Sep 10 Thursday
Utica University’s free Films on Thursday series continues its Fall 2026 season on Thursday, September 10 at 7:00pm with the movie, Late Shift.
A nurse at an understaffed hospital surgical ward deals with relentless demands for her time and attention while trying to give her patients proper care in this fast-paced homage to the nursing profession that deftly documents the emotional and physical toll faced by frontline healthcare workers.
Inspired by Madeline Calvelage’s book Our Profession Is Not the Problem – It's The Circumstances, writer and director Petra Volpe sought to capture the extreme pressure faced by a nurse on single shift. The result is a roller coaster ride that documents the demands of this stress-filled job, while conveying the a nurse's humanity.
Late Shift was selected as Switzerland’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film Oscar, where it made the shortlist but was not a nominated finalist. The film won an International Film Festival of the Art of Cinematography Camerimage Golden Frog Award and a Seville European Film Festival Award for Best Editing.
A complete list of the Fall 2026 film series, the campus map, parking information, and more information are available at https://www.utica.edu/film.
All films are shown at 7 p.m. in Macfarlane Auditorium in DePerno Hall and are free and open to the general public.
Sep 14 Monday
Join us at the National Veterans Resource Center as the Syracuse University community marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001.
The program opens with remarks from Dean David M. Van Slyke of the Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, followed by a panel discussion featuring Chris Meek ’92 B.A. (Econ/PSc)/’18 E.M.P.A, founder and CEO of the 9.11 Legacy Foundation and executive producer of the documentary film "The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11." Meek will be joined by a panel including Dean of the Newhouse School of Public Communications Mark Lodato, who reported from the Pentagon on 9/11, and Maxwell professors Renée de Nevers and Robert Murrett, who will share their professional perspectives as well as help us all reflect on the enduring legacy of the first responders, survivors and everyday citizens who showed extraordinary courage in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
The panel will be followed by a free screening of the documentary film "The Heroism and Resiliency of 9/11," narrated by actor Gary Sinise. The film goes beyond the tragedy of September 11 to showcase the incredible acts of bravery, humanity and resilience that followed. An excellent way to honor the 25th anniversary, join us to screen this documentary that has received dozens of awards at film festivals around the world, including in New York, London, San Antonio and others.
This event is being supported in part by the Louis A. Bantle Chair in Business and Government Policy, and is free and open to the public. All members of the University and greater Syracuse community are welcome. Panel 4-5 p.m.; film screening 5-7 p.m. Attendees are welcome to join for any portion. Watch the trailer and learn more at: https://heroismandresiliency.com/
Sep 17 Thursday
Utica University’s free Films on Thursday series continues its Fall 2026 season on Thursday, September 17 at 7:00pm with the documentary movie, Billy Preston: That’s The Way God Planned It.
A Grammy-winning superstar and member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Billy Preston was a child prodigy who appeared on the Nat “King” Cole Show in 1957 at just 11 years old and toured with Little Richard as a teenager. The dynamic singer and keyboardist played with some of the biggest names in music, including The Beatles, Ray Charles, Barbara Streisand, Aretha Franklin, and The Rolling Stones. His career peaked in the 1970s, when he collected gold records for songs like “Will It Go Round in Circles” and “Nothing From Nothing.” But, Preston’s stardom waned in the 1980s as he dealt with drug addiction and his life would take a dark turn.
Using extensive archival footage, this documentary tracks Preston’s musical highs and the hidden personal struggles that derailed his life.
Sep 24 Thursday
Utica University’s free Films on Thursday series continues its Fall 2026 season on Thursday, September 24 at 7:00pm with the movie, Eat Drink Man Woman.
Ang Lee’s 1994 classic about a master chef who prepares dazzling culinary delights but struggles to communicate with his three adult daughters still resonates more than 30 years after its debut. In 2022, Eat Drink Man Woman was ranked as one of the 100 greatest foreign-language films by BBC Culture. Nominated for a Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a British Academy Film Award, among others, this enduring comedy about love, relationships, and yes, food, is filled with unexpected and hilarious twists.
Oct 01 Thursday
Utica University’s free Films on Thursday series continues its Fall 2026 season on Thursday, October 1 at 7:00pm with the documentary movie, Ghost Elephants.
This visually stunning documentary follows National Geographic Explorers and KhoiSan master trackers in their search of an elusive Ghost Elephant herd believed to be living in a remote section of Angola. Is the Ghost Elephant the descendant of the largest land mammal ever recorded? Or is it just a myth? This gripping story features amazing cinematography of beautiful African landscapes that are best experiences on the big screen.
Oct 08 Thursday
Utica University’s free Films on Thursday series continues its Fall 2026 season on Thursday, October 8 at 7:00pm with the movie, Köln 75.
On January 24, 1975, Keith Jarrett recorded a live solo piano concert that’s sold more than 3 million copies and influenced pianists across the globe. The little-known story behind the legendary Köln Concert recording is how Vera Brandes, an enthusiastic, irrepressible 18-year concert promoter orchestrated the event and helped rescue it from almost certain failure.
Oct 14 Wednesday
We invite you to a free screening of the powerful documentary, "The People of the Standing Stone: The Oneida Nation, The War of Independence, and the Making of America."
Directed by Ric Burns and narrated by Academy Award-winner Kevin Costner, this gripping 27-minute film brings to life a crucial chapter of American history that has been overlooked for centuries.
What the Film Explores:
A Vital Alliance: Discover the crucial role the Oneida Indian Nation played in assisting the Colonial Army during the American Revolution.
A Forgotten Legacy: Learn how this historic partnership helped shape the very foundation of the United States.
An Untold Story: Explore powerful historical accounts that went ignored for hundreds of years.
Exclusive Post-Screening Q&A
Stick around after the film! We are honored to host a brief Question & Answer session featuring:
A representative from the Oneida Indian Nation
Madison County Historian, Matt Urtz
Admission is completely free! Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with local history, ask questions, and engage with our community.
Oct 15 Thursday
Utica University’s free Films on Thursday series concludes its Fall 2026 season on Thursday, October 15 at 7:00pm with the movie, To Sir, With Love.
Sidney Poitier stars in this classic drama about from 1967 about an out of work engineer from British Guiana who takes a position as a high school teacher in London’s tough East End. Faced with a group of unruly students that have little regard for their future, he must figure out how to make them believe in themselves.
Oct 23 Friday
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is back at The Smith this October with romance, thrills, laughs, and an interactive shadow cast!The Rocky Horror Picture Show is the ultimate movie experience, a mad mix of classic horror/sci-fi, super-charged sensuality and outrageous fantasy. This cult classic from 1975 features the story of an “ordinary” couple and an unforgettable night at the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad-scientist from the planet Transexual, Transylvania. Brad and Janet have arrived on a special night, the night Dr. Furter’s “beautiful creature,” Rocky, the adonis humanoid created for the release of Frank’s “tension,” was to be born.The Smith wants attendees to enjoy this ultimate movie experience (including costumes and having your audience participation script memorized,) but we do hope you’ll refrain from water spraying. It makes our mascara run and it ruins our nice big movie screen.Rocky Horror goody bags – containing all items needed to participate along with the film – are available for purchase online in advance or at the bar prior to the show. Remember to stop by Concessions in our beautiful lobby to purchase your fresh, delicious popcorn, and be sure to catch the vintage cartoon short screening before our feature film!Motion Picture Rating: RRunning Time: 1 hour, 40 minutes
Oct 25 Sunday
Experience this iconic tale of good and evil brought to life with a live score performed by the Cloud Chamber Orchestra.In this classic of silent cinema, the demon Mephisto (Emil Jannings) makes a bet with an archangel that a good man’s soul can be corrupted. Mephisto sets his sights on the thoughtful old alchemist Faust (Gösta Ekman), who is desperately trying to save his village from a plague. He is able to help the villagers, thanks to Mephisto, but further dealings with the devil lead Faust on a decadent downward spiral. Can he redeem his soul before it’s too late?This event features live musical accompaniment by the acclaimed Cloud Chamber Orchestra performing as a trio. Renowned for their inventive and improvisational scores, the ensemble will enhance the action-packed drama with a captivating live performance, bringing this classic film to life in a whole new way.Movies at The Smith aren't just a film screening, they are an event! We love costumes, and encourage you to dress up as your favorite Faustian character if so inclined. Remember to stop by Concessions in our beautiful lobby to purchase your fresh, delicious popcorn, and be sure to catch the vintage cartoon short screening before our feature film!
Runtime: 1 hour, 57 minutesNot Rated