The Union Cinema presents a wide range of films to meet the interests of our diverse audience. Each week is like a small film festival, with experimental films, documentaries, classics, independent and international films. Everyone is welcome and we hope you will take the opportunity to experience unique, powerful, funny and thought provoking films that are often not shown elsewhere in the city.
*Please note that international films will be in their native languages with English subtitles
Experimental Tuesdays
Re-evaluating cinematic conventions and exploring new styles of film-making, experimental films seek to change the narrative experience in unique new ways.
Often blending with other art forms including song, dance, paint, performance, Experimental Tuesdays are a weekly highlight of experimental art pieces both old and new. Sponsored by the Department of Film/Video/Animation/New Genres.
Independent Cinema
These films, by being independent of a major studio, allow filmmakers greater freedom to create something unique to their vision. Some of the greatest genre-defining films began as independent films, including Paranormal Activity, The Terminator, Pulp Fiction, Boyhood, The Blair Witch Project, Star Wars, The Evil Dead, and so many more.
Independent Cinema offers a look at fantastic new indie films.
Reality Fictions
Through the cinematic art of non-fiction, documentary film-making seeks to explore reality through the lens of the motion picture camera. Known for capturing history in motion and informing the curious, documentary films offer insight on new and exciting worlds.
International Cinema
International Cinema offers works from around the world in one of the only venues in the greater Milwaukee area where they are likely to be seen on the big screen.
Cinema Classics
From Thomas Edison’s Kinetoscope to the Lumière brothers Cinematograph, motion pictures have existed for over a century, evolving and shaping as new technology has formed. At the Union Cinema, we are working hard to redefine the term “classic cinema,” screening films that range from historically significant works such as Giant, Malcolm X, and Little Women, to cult classics like Sister Act, and Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion.
A series of films from across the world and over decades past, Cinema Classics brings a collection of films (many in their original formats) back to the big screen in all of their glory.
Queer Curatorial Fund supported by the Dept. of Film/Video/Animation/New Genres
Continuing the tradition of the MKE LGBT Film/Video Festival, the Union Cinema, with support from the Dept. of Film/Video/Animation/New Genres, regularly presents films that reflect the many facets of queer life.
Horror Week
When it comes to emotions created by art, almost no art form is more effective than the genre of horror. Being able to evoke both laughter and fear, horror movies are best enjoyed in a crowded cinema with your friends. It is the entertainment we seek to bring every year with Horror Week.
Occurring annually around Halloween, the Union Cinema is proud to showcase the best of classic and modern horror.