Here’s a list of film events and festivals happening in Wichita and Kansas in 2025
Looking ahead, the new year holds lots of promising alternative film events and openings in Wichita and Kansas throughout 2025. Here’s a look.
Boulevard Theatres at Old Town -- The website still says the theater is in “soft opening” mode as it works out some kinks. But the space at 353 N. Mead that was the former Regal (and before that Warren) Old Town theater is currently showing five movies daily. Once the theater is at full capacity, it will have seven screens. Bonus: On Mondays all movies are $8 plus taxes and fees. This is the most exciting movie news for Wichita this year! https://oldtown.blvdtheatres.com/home
Orpheum Theatre -- The classic venue at 200 N. Broadway is kicking off its 2025 Anniversary Film Series at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, with a screening of the cult classic comedy “Clue,” based on the popular “whodunit” board game. Tickets are $8, $7 for students, seniors and military. The series continues with a classics screening each month through 2025 — note that the series moves to Century II Mary Jane Teall Theater in June as restoration work begins at the Orpheum. Series passes are available for $75 and include one ticket to each movie in the series. https://wichitaorpheum.com/
Tallgrass Film Center -- The cozy space in The Lux, 120 E. First St., Ste. 113, will host a slew of special and retro screenings throughout the year. It kicks things off with Madame Mae Presents: “The Mothman Prophecies” at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 10. The screening includes pre-show performances by burlesque dancers. Tickets are $15 plus taxes and fees. https://tallgrassfilmcenter.eventive.org/schedule
Tallgrass Film Festival -- Wichita’s premier film event will return to downtown Wichita Oct. 16-19, featuring world premieres, gala screenings and parties, competition films, educational opportunities, special guests, visiting filmmakers and more. Some people schedule their vacation time off from work now. https://tallgrassfilm.org/
AlterNative Film Festival -- The fourth edition of Wichita’s first and only event featuring all-Indigenous-made films will happen in November in Wichita during Native American Heritage Month. The event is growing year by year, and in the past has featured special screenings of the groundbreaking TV show “Reservation Dogs” with special guests, and “Fancy Dance” showcasing Oscar nominee Lily Gladstone, as well as films selected from such esteemed festivals as Sundance, Toronto and Slamdance. https://www.alternativefilmfestival.org/
Doc Sunback Film Festival -- The festival held in downtown Mulvane will return for its 10th year June 27 and 28. The fest, named after a revered local veterinarian, brings independent films to our local community while also showcasing Kansas films and Kansas filmmakers. http://www.docsunbackfilmfest.com
Free State Film Festival -- Free State in Lawrence supports film events year-round, but its film festival, this year to be held June 26-29, is its signature event, with screenings, live music, comedy and art exhibitions throughout venues in the college town. https://freestatefestival.org/
Kansas Silent Film Festival -- This festival in Topeka will celebrate its 28th year on Feb. 28-March 1, showcasing classic silent films with live music accompaniment. https://www.kssilentfilmfest.org
First City Film Festival -- This is a juried festival of local and international films held in historic downtown Leavenworth, and includes four days of film screenings, panels and VIP events. https://www.firstcityfilmfest.com/