Community Calendar

Witness the epic conclusion on the big screen at the Smith Opera House! You will be changed for good.
Last year’s global cinematic cultural sensation, which became the most successful Broadway film adaptation of all time, now reaches its epic, electrifying, emotional conclusion in "Wicked: For Good."

Directed once again by award-winning director Jon M. Chu and starring the spectacular returning cast, led by Academy Award® nominated superstars Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, the final chapter of the untold story of the witches of Oz begins with Elphaba and Glinda estranged and living with the consequences of their choices.

Movie Rating: PG
Runtime: 2 hours, 18 minutes

Utica University’s Films on Thursday series continues on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. with the documentary "Checkpoint Zoo."

During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Kharkiv’s Feldman Ecopark animal sanctuary became part of a war zone. This gripping documentary chronicles the zookeepers and volunteers who risked their lives to evacuate and save more than 5,000 animals caught in the crossfire. Winner of multiple film festival awards, "Checkpoint Zoo" is an emotional and suspenseful journey.

Event Details:

• Admission: Free and open to the public.
• Location: Utica University (Check campus map for specific theater/hall).
• Resources: Campus maps and parking information are available at utica.edu/film.

Utica University’s Films on Thursday series continues on Thursday, Jan. 22, at 7 p.m. with the 2024 drama, "How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies."

Thai film director Pat Boonnitipat made his feature film directorial debut with this story about a young man who tries to secure a large inheritance by caring for his grandmother. Having been diagnosed with cancer, she is not easily pleased—nor is she fooled by his motivation. This tale of personal growth features an unexpected twist and was one of Thailand’s highest-grossing films in 2024.

Event Details:

• Time: 7 p.m.
• Location: Macfarlane Auditorium in DePerno Hall
• Admission: Free and open to the general public

A complete list of the Spring 2026 film series, a campus map, and parking information are available by visiting utica.edu/film.

The Smith’s Staff Pick film for January invites you to stake your claim to the "musical goldmine of '69!"

In this musical based on the Broadway show, Ben Rumson (Lee Marvin) happens upon a wrecked wagon containing a dead man and his surviving brother, Pardner (Clint Eastwood), in the wilds of California during the Gold Rush. At the burial, they discover gold dust and stake a claim. Soon, a mining camp dubbed “No Name City” emerges, rife with lonely men starved for female companionship. When a polygamist Mormon arrives looking to sell off a wife (Jean Seberg), a bidding war commences.

Be sure to catch the vintage cartoon screening before the feature film for an authentic, old-fashioned movie theater experience!

• Rating: PG-13
• Runtime: 2 hours, 38 minutes
• Concessions: Fresh popcorn and snacks available for purchase.

Utica University’s Films on Thursday series continues on Thursday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. with the 2023 documentary, "What the Hell Happened to Blood, Sweat & Tears?"

The groundbreaking jazz-rock band Blood, Sweat & Tears was one of the hottest groups of the late '60s, selling records by the millions, winning Grammy awards, and performing at Woodstock. However, after participating in a 1970 U.S. State Department-sponsored tour of Yugoslavia, Romania, and Poland, the group returned to political fireworks and angry fans.

This documentary by John Scheinfeld chronicles that tour, featuring never-before-released footage from behind the Iron Curtain and an exploration of the fallout that followed.

Event Details:

• Time: 7 p.m.
• Location: Utica University (Macfarlane Auditorium)
• Admission: Free and open to the public
• More Info: Visit utica.edu/film for a campus map and parking details.

Experience the haunting masterpiece The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari with live accompaniment by the Cloud Chamber Orchestra! Return to 1920 with the defining masterpiece of German Expressionism that revolutionized film history. This haunting tale is still as chilling and mesmerizing today as it was over a century ago!

This event features live musical accompaniment by the acclaimed Cloud Chamber Orchestra performing as a trio. Renowned for their inventive and improvisational scores, the ensemble will enhance the action-packed drama with a captivating live performance, bringing this classic film to life in a whole new way.

Runtime: 1 hour, 7 minutes
Not Rated

Join The Other Side for a screening of the documentary "Earth’s Greatest Enemy" by Abby Martin. This film reveals a hidden truth rarely questioned in mainstream reporting: the role of the U.S. military as the world’s largest institutional polluter.

Tracing the link between war, empire, and ecological destruction, the film draws on powerful testimonies from veterans, scientists, and frontline communities. It delivers an unflinching examination of how military operations poison ecosystems and accelerate global warming—from Alaska’s melting glaciers to contaminated bases across the U.S. and toxic battlefields abroad.

Event Details:

• When: Thursday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m.
• Where: The Other Side, 2011 Genesee St., Utica
• Admission: Free and open to the public. Donations are gratefully accepted.