February at the Oriental Theatre Features Live Organ Accompaniment, Cult-rock Band Local H, National Theatre Live, and Collaboration with Boswell Books
Milwaukee Film’s previously announced Black History Month screenings and ongoing Let’s Dig In environmental film series to continue throughout the month
MILWAUKEE – Thursday, January 23rd – Milwaukee Film’s February programming has something for everyone: a silent film with accompaniment by our grand Wurlitzer organ, a visit from the lead member of cult-rock band Local H, a series of live theatre performances, podcaster Ira Madison III’s debut book, and a staff screening turned tribute to the late David Lynch. And that’s not even including February programs that were previously announced, like our 2025 Black History Month film series and ongoing Let’s Dig In environmental screenings. In chronological order, there’s more detail below.
On Monday, February 3rd at the Oriental Theatre, Milwaukee Film and Boswell Book Company present A Special Evening with Ira Madison III. Cultural critic, TV writer, and Milwaukee native Ira Madison III, host of the beloved Keep It podcast, visits with his debut book, Pure Innocent Fun. Tickets for this event cost $40 ($35 for MKE Film members) and include admission to the event plus a signed copy of Pure Innocent Fun.
Milwaukee Film’s artistic director Cara Ogburn pick long before the news of visionary director David Lynch’s passing, but the upcoming screening at the Oriental Theatre this Saturday, February 8th has taken on a new meaning, offering a space for fans of Lynch’s work to come together and watch one of his most beloved films.
“When I selected Mulholland Dr. as my staff pick, I thought I’d be getting to see one of my favorite Lynch films on the big screen – a rare opportunity – and that the Club Silencio scene will be one of those quasi-spiritual moments in the Oriental Theatre where place and film are perfectly synched, ” she enthused. “But when news broke of Lynch’s passing, I knew it became much more. All of that of course still but also a chance to honor and recognize his legacy in community with other fans, ” she concluded.
The first movie from cult-rock heroes LOCAL H will be screening at the Oriental Theatre on Wednesday, February 12th. Written, directed, and edited by the band’s singer/guitarist Scott Lucas (and shot in real time during a blistering performance at venerable Chicago music venue the Metro)—Lifers depicts a night out at a Local H concert as an energetic, funny, and borderline psychedelic cinematic experience. This screening of Lifers is sponsored by WMSE 91.7FM and will feature a post-film Q&A with director Scott Lucas, guitarist, bassist, and lead vocalist for Local H.
Scott Lucas expressed, “Not quite a documentary—and not just a concert film—Lifers blends those elements with a fractured narrative to create something that’s like a cross between Led Zeppelin’s The Song Remains the Same and Richard Linklater’s Slacker. ”
Another opportunity to hear the 1925 Wurlitzer pipe organ in all its glory is here! Since completing the installation of the historic instrument in late 2023, Milwaukee Film is thrilled to be screening yet another silent classic, this time 1928’s The Cameraman starring Buster Keaton, featuring life organ accompaniment courtesy of Dairyland Theatre Organ Society. This screening will take place at the Oriental Theatre on Saturday, February 22nd. Tickets for this event cost $30 ($25 for MKE Film members).
Starting in February and running through the end of June, Milwaukee Film will be bringing National Theatre Live performances to the Oriental Theatre. For over 15 years, National Theatre Live has given audiences the best seat in the house. They film unmissable theatre live from Britain’s most exciting stages and screen it in thousands of cinemas around the globe.
“We are so excited to bring the National Theatre Live series back to our cinemas for our audience, ” said Kerstin Larson, programming director at Milwaukee Film. “Celebrating these internationally significant performances on our screens right here in Milwaukee is such a privilege, ” she concluded.
- THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST – 02/22 and 02/23
- PRIMA FACIE – 03/08 and 03/09
- FLEABAG – 03/22 and 03/23
- FRANKENSTEIN – 04/05 and 04/06
- NYE – 04/19 and 04/20
- VANYA – 05/17 and 05/18
- HAMLET – 06/14 and 06/15
- DR. STRANGELOVE – 05/31 and 06/01
- PRESENT LAUGHTER – 06/28 and 06/29
- All Tickets and showtimes can be found online at mkefilm.org/comingsoon
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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