FilmScene is more than a movie theater. FilmScene is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the cultural vitality of the Iowa City area through film that challenges, inspires, educates and entertains.

FilmScene operates in partnership with the Bijou Film Board, a University of Iowa student organization, to provide a full-time, community-supported cinema in downtown Iowa City that showcases the best in American independent and international filmmaking in a vibrant and inviting setting.

FilmScene opened as a one-screen, 65-seat art house cinema in late 2013. The theater has showed 200 films for 30,000 moviegoers in its first year. It opened a second screen in early 2016 and hosted more than 20,000 moviegoers in the first six months of 2017.

Primary program areas include:

FIRST RUN FILMS

American independents, documentaries, and foreign films making their theatrical premieres in Iowa City and the surrounding region.

REPERTORY SELECTIONS

Classic films on the big screen, presented from restored or archival prints whenever possible. Selections include American and foreign classics, genre works, and programs by guest curators.

ARTS EDUCATION

Film education and media literacy programs, as well as filmmaking courses and workshops. An emphasis will be placed on programs for area youth that promote film appreciation and critical thinking by teaching students how to interpret cinema in a cultural context and analyze film as an art form.

FILMMAKER SUPPORT

FilmScene seeks to provide a creative home and venue for film and media artists. Support services include fiscal sponsorship, residencies, facilities and other resources as available.

COMMUNITY BUILDING

Dialogues with film professionals, partnerships with other nonprofits and community groups on film-based events, and other activities that engage the public in a conversation inspired by and concerning film with the purpose of enhancing a vibrant local arts community.