The University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Union Cinema is one of 23 theaters nationally recognized as a local community based independent theater by the Sundance Film Institute Art House Project.
“These theaters meet high standards including: quality programming, deep involvement with their local communities, strong financial standing and recognition from their peers.”
The project began in 2004 as a partnership with art house cinemas committed to independent films.
According to the project: “Since 1972 the Union Cinema has been providing UWM and the local community with a diverse, entertaining, and intellectually engaging film and video program.”
“During the academic year, the Union Cinema offers first-run foreign, domestic, documentary and experimental films, as well as “cinema classics” from all over the world. The Cinema strives to help develop a broader understanding and appreciation of the universal language of film and is a vital and unique venue for film and video.”
The Union Cinema was the only theater in Wisconsin to be named. While the benefits of the honor are unclear “for the time being it is allowing us to be part of a nationally recognized project that links us with other independent theaters under the umbrella of one of the world’s top film festivals, which alone is HUGE for our small project here at UWM,” marketing coordinator Jacob Beihoff said in an email.
The former UWM Union Theater, now renamed the Union Cinema, is on the second floor of the UW-Milwaukee Union, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd. It has a reputation as the most versatile and eclectic theater in the city. See the schedule here.
New programer and second year graduate film student Drew Britton, is dedicated to showing 35mm prints of classic films.
Next up? John Cassavettes’ “Faces” (1968) Oct. 9-11.
Tuesdays are for Experimental Films; Wednesdays and Thursdays are dedicated to documentaries; and weekends are for independent films.
Because state budget cuts, it introduced a membership program, costing $50 for the general public and $40 for members of the UWM community. General admission is otherwise $5, and students are free.
Tags: Art House, Cassettes, Faces, Sundance, UWM Cinema Posted by