Film Access & Culture Initiative
365-Day Regular Season Programming
231 film titles screened in 2018, including 106 international films from 27 different countries and 36 documentary films.
SLFS year-round programming is:
- EXCLUSIVE
74% of films shown (171 of 231) were exhibited only by SLFS in Utah.
- AWARD-WINNING
71% of films exhibited were rated 70 or higher on Metacritic, and 56% won or were nominated for major awards.
- INTERNATIONAL
46% of films exhibited represented 27 countries on six continents.
- DIVERSE
60 films exhibited were directed by women, 12 by people of color, and 23 were LGBTQ+ themed.
- ACCESSIBLE
In addition to weekly open captioned film presentations, we offer a variety of closed captioning and audio narration devices so our patrons with hearing or vision impairments can access most first-run films.
Annual Programs
CZECH FILM TOUR
Co-presented with the Czech Consulate, this three-day spring program has hosted eight Czech filmmakers and more than 50 Czech films.
FILMÉXICO
An annual collaboration with the Mexican Consulate celebrating the history, culture, and heritage of Mexico.
THE GREATEST SERIES
A yearly series devoted to exploring the greatest films within a specific genre or cultural lens.
ISREEL: FILMS FROM ISRAEL
Co-presented with the Jewish Community Center and others, 2019 films from Israel included Oscar-winning Skin with director Guy Nattiv.
SCREENDANCE
SLFS, University of Utah School of Dance and Department of Film & Media Arts co-presented the films of internationally renowned Belgian dance filmmaker and composer, Thierry De Mey, in 2018.
SING WITH MARIA AND OTHER LIVE SHOWS
Patrons of all ages dress up and sing their hearts out to The Sound of Music, a family favorite.
SUMMER LATE NIGHTS
For nostalgic audiences of all ages, three months of cult classics at the historic, much beloved Tower Theatre.
TOWER OF TERROR & ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW
Every weekend in October is Halloween featuring horror favorites and Rocky Horror Picture Show with live shadow-cast.
WASSAIL & WAFFLES HOLIDAY FILM SERIES
A holiday tradition providing good cheer and free movies.
Collaborations & Special Projects
ART HOUSE THEATER DAY
A nationwide celebration of independent cinema offering free films and treats for patrons.
NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE
The best in classic and contemporary theater productions from the British stage, artfully filmed, and co-presented with Tanner Humanities Center.
SLFS PRESENTS WITH KUED
Bringing the best in media storytelling to the community four times a year.
Visiting Film Artists & Panels
Examples from 2018 include a visit by Jimmy Chin for the Oscar-winning Free Solo, and local film directors and subjects from Church & State, a documentary about the legalization of gay marriage in Utah.
Film Fostering & Education Initiative
Our passion project, this initiative cultivates cinephiles and tomorrow’s filmmakers, offering free films for underserved children and young people. It educates artists and filmmakers so that they can contribute to Utah’s creative economy.
MEDIA ACCELERATOR STUDIO (MAST)
By offering contests, labs, mentorship, networking, and production assistance, MAST supports local filmmakers while building Utah into a “content creation” hub. The 2019 program has awarded $20,000 to contest winners and $100,000 in fellowship funds. MAST is a forward-thinking, content development program that harnesses the power of tech-enabled and animation storytelling. Current fellows are working on a range of topics, including displaced workers, traditional stories of Mexico, and restoring sight to the blind.
BIG PICTURES, LITTLE PEOPLE
A free program that encourages critical thinking through visual storytelling for 1,400 underserved children each summer.
COLLEGE CAMPUS SCREENING SERIES
Co-curating the best indie films, free for students on campus, including at Salt Lake Community College and University of Utah.
TOWER ARCHIVE
Maintaining an educational and fun resource of more than 13,000 works of art in cinema.
IVORY TOWER SERIES
In collaboration with Westminster College, a student-curated lecture and film series for college cinema students to engage with the community.
SCHOOL GROUP TOURS
An educational experience that teaches students about the history of cinema through a behind-the-scenes look at a theater.
SCHOOL NIGHT FILM SERIES
Encourages young audiences to explore the art of cinema by providing free screenings every Tuesday for those under 21.
UTAH SCREENWRITERS PROJECT
Builds a writers’ community through workshops and professional mentorship. This project has fostered 150 Utah writers.
VENUE ACCESS PROJECT
Making our venues available for low-cost or free maker-space, including film shoots, web series, podcasts, etc.