Lights, Camera, Action! A Guide to the Madison Film Scene
Mary Cait McManamon
Calling all movie lovers! Madison has no shortage of artistic experiences, and film is no exception with year-round screenings and programs at many local venues. From cult favorites to experimental indie to classic silent films, there’s something for everyone to find what they like or venture outside their comfort zone. We’ve compiled a list of places to see unique films in the Madison area. (Bonus: they won’t break the bank!)
Cinematheque – The Cinematheque represents UW-Madison academic departments and student film groups and is dedicated to showcasing the best in international cinema history and fine films which would otherwise never reach Madison screens. All Cinematheque screenings are free and open to the public on a first-come, first-seated basis. UW-Madison Department of Communication Arts also hosts the Wisconsin Film Festival, coming in April.
MMoCA Cinema – Visit Overture’s neighbor Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA) to experience MMoCA Cinema with screenings of critically acclaimed and award-winning films from around the world. This series is offered during various periods throughout the year. Make sure to check out the extended Rooftop Cinema film series during the summer months for one more way to get out and enjoy Madison summers.
Overture’s Duck Soup Cinema – Enjoy a silent film in Overture’s historic Capitol Theater. With live music accompaniment performed on the recently restored 1928 Grand Barton Organ, the Duck Soup Cinema series is a rare, authentic experience. Most shows are great for all ages, each show kicks off with vaudeville-style acts.
Madison Public Library – Madison Public Library offers a wide selection of film screenings at many of its locations. Don’t feel like leaving your couch? Access more than 30,000 titles through the Kanopy video streaming platform for FREE. All you need is a Madison Public Library card.
Mills Folly Microcinema – Hosted at Arts + Literature Laboratory, Mills Folly Microcinema showcases nationally recognized experimental film and video art from the film festival and microcinema circuit. They network with regional filmmakers and organizations to bring filmmakers and guest programmers to Madison for screenings. They also incubate local experimental filmmaking by providing screen time at Project Projection events.
BONUS: The Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research (WCFTR) – For the hard-core film lovers, WCFTR is one of the world’s major archives of research materials relating to the entertainment industry. It maintains over 300 collections from outstanding playwrights, television and motion picture writers, producers, actors, designers, directors and production companies.
Madison is a fantastic place to be a film aficionado. Whether you're looking for an avant garde experience or a more traditional movie night out, there's no shortage of options for the Madison cinephile. The next time you're searching for a film to see in Madison, be sure to check out what’s playing and support these local organizations.
Then sit back, relax and enjoy the show!