Since 1979, the Webster University Film Series has served as the Midwest's leading venue for American and foreign features, documentaries, classic and experimental cinema. Showcasing work from national and international artists, we provide a cinematic alternative for the St. Louis' community.
Film Series Events and Upcoming Independent Film Screenings
Additionally, the Webster University Film Series has become the location for many national tours of international cinema, often acting as the only such venue in Missouri. The series is host to speakers and visiting artists who address the pertinent issues in films presented. In an effort to further integrate film with education, the film series provides workshops with artists and experts.
For more information call 314-246-7525.
Plan Your Visit
Experience film in the historic Winifred Moore Auditorium, a 240-seat venue known for its comfortable theatre seats and great acoustics. In addition to film screenings, the auditorium hosts jazz and classical concerts, Opera Studio performances, lectures, town hall meetings and other university events.
Admission and Tickets
- General Public: $8
- Senior Citizens, Alumni and Visiting Students: $7
- Webster Staff and Faculty: $6
- Webster Students: Free (with proper ID)
- Payment: We accept cash, check and credit cards.
Note: Last-minute changes may occur.
Location and Directions
Address: 470 E. Lockwood Ave., Webster Groves, MO 63119
Parking (Lot B):
- If traveling on Highway 44 East, take the Elm Avenue exit and turn left.
- Turn right onto East Lockwood Ave.
- Immediately after passing Plymouth Ave., the entrance to Parking Lot B will be on your right.
About the Film Series
Our History
The Webster University Film Series began in 1979 as an offshoot of the student-run Webster Film Society. From its inception, the series was designed to champion noncommercial films made by artists working outside the mainstream.
In its early years, the series filled a vital gap in the St. Louis cultural landscape. Without the competition of home video or other art house options, it became the rare local destination for foreign films and repertory screenings of classic cinema and independent film. It quickly attracted an audience eager to explore cinema beyond the standard definition of a movie — focusing on film as an artistic endeavor rather than a commercial product.
A Midwest Destination for Cinema
Over the past quarter century, the series has grown into one of the best art house movie theaters in the Midwest, a premier venue for new and classic American and international cinema. With retrospectives, special programs and regular weekly screenings in our year-round schedule, we have presented thousands of films and welcomed hundreds of artists, musicians and professionals at the vanguard of the art form.
Notable Visiting Artists and Icons
Visits from these artists, coupled with film screenings, provide our audiences with a rich diversity of perspectives on contemporary cinema.
- Cinema Icons: John "the Pope of Trash" Waters, John Sayles, Crispin Glover and John Goodman
- Renowned Documentarians: Ken Burns, D.A. Pennebaker, Chris Hegedus, Albert Maysles, Steve James and Ross McElwee
- Master Animators: Bill Plympton and Emily Hubley
- Video Artists: Steina Vasulka, Sarah Jane Lapp and Jay Rosenblatt
- Musicians: indie rock band Yo La Tengo
A Legacy of Distinguished Guests
Our series has also been proud to host a wide array of talent including:
Evan Adams, the Alloy Orchestra, Alan Berliner, Les Blank, Andrew Bujalski, Charles Burnett, John Canemaker, Jem Cohen, Zeinabu Davis, Thierry Fremaux, Bob Gale, James Gunn, George Hickenlooper, Al Hirshfeld, Faith Hubley, Brett Ingram, Chuck Jones, Stan Kann, Grace Lee, Anne Makepeace, Guy Maddin, Leonard Maltin, Tim Blake Nelson, the New Music Circle, David Redmond and Ashley Sabin, Randy Redroad, Lee Renaldo, Esther Robinson, Kathy Rose, Greta Schiller, Bruce Sinofsky, Ellen Spiro, Will Vinton, Morrie Warshawski, Debra Zimmerman and many others.
Sponsors
The Webster University Film Series is made possible through the generous support of our community partners.
The Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis (RAC)
As the leading public catalyst for arts and culture in St. Louis, the Regional Arts Commission leverages the power of creativity to strengthen and enrich our community.