Feb 05 Thursday
Utica University’s free Films on Thursday series continues on Thursday, February 5 at 7:00pm with the movie, "Checkpoint Zoo."
During the 2022 Russian Invasion of Ukraine, Kharkiv’s Feldman Ecopark animal sanctuary became part of a war zone. This documentary chronicles the zookeepers and volunteers who risked their lives to evacuate and save more than 5,000 animals caught in the crossfire. An emotional and suspenseful journey, "Checkpoint Zoo" has won multiple film festival awards.
A complete list of the Spring 2026 film series, the campus map, parking information, and more are available by visiting 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.
Feb 08 Sunday
Experience the haunting masterpiece The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari with live accompaniment by the Cloud Chamber Orchestra! Return to 1920 with the defining masterpiece of German Expressionism that revolutionized film history. This haunting tale is still as chilling and mesmerizing today as it was over a century ago!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.
Runtime: 1 hour, 7 minutesNot Rated
Feb 12 Thursday
Utica University’s free Films on Thursday series continues on Thursday, February 12 at 7:00pm with the all-time classic movie, "His Girl Friday."
Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell fire off witty, fast paced dialogue in one of the most critically acclaimed screwball comedies of all time. In this classic adaption of "The Front Page," a newspaper editor schemes to prevent a former star reporter, who happens to be his ex-wife, from getting married by dangling a juicy story in front of her.
Part biting satire, part romantic comedy, and filled with mile a minute dialogue that’s delivered with seemingly effortless comic timing, "His Girl Friday" was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry in 1993. Seven years later, The American Film Institute ranked it as the 19th greatest comedy of all time in its 100 Years … 100 Laughs television special. In 2006, The Writers Guild of America West placed "His Girl Friday" as the 31st greatest screenplay of all time.
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy one of Hollywood’s most enduring comedies on the big screen.
Feb 14 Saturday
Bring your special someone to this Valentine’s Day screening at The Smith!
No sooner does Italian-American widow Loretta (Cher) accept a marriage proposal from her doltish boyfriend, Johnny (Danny Aiello), than she finds herself falling for his younger brother, Ronny (Nicolas Cage). She tries to resist, but Ronny lost his hand in an accident he blames on his brother, and has no scruples about aggressively pursuing her while Johnny is out of the country. As Loretta falls deeper in love, she comes to learn that she’s not the only one in her family with a secret romance.
Remember to stop by Concessions in our lobby to buy some fresh, delicious popcorn for yourself and your sweetie, and be sure to catch the vintage cartoon short screening before our feature film, for that authentic, old-fashioned movie theater experience!
Movie Rating: PGRuntime: 1 hour, 41 minutes
This screening is sponsored by Microclimate Wine Bar!
Feb 17 Tuesday
When their kingdom becomes trapped in perpetual winter, fearless Anna (Kristen Bell) joins forces with mountaineer Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and his reindeer sidekick to find Anna’s sister, Snow Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel), and break her icy spell. Although their epic journey leads them to encounters with mystical trolls, a comedic snowman (Josh Gad), harsh conditions, and magic at every turn, Anna and Kristoff bravely push onward in a race to save their kingdom from winter’s cold grip.
Remember to stop by Concessions in our lobby to buy your fresh, delicious popcorn, and be sure to catch the vintage cartoon short screening before out feature film, for that authentic, old-fashioned movie theater experience!
Movie Rating: PGRunning Time: 1 hour, 42 minutes
This FREE screening is generously sponsored by UR Medicine Finger Lakes Health!
Feb 19 Thursday
Grease is STILL the word, only now you can join John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John in this sing-along version of the original high school musical. One of the biggest films of the 70’s, Grease contributed to a wave of nostalgia for the 50’s. The score included several original songs that were not part of the Broadway production, and produced what is still the best-selling soundtrack album of all time. (“I’ve got chills…they’re multiplying…”)
It's even more fun to come in costume, so wear your 1950's circle skirts and bobby socks or Greaser jackets! Don't forget to stop by Concessions in our lobby to buy your fresh, delicious popcorn, and be sure to catch the vintage cartoon screening before the feature film, for that authentic, old-fashioned movie theater experience!
Movie Rating: PG Runtime: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Utica University’s free Films on Thursday series continues on Thursday, February 19 at 7:00pm with the movie, “Little Richard: I Am Everything.”
A major architect of rock ‘n roll, Little Richard made music that exploded out of the radio. He captivated audiences with his energy and flamboyant presence while influencing the generations the followed. Filled with interviews and incredible archival footage, Lisa Cortés's documentary explores the many and often contradictory sides of Little Richard’s life and music, including his upbringing, sexuality, and religion.
“Little Richard: I Am Everything” was nominated for a Grammy® Award for Best Music Film and was a finalist for a Peabody® Award in the Arts category.
Don’t miss this chance to experience the explosive power of Little Richard on the large screen!
All films are shown at 7 p.m. in MacFarlane Auditorium in DePerno Hall and are free and open to the general public.
Feb 26 Thursday
Utica University’s free Films on Thursday series continues on Thursday, February 26 at 7:00pm with the 1958 French movie, “Elevator To The Gallows” (aka “Ascenseur pour l'échafaud”).
A botched murder plan changes the lives of three couples as a series of unexpected events unfolds in this classic French Film Noir. “Elevator To The Gallows” marked Louis Malle’s bold, stylish debut as a feature filmmaker and helped usher in the French New Wave movement.
The winner of France’s Louis Delluc Prize for Best Film of The Year, the movie contains innovate camerawork and has a wistful, largely improvised soundtrack by jazz legend Miles Davis.
Mar 05 Thursday
Utica University’s free Films on Thursday series concludes its Spring 2026 season on Thursday, March 5 at 7:00pm with the animated movie, "Flow."
After a catastrophic flood destroys his home, a cat joins forces with a bird, a capybara, a dog, and a lemur as they try to find dry land while living together in a boat.
An inspiring tale the explores friendship, community and the environment, “Flow” set box office records in Latvia and became a global sensation.
The visual spectacular, which was produced using free and open-source software, won the Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature Film.