The Bud Frank Cinema at East Tennessee State University is set to brighten the coming months with the “Arthouse Academy” series, the latest endeavor at the only art cinema in the region outside of Asheville, North Carolina.
Launched on Feb. 2 with a complimentary showing of the 2024 Academy Awards nominee, “Past Lives,” the series promises to bring a slew of contemporary, critically acclaimed arthouse films to ETSU, free of charge and open to the public.
In the spirit of revitalization that has characterized the Bud Frank Cinema, this series aims to not only entertain but also educate and engage the community with films that may have eluded wide recognition when first released.
“Our mission is to create a space where cinema is not just watched but experienced in a way that resonates with our audience,” said Dr. Chelsea Wessels, associate professor in Literature and Language. “By introducing the ‘Arthouse Academy’ series, we’re inviting our community to explore the depths of cinematic artistry through films that challenge, inspire and captivate.”
The series will feature screenings on the first Friday of each month at 7 p.m., with titles announced one to two weeks in advance.
Highlighting the spring calendar is a visit from filmmaker Elaine McMillion Sheldon on April 2. Sheldon, known for her evocative exploration of Appalachian life in “King Coal,” will offer insights into her creative process and the impact of regional storytelling through film. For years, the Bud Frank Theatre was the site of many performances and productions at ETSU. The Bud Frank Cinema opened in 2023 as a way to serve the community as a site of entertainment and enrichment.
For additional information, and to keep up with the latest screenings, visit the cinema’s web site.
