uwm cinemas festivals screenings

On-campus screenings, festivals and exhibitions offer students the opportunity to see and experience both contemporary and historical works by American independent filmmakers and international artists. We also showcase work from our own artistic community, including students, faculty and alumni.

Immerse yourself in the magic of contemporary film art as you explore our venues, each designed to deliver an exceptional cinematic experience. From thought-provoking experimental film to captivating documentaries, our lineup is intentionally diverse. Join us to uncover new perspectives, discover your next favorite filmmaker and engage with our thriving film community.

Upcoming Events

UWM Union Cinema

The UWM Union Cinema is a Milwaukee art house cinema showing international, domestic, documentary and experimental films during the academic year. This 350-seat venue boasts DCP, 16mm (Eastman model 25) and 35mm projection and is one of the first 23 theaters recognized nationally as a Sundance Institute Art House Project theater. The Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres hosts its film series, Experimental Tuesdays, Senior Project thesis screenings and special events in the Union Cinema.

Location: UWM Student Union, Second Floor | 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd.
Hours: Visit the Union Cinema page for hours and events

Kenilworth Screening Room

Kenilworth Square East

The Kenilworth Screening Room is a flexible space used by the Department of Film, Video, Animation, & New Genres. Student filmmakers have exclusive access to the screening room, allowing them to analyze, critique and showcase their work in a comfortable environment. When used for courses, the screening room is an incubator for collaboration, fostering an environment where artistic visions come to life. Special events, including private screenings and guest lectures, are occasionally held in the screening room.

Location: Kenilworth Square East | 2155 N. Prospect Ave.
Hours: During specific screenings or by appointment

Fine Arts Cinema

Fine Arts Cinema

The Fine Arts Cinema is an 85-seat cinema with HD video and professional 16mm film projection equipment. The Eastman 25, 16mm xenon-arc projector is a perfect match for the projection of new and archival film. Digital video and film are projected from a booth and through Luxar anti-reflective glass onto a Stewart Studiotek 100 screen. The cinema is used as an instructional space for courses and hosts special screenings from the Cinema Archive, in addition to supporting department programs, workshops and works by visiting artists.

Location: Mitchell Hall, Room B91 | 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd.
Hours: During specific screenings or by appointment

Festivals & Screenings

Animation BA
Animation Showcase
Spring
Students studying animation present their work alongside selections from the archives in this showcase that focuses on the animation’s unique qualities as a medium and the ways that it can create wonder, amazement and enchantment.
UWM Experimental Tuesdays promo image
Fall & Spring
Free screenings of the most recent and celebrated experimental work in 35mm, 16mm and video. A standout venue for a parade of visiting filmmakers and touring programs, this series is hosted in partnership with UWM’s Union Cinema.
Milwaukee Underground Film Festival
Spring
Wildly popular and entirely student-run, this annual international film festival is dedicated to showcasing contemporary works of film and video that innovate in form, technique, and content.
Faculty and Staff Screenings - Tate Bunker's The Field
Faculty & Staff Screenings
Spring
Experience a diverse range of cinematic visions, unique perspectives and cinematic artistry in this showcase of esteemed faculty and staff filmmakers from the Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres.
Senior Screenings promo image
Senior Screenings
Fall & Spring
Graduating seniors showcase their exceptional work with the culmination of years of hard work and artistic growth. Get a first look at what the next generation of filmmakers has in store for the industry.
MFA Thesis Screening
Spring
Join MFA candidates as they screen and celebrate their thesis work.
Milwaukee Home Movie Day promo image
October 14
All Ages
Community members are invited to bring in their home movies in 8mm, Super 8, 16mm, VHS, Mini-DV, or digital formats to have their materials inspected and/or repaired by UWM volunteers and screened for an audience while the owner narrates.
Milwaukee Slovenian Film Festival promo image
October 7–8
All Ages
Join us for the 1st Annual Festival of Slovenian Films at UW-Milwaukee co-hosted by the Slovenian Arts Program and the Department of Film, Video, Animation & New Genres at UW-Milwaukee.
Student Film and Video Festival promo image
Zen Film Festival
Spring
A collection of student made short films from the class Zen and the Art of Filmmaking, which focuses on developing the artistic sensibility through the Zen art of practice and surrealism principles.

Go Behind the Scenes with Us

As an arts school, we take campus tours one step further by offering on-the-go information sessions designed for creative minds. Go behind the scenes with one of our arts ambassadors and learn about our programs along the way.