The following is a press release written by Michaela Owens for Indiana University Cinema.
From now until summer 2026, IU Cinema—a nationally and internationally recognized beacon of film culture and leader in cutting-edge programming—will be commemorating its 15th anniversary with several events, including visits from acclaimed filmmakers; special programming that highlights the Cinema’s past, present, and future; a once-in-a-lifetime giveaway; and more.
In the past 15 years, IU Cinema has distributed more than 366,000 individual tickets across 3,500 programs. In addition to welcoming hundreds of film workers, scholars, and artists, they’ve opened their auditorium to DJs, conferences, dance troupes and choirs, student film productions, and hundreds of campus and community partners, all while being home to thousands of films representing the best of cinema from around the world and across time.
In recognition of their commitment to championing independent film, this fall the Cinema will open its doors to exciting up-and-coming indie filmmakers Delaney Buffett and Ian Bell and Alex Megaro as part of the Jorgensen Guest Filmmaker Series. Earlier this semester, in partnership with the Black Film Center & Archive, the Cinema also hosted Julie Dash, an independent film legend and the first Black woman to have a film in wide release.
In the spring, their industry guests will illustrate how the Midwest is more important than ever in independent film with visits from Academy Award-nominated actor and director Michael Shannon, producer/writer Brett Neveu, and director Jennifer Reeder. Further demonstrating the impact of Midwest creatives on film culture, the Cinema will present a four-film marathon called Hoosiers on Screen, which will feature cinematic classics starring just a few of your favorite Indiana-born actors.
IU Cinema’s work has always been deeply informed by IU’s intellectual and cultural legacy. From faculty to students to alum, programs like a celebration of Professor Joan Hawkins, a visit from IU alum and producer Mike Farah, a commemoration of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in conjunction with IU Libraries, and the regional premiere of Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery with its acclaimed composer, Nathan Johnson, emphasize the intellectual diversity and richness of cinema and media at IU.
For the Cinema’s proper birthday on January 13, 2026, join them for a secret screening that will give patrons an opportunity to win the ultimate prize: the IU Cinema Golden Ticket. From now until January 12, patrons will have as many chances as they’d like to try and guess the film being shown. The first 15 people to guess the title correctly will each win the Golden Ticket, which will give them free admission to any Cinema screening for the next 15 years. Leading up to the screening, patrons can also let the Cinema know what the theater has meant to them over the years at this link.
Finally, the Cinema will close out its celebrations with their summer series 15 Years, 15 Hits. Challenging the entirety of their staff with picking 15 films from IU Cinema’s past catalog to screen, this line-up will span time and genre like no other series before it.
To stay up-to-date on IU Cinema news, visit their website, where you can also find current film listings, sign up for their e-newsletter, and download their bi-monthly calendar. Additionally, you can follow @iucinema on Instagram, X, Bluesky, and Facebook.
