The film exhibition program at the MFAH offers moviegoers a unique venue for appreciating both classic and contemporary films. These screenings include premieres of significant new independent productions. Films are often presented within a theme that focuses on a certain country or region, a specific actor or director, or a particular topic.

In conjunction with the film screenings, the museum frequently schedules appearances by media artists, critics, and scholars, whose perspectives add fresh insights.

The mission of the MFAH Film Department is to exhibit and promote film and other moving image as a fine and popular art to the broadest possible audience. In furtherance of its mission, the department’s goals are to introduce and/or expose audiences to the genius of the moving image; to deliver state-of-the-art presentation; to respond to an evolving medium; to stimulate communication and/or dialogue through the shared experience of watching films and video on a big screen; and to inspire the next generation to value film and other screen arts.

MFAH Films Calendar

Pick up the latest issue of the printed MFAH Films calendar on your next museum visit or at coffee shops, bookstores, movie theaters, and restaurants around town. Or, download a calendar below to plan your next movie outing.

► April–June 2013

If you would like to join the mailing list, e-mail film@mfah.org or call 713.639.7531.

The film exhibition program at the MFAH presents more than 200 screenings annually. The museum is the oldest repertory cinema in Houston and has sponsored the exhibition of film since 1939. Brown Auditorium Theater, designed by renowned Bauhaus architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, opened in the mid-1970s and screenings have been presented continuously ever since. This unique venue offers a superb movie-going experience with stadium seating, Dolby digital sound, and projection capabilities ranging from 35mm reel-to-reel to state-of-the-art digital formats. It was named Houston’s “Best Place to See Vintage Flicks” by the Houston Press two years in a row. The museum’s film program was honored by the Houston Film Critics Society in 2008 and the Cinema Arts Festival Houston in 2010.

Make your next special event even more memorable by inviting your guests to join you. Brown Auditorium Theater is an acoustically pleasing venue, designed in the Bauhaus style, and is the perfect place to impress guests and enchant loved ones.

Select a screening from the MFAH film schedule as the backdrop to celebrate a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion. For a $500 contribution, you will receive:

• Complimentary tickets for your entourage
• On-screen and verbal acknowledgments of your event
• A swag bag with unique, film-related items

For all the details, contact the MFAH Film Department at film@mfah.org or 713.639.7531.

Underwriting for the Film Department is provided by
Tenaris

Generous Funding is provided by
The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea
Nina and Michael Zilkha
National Film Preservation Foundation
Franci and Jim Crane
James V. Derrick
Lynn S. Wyatt

Additional generous support is provided by
The ILEX Foundation
L'Alliance Francaise
The French Embassy/French Cultural Services
Gail Merel and Chris Dack
Symbols Cars, Inc.
Texan French Alliance for the Arts

Ultimate Film Buffs
Ms. Lois C. Chiles
Franci and Jim Crane
James V. Derrick
Mr. and Mrs. Carlos Fernandez
Ms. Melanie Gray and Mr. Mark Wawro
Mr. and Mrs. Meredith J. Long
Gail Merel and Chris Dack
Mrs. Margaret E. Neuhaus
Lynn S. Wyatt
Nina and Michael Zilkha

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 6826
Houston, TX 77265-6826

Street Address
1001 Bissonnet Street
Houston, Texas 77005

Film Information Line
713.639.7515

Join MFAH Films on Facebook!

Film Department Staff
Marian Luntz
Curator, Film and Video
713.639.7530
mluntz@mfah.org

Tracy Stephenson
Assistant Curator
713.639.7531
tstephenson@mfah.org

Ray Gomez
Assistant for Community Outreach and Administration
713.639.7378
rgomez@mfah.org

The culture of art and film in Houston is enriched by the work and dedication of film organizations and theaters. In November 2011, the Houston community grew with the addition of Sundance Cinemas in downtown Houston. At the grand opening preview, Robert Redford welcomed guests with this video greeting. He elaborates on the culture of film in Houston thanks to efforts of organizations like the MFAH Film Department and Houston Cinema Arts Society.

The MFAH wishes to acknowledge the following organizations in Houston, and beyond, as valued partners:

Aurora Picture Show
14 Pews
Houston Film Commission
Q FEST
Rice Cinema
Southwest Alternate Media Project (SWAMP)
Women in Film and Television, Houston
WorldFest Houston
Cinema Arts Society Houston