic, contemporary, unique technological film screenings, plus offer and grow our world-class and highly rare archive. Additionally, we plan to provide museum-like exhibits that access nostalgia for our past and celebrate the future of the medium of film. 

 

Embarking on this adventure will take time, stakeholder support, and fundraising.  We do not anticipate the Tower opening in 2023 for this reason.  However, you may see us making some essential repairs throughout the process. We will keep the public posted. Through this visioning process we are committed to protecting the Tower’s legacy and remaining true to the spirit of the Tower.  SLFS has always had the Tower at the heart of our cinematic mission and will continue to honor its texture, personality, and purpose throughout the visioning process. After all, the first cinema in Utah to have air-conditioning, and talkies, deserves to see the light of the projector lamp never go dark.  

WHAT CAN BE RENOVATED?

SLFS has formed an advisory committee of stakeholders and local business leaders to help envision the future of the Tower and what is possible regarding environmental and neighborhood sustainability.  SLFS plans to make the Tower renovations a community project that includes engaging local business at 9th and 9th, checking in with neighbors (you may be hearing from us soon), stakeholders, and patrons, and igniting the passion of cinema-lovers from far and wide.  We will update the public with current news periodically on this web page and through our social media channels.

 

Taking on the Tower project in a  post-pandemic arts recovery climate is ambitious. Still, SLFS firmly commits to visioning for the Tower’s next 100 years. Our goal is for the Tower to be Salt Lake Film Society’s premiere film venue for director/actor Q&A’s, cultural and environmental films, panel discussions, archival film access, and various SLFS film programs that support the appreciation for the motion picture arts. We are home to the largest video/DVD archive collection in Utah. The Tower is made by community for community, and will remain accessible to all, a movie house and visiting center where people can learn about and talk about their love of cinema.  

REPAIRS UNDERWAY

  1. Tower Marquee: 

The Tower Marquee was retrofitted to repair the rain leaks, protect new electrical installations, and to improve the rain/weathering.  This repair can only be seen from the top of the marquee, but was essential. 

  1. Rain Gutters: 

New rain gutters were installed, allowing for more efficient drainage from the rooftop, assisting with water collection and leaking issues.  

  1. Roofing repairs

Along with rain gutter repairs, roofing repairs have taken place that have sealed the exterior. 

  1. Interior sealing: 

Interior sealing of brick, concrete and water entry points has been completed 

  1. Lobby: 

Demolition of the lobby has been completed, allowing access to plumbing and electrical that will be needed for a new lobby layout as well as planning steps towards an ADA accessible bathroom. 

THANK YOU, & HOW TO SUPPORT

At this time, we are reaching out to foundational donors. If you, your business or estate would like to be involved in the Tower Theatre: Next 100 Years project, please contact Marcie Collett at marciecollett@saltlakefilmsociety.org. 

We can arrange a tour, answer your questions and introduce you to the community team working on the project.

Our sincere gratitude to all who have donated, who have engaged with us, and who continue to love the mission work at SLFS to exhibit, create, and preserve the cinematic experience. 

With love, 

SLFS staff, board, advisory committees, and volunteers at SLFS

Support Film

with a Donation

Sundance and SLFS Local Lens Screening 7/28

Festival Favorites. For Utahns. For Free. Sundance Film Festival: Local Lens program is a series of FREE screenings happening July 26–29.

Get information on all screenings -> https://www.sundance.org/local-lens/
Get tickets while supplies last.

RSVP for FREE tickets to these films screening at SLFS on 7/28:
Kokomo City at 7:00 pm -> RSVP
Birth/Rebirth at 11:30 pm -> RSVP

Kokomo City
Birth/Rebirth

Summer Showdown

Starts May 27

Films compete each weekend to be crowned the Champion Of Summer.

SLFS SUMMER SHOWDOWN will pit two films against one another each weekend to see what films are the champion of summer!

Cult Cinema at its best. How it works.

Friday and Saturday nights at Broadway we will present cult, indie, and summer cinema goodness. Screenings will include a limited edition swag, merchandise, and surprise give-aways. Collect them all!

We will announce the winning film each week on our social media, so follow us!

At the end of summer only ONE film will be crowned CHAMPION OF SUMMER. 

 

How do YOU help determine the winner?

Each weekend your favorite films will gain ranking on our leader board according to:

1) Audience Attendance (bring all your friends!) (1 point per person)

2) Donations attributed to the film or received day of screening (1 point per dollar)

Have a favorite film? Be sure to attend in-person or donate to help the rankings each weekend.

 

*Eligibility audience members must have purchased a ticket through slfs.org online ticketing systems and must have provided their email and telephone number at the time of purchase for our Audience Awards program.  SLFS is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails, send errors, or junk email capture, and recommends all audiences check their junk after the winning film is announced in September. Non-Transferable. Restrictions apply. No guarantees will be given and gifts may be first-come, first-served if some items are limited in quantity. 

Māsima: Pacific Islands Film Tour

Māsima: Pacific Islands Film Tour kicks off on Thursday, May 18th, with an exciting lineup that highlights acclaimed filmmakers and emerging voices from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

These films, touching on incredible stories of connection, traditions, resistance and much more, are curated and presented by Salt Lake Film Society, Utah Pacific Islands Knowledge 2 Action Resource and Utah Pacific Islands Film Series.

Also on the program are six pre-recorded interviews featuring Māsima 2023 filmmakers, in exciting conversations ranging from art that pushes boundaries and decolonial foodways, to animation, Pasifika culture and celebrating diversity.  All conversations moderated by The Island Wave Podcast co-host and producer, Kamaile Tripp-Harris.

Māsima 2023 is part of our annual Cultural Tours, a decade long celebration of history, culture, diversity and heritage of Utah communities.

PANELS

Available Free May 19 - May 24

Māsima 2023 Panel Conversations: Guided by our amazing moderator, Kamaile Tripp-Harris, our Māsima 2023 panel conversations are a true celebration of Pacific Islanders diversity as well as educational experiences that help create awareness and cultural connections within Pasifika filmmakers all around the world.

These FREE pre-recorded panels will be available online at SLFSathome.org. Available thru May 24.

 

Pasifika Women Filmmakers Boldly Breaking the Norm 

PANEL AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY NOW HERE

Panelists: Gabriella Brayne, Ruby Harris, Jessica Magro, Alice Lolohea.

Moderator: Kamaile Tripp-Harris

Join this group of ground-breaking Pasifika women filmmakers as they discuss what inspires them, how they use their work to promote stories sovereignty and celebrate community, and how they tear down barriers while staying true to their own voices. One of our favorite panel conversations of all times that surely will leave you wanting to follow up on these amazing artists journeys.


Heritage, Community and Land Sovereignty

PANEL AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY NOW HERE

Panelists: Lani Cupchoy, Justin Gerona, Glenda Tuaine, Nancy Thompson, Iara Lee 

Moderator: Kamaile Tripp-Harris

From freedom, to land rights to cultural connections and thought-provoking artists, we couldn’t have asked for a more diverse and inclusive conversation. This panel is as much one of a kind as it is a convergence of passion for storytelling in true Māsima Film Tour style.


A Filmmaker’s Journey to Challenge Hawaii’s Colonial Narrative

PANEL AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY NOW HERE

Panelist: Anthony Banua-Simon

Moderator: Kamaile Tripp-Harris

An emotional insight into Anthony Banua-Simon’s journey to establish the connections between colonialism, unethical business and entertainment industry, while threading the story of how Hawai’i has been sold as paradise, while being stolen away from those for whom is their Native and rightful home. An educational, exciting and moving panel discussion, recorded exclusively for Māsima 2023.


Uplifting Storytellers Through Collective Power

PANEL AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY NOW HERE

Panelists: Veialu Aila-Unsworth, Pumehana Cabral, Peter Filimaua, Alexis Si’i, Lauren To’omalatai, Misa Tupou.

Moderator: Kamaile Tripp-Harris

United by Visual Communications, Armed With a Camera Fellowship, this group of emerging Pacific Islanders filmmakers found new ways to uplift their work in the power of collective creation. You can feel the community, support and intimacy through the screen and we guarantee you will leave the conversation lightened and grateful you did not miss it.


There’s No Vanity in Believing in Yourself

PANEL AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY NOW HERE

Panelist: Joshua Leomiti

Moderator: Kamaile Tripp-Harris

“Am I wanting something that isn’t mine or is this mine and I have to fight for it?” This and many other inspiring questions await as we listen to Joshua Leomiti reflect on the challenges of believing in yourself while navigating a complex industry that pushes uniqueness into boxes. In the words of our Production team: “We were smiling through the entire conversation” and we assure you, so will you.

FILM SCHEDULE

Films in theater start Thursday May 18.  Some films will be available virtually starting Friday May 19.

Thurs May 18

7 PM

Opening Night Red Carpet Event

Cane Fire
1 hr 30 min
+
Post-screening panel (45 min)

 

Fri May 19

7 PM

The Voyagers Legacy
10 min

+

We Are Still Here

1 hr 22 min

 

Sat May 20

7 PM

TAPA: The Cloth that Binds Us
10 min

+

Taonga: An Artist Activist
15 min

+

Call Edith
9 min

+

The Alexander Ball 
31 min

 

Sun May 21

7 PM

Testimony
10 min

+

Māui Adventures: Capturing the Sun
1 min 28 sec

+

WANTOKS: Dance of Resilience in Melanesia
20 min

+

Aloha Soul Food
12 min

 

Mon May 22

7 PM

Loimata: The Sweetest Tears

1 hr 34 min

+

Post-screening panel (30 min)

This film contains graphic
depictions of sexual
violence and contains
potentially distressing
material.

This film contains graphic
depictions of sexual
violence and contains
potentially distressing
material.

 

Tues May 23 

7 PM

Cane Fire

1 hr 30 min

+

8:30 PM

The Deceiver

23 min 04 sec

+

Post screening Q&A (15 min) 

Wed May 24

7 PM

Armed With a Camera Shorts Program
42 min
+
Post screening panel (30 min)

 

FILMS AND SHORTS

Listed alphabetical by title.  

THE ALEXANDER BALL

SATURDAY, MAY 20 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 1 ON SATURDAY MAY 20

31 min | 2022 | Australia | Not Rated | English | Short

Directed by Jessica Magro

An observational documentary celebrating Sāmoan-Māori-Australian trans woman of color, Ella Ganza, and the Meanjin ballroom scene, as she and her ballroom family prepare for one of the biggest pride events of the year: The Alexander Ball.

ALOHA SOUL FOOD

SUNDAY, MAY 21 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 2 ON SUNDAY MAY 21

12 min | 2022 | USA | Not Rated | English | Short

Directed by Lani Cupchoy

Merging personal memoir and photojournalism, Aloha Soul Food nostalgically explores decolonial foodways through the family life stories of six Pacific Island women. Set in Los Angeles, California, the documentary embodies an intergenerational love story to working class women deeply rooted in Hawaii while skillfully examining a century of how they navigated through the Chinese exclusion Acts, the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, 1960s school cafeterias, the United Public Workers Strike in 1979, and the Women’s Army Core. The film shows how generations can reclaim identity and historical spaces through recipes while reminding us of the deep ties that bind our families and communities together.

ARMED WITH A CAMERA SHORTS PROGRAM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF ARMED WITH A CAMERA SHORTS PROGRAM ON WEDNESDAY MAY 24 WITH A PANEL FOLLOWING THE SCREENING

A collection of short films directed by the first all-Pacific Islander cohort from Visual Communications, Armed With a Camera Fellowship, seeking to support artists who are committed to empowering communities and challenging perspectives through their creative works.

ARMED WITH A CAMERA SHORTS 2023

Snack
Dir. Lauren To’omalatai

Butterfly/Bataplai
Dir. Veialu Aila-Unsworth

Tala’s Bedtime Story
Dir. Peter Filimaua

Ka Aumeume/Navigating
Home
Dir. Pumehana Cabral

My Brother
Dir. Misa Tupou

More Bounce
Dir. Alexis Si’i

Snack_Poster
POSTER MY BROTHER
Screen Shot 2023-03-20 at 12.45.00 PM
MORE BOUNCE
TBS Poster
Ka Aumeume_Still 3_Kuio
Ka ā'ume'ume: Navigating Home
Butterfly Bataplai Promotional Still 1
Butterfly/Bataplai

CALL EDITH

SATURDAY, MAY 20 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 1 ON SATURDAY MAY 20

9 min | 2021 | New Zealand | Not Rated | English, Hawaiian | Feature Documentary

Directed by Ruby Harris and Gabriella Brayne

A short documentary about Edith Amituanai, a Sāmoan photographer who photographs and works with rangatahi in Waitākere, Tāmaki Makaurau. ‘Call Edith’ is an honest kōrero around the politics of documentary photography, cherishing those crack-up moments and knowing your intentions when creating art in a community.

CANE FIRE

THURSDAY, MAY 18 & TUESDAY, MAY 23 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS THE OPENING NIGHT FILM ON THURSDAY MAY 18, AND WITH THE DECEIVER ON TUESDAY MAY 23

90 min | 2020 | USA | Not Rated | English, Hawaiian | Feature Documentary

Directed by Anthony Banua-Simon

Cane Fire examines the past and present of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, interweaving four generations of family history, numerous Hollywood productions, and troves of found footage to create a kaleidoscopic portrait of the economic and cultural forces that have cast Indigenous and working-class residents as “extras” in their own story.

THE DECEIVER

TUESDAY, MAY 23 | 8:30 PM

WILL SCREEN AFTER CANE FIRE WITH A PANEL AFTER THE SHORT

23 min | 2023 | Not Rated | English | Short

Directed by Hinano Tekurio Tanielu & Manu Tanielu

When “don’t judge a book by its cover” proves real, a woman stranded in a small town pays the ultimate price for her misjudgment.

LOIMATA: THE SWEETEST TEARS

MONDAY, MAY 22 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN WITH A PANEL AFTER THE FEATURE 

94 min | 2020 | New Zealand, Samoa | Not Rated | Samoan, English | Feature Documentary

Directed by Anna Marbrook

This film follows the extraordinary ocean-going waka captain, Lilo Ema Siope on an emotional healing journey in the last months of her life. A finely-crafted compassionate documentary strongly tied to Ema’s Sāmoan culture. It is an intimate exploration of a family shattered by shame working courageously to liberate themselves from the shackles of the past. A journey of courage, tears, laughter and above all, unconditional love.

This film contains graphic depictions of sexual violence and contains potentially distressing material.

MĀUI ADVENTURES: CAPTURING THE SUN

SUNDAY, MAY 21 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 2 ON SUNDAY MAY 21

1 min 28 sec | 2022 | Not Rated | English | Short

Directed by Justin Gerona

When the days are too short for life to survive, a Hawaiian boy fights the sun in order to slow it down and save his people.

TAONGA: AN ARTIST ACTIVIST

SATURDAY, MAY 20 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 1 ON SATURDAY MAY 20

15 min | 2023 | Cook Islands | Not Rated | English | Short

Directed by Glenda Tuaine

Mike’s life story is a journey of art, his connection to artistic expression in all its forms is what wakes him up in the morning and sees him retire to bed late at night. This short documentary seeks to capture Mike’s connection with art and teaching. 

TAPA: THE CLOTH THAT BINDS US

SUNDAY, MAY 21 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 2 ON SUNDAY MAY 21

10 min | 2022 | USA | Not Rated | Short

Directed by Nancy Thompson

Through the ancient practice of making tapa, a barkcloth created in the islands of the South Pacific, a young girl finds her way. Born and raised in diaspora, she uses the skills passed down from her mother and grandmother to stay tethered and grounded to her Pasifika culture while living in a foreign land. The adaptation of the core values of this tapa making process into her daily life allows her to always find her way back home.

TESTIMONY

SATURDAY, MAY 20 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 1 ON SATURDAY MAY 20

10 min | 2023 | New Zealand | Not Rated | Short

Directed by Alice Lolohea

Forty-five years after his parents were wrongfully imprisoned for overstaying, a Tongan New Zealander finally admits the painful truth behind what really happened to his family during the Dawn Raids. 

THE VOYAGER'S LEGACY

FRIDAY, MAY 19 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN WITH WE ARE STILL HERE ON FRIDAY MAY 19

10 min | 2022 | New Zealand | Not Rated | Short

Directed by Bailey Poching

The Dawn Raids of 1974-76 were a time when the New Zealand Police were instructed by the government to enter homes and/or stop people on the street and ask for permits, visas, passports – anything that proved a person’s right to be in the country. This blunt instrument was applied almost exclusively to Pacific Islanders, despite the bulk of overstayers at the time being from Europe or North America. Dr Melani Anae describes these raids as ‘the most blatantly racist attack on Pacific peoples by the New Zealand government in New Zealand’s history.

WANTOKS: DANCE OF RESILIENCE IN MELANESIA

SUNDAY, MAY 21 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 2 ON SUNDAY MAY 21

20 min | 2019 | Papua New Guinea | Not Rated | Short

Directed by Lara Lee

In 2018 the Solomon Islands, in the South Pacific, hosted the Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival, celebrating the country’s 40th anniversary of independence. On neighboring island states, the struggle for freedom continues, as West Papua resists Indonesian occupation and the residents of New Caledonia still live under French rule. In all Melanesian countries, residents face the common challenge of climate change, as rising sea levels threaten to swallow both land and tradition. In this charged context, captivating performers are using their talents to celebrate local culture and draw international attention to their islands’ plight, with the hope of spurring international solidarity and prompting collective action against the perils of a warming world.

WE ARE STILL HERE

FRIDAY, MAY 19 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN WITH THE VOYAGER’S LEGACY ON FRIDAY MAY 19

82 min | 2022 | Australia, New Zealand | Not Rated | Maori, Samoan, English | Feature Narrative

Directed by Beck Cole, Dena Curtis, Tracey Rigney, Danielle MacLean, Tim Worrall, Renae Maihi, Miki Magasiva, Mario Gaoa, Richard Curtis, and Chantelle Burgoyne

Australian-New Zealand anthology film created as a response to the 250th anniversary of the Second voyage of James Cook to Australia in 1772, the project consists of ten linked short films by each of ten Indigenous Australian and Māori filmmakers about the impact of settler colonialism on the region’s indigenous cultures. The films span a range of approaches including historical war drama, futuristic speculative fiction and animation.

Music May starts May 5

Join us at SLFS in May 2023 for our Music May retrospective series is curated by musician John Doe from the band “X” every weekend on Fridays and Saturdays starting May 5.

John Doe is a founding member of the legendary punk rock band X, who released ALPHABETLAND in April 2020. His eleventh solo record, Fables in a Foreign Land (Fat Possum Records) was released in May of 2022.  He has appeared in over 60 films and television productions, some of his most notable roles have been in Road House, Georgia, Roadside Prophets, Great Balls of Fire, Pure Country and Roswell. His most recent film effort is playing the lead, Frank Bigelow, in a period correct, re-imagined version of the film noir, D.O.A. So far it has won several film festival awards including Best Picture & Best Actor. He currently lives in Austin, Texas.

Showtimes may vary. Tickets will be on sale at www.slfstix.org.

MAY 5: CHULAS FROTERAS

MAY 6: X: THE UNHEARD MUSIC

MAY 12: I’M NOT HERE

MAY 13: BIRD (1988)

MAY 19: BLACK ORPHEUS

MAY 20: SEARCHING FOR SUGARMAN

MAY 26: THE GIRL CAN’T HELP IT

MAY 27: THE HARDER THEY COME

In The Can with Doug Fabrizio starts April 20

Salt Lake Film Society partners with University of Utah department of Film and Media Arts and KUER’s RadioWest host Doug Fabrizio to bring you a conversation about THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS. This month’s special guest will be University of Utah Associate Professor of Film Studies Sarah Sinwell. Admission includes a screening of the film followed by a live panel discussion.

Join us for this one night only special event! Tickets are now available here.

Anderson and Anderson in April 2023

Join us at SLFS in April 2023 for a retrospective series featuring the films of P.T. Anderson and Wes Anderson every weekend on Friday and Saturday starting March 31st.

Paul Thomas Anderson (known as P.T.) grew up in the San Fernando Valley in the ’70s and 80’s. At an early age, he decided that directing was all he wanted to do and started making short films with his friends. As a senior in high school he wrote, produced, and directed a 30 minute short film “The Dirk Diggler Story”. (This became the basis for his film Boogie Nights.) While at the Sundance Feature Film program he developed the film “Sydney” which became the acclaimed film Hard Eight. After struggles with his distributor, he took his own version of “Sydney” to Cannes where it screened in the Un Certain Regard section. Eventually “Sydney” was released as Hard Eight in 1996, of which film critic Roger Ebert wrote “Movies like Hard Eight remind me of what original, compelling characters the movies can sometimes give us.”

Wes Anderson was born in Houston, Texas in 1969. Also at a young age he was driven to become a filmmaker making silent films with his brothers and friends. Later working as a projectionist at the University of Texas at Austin he met writer/actor Owen Wilson who he collaborated with in his early films such as Bottle Rocket. His signature post-modern style and subversion of main-stream storytelling stands out amidst commercial filmmaking today. Big star-studded casts, fast paced humor, and a nostalgia mark his films which are never quite what you expected.

These popular directors, who happen to share a last name, represent a new wave of stylistic directing that always surprises. Their way of telling stories is unique in a world of short attention spans and easy endings.

Showtimes may vary. Tickets will be on sale at www.slfstix.org.

Mar 31: The Fantastic Mr. Fox

April 1: Boogie Nights

April 7: Punch Drunk Love

April 8: The Grand Budapest Hotel

April 14: Hard Eight

April 15: Bottle Rocket

April 21: There Will Be Blood

April 22: The Royal Tenenbaums

April 28: Magnolia

April 29: Rushmore

Schedule for Anderson and Anderson in April 2023 with a scene from Punch Drunk Love.

Killer Cars & Joy Rides in March 2023

Join us at SLFS in March 2023 for a fast paced ride through late 1960s to 1970s cinema as we present our Killer Cars & Joy Rides series every weekend starting March 3.

Showtimes may vary. Tickets are now on sale – > www.slfstix.org.

Mar 3: The Italian Job (1969)

Mar 4: Two-Lane Blacktop (1971)

Mar 10: Bullitt (1968)

Mar 11: The Driver (1978)

Mar 17: Grand Prix (1966)

Mar 18: Le Mans (1971)

Mar 24: Vanishing Point (1971)

Mar 25: Duel (1971)

Schedule for Killer Cars & Joy Rides featuring the mini-coopers from The Italian Job (1969)

Valentine’s at SLFS

Valentine’s Day is coming up soon (or some us just consider it any other day, which is cool) so here’s some SLFS offerings available to all.

Need a film to watch? You can find staff recommendations in our latest blog entry here:

Marquee which says SLFS STAFF RECOMMENDS FOR VALENTINE'S DAY" in black and red text with paper hearts flowing up the right side.

Also you can find the films mentioned in this blog on our Letterboxd here:

SLFS is on Letterboxd! Follow us there for more movie recommendations.

And finally here’s some SLFS themed Valentine’s Day cards that you can give to your favorite movie-goer: