In Iowa City, there is a group working diligently to bring new genres of films to the corridor.

FilmScene is a nonprofit organization that runs a two-screen movie theater in the Pedestrian Mall in downtown Iowa City. The organization was founded in 2011 and focused on building and connecting with the Iowa City film community by putting on events like Alloy Orchestra and the Starlite Cinema open-air movie series. In 2013, they opened a full-time cinema. They operate in conjunction with the Bijou Film Board, a student organization at the University of Iowa. They show over 300 films throughout the year and have an annual attendance of more than 35,000 people. Some of their programs include First Run Films, which are films whose premieres are in Iowa City and the surrounding region; Repertory Selections, which are classic films; Arts Education, which includes filmmaking courses and workshops that are aimed at youth; Filmmaker Support, which provides sponsorships, residences, and other resources for aspiring film and media artists; and Community Building, which includes discussions with film professionals and non-profits in order to invent ways of reaching the Iowa City community.

“Our love of movies goes beyond the screen to filmmaker dialogues, panel discussions, and community events. It’s all part of our member-supported, mission-driven approach to cinema and our deep connection to the Eastern Iowa film community,” FilmScene said.

FilmScene often plays movies that are not found at local theaters, such as Oscar-nominated short films, critically acclaimed movies, foreign pictures, classics, and more.

“I love that we finally have a movie theater in the area that plays lesser known movies at a reasonable price,” senior Noah Lynch said.  “It’s fun to broaden my horizons when it comes to movies.”

FilmScene is on College Street in Iowa City and will begin playing The Square, Napping Princess, For Ahkeem, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and The Breadwinner in early December. Later in December they will play Elf and It’s A Wonderful Life. For non-members, tickets are $9.00 for a matinee and $10.50 for an evening showing. For more information, visit http://www.icfilmscene.org.

Kathleen Kenney

A&E Writer