East Tennessee State University’s Bud Frank Cinema – the only art cinema in the region outside of Asheville, North Carolina – will be the site of engaging entertainment during the fall semester.   

“The transformation of the Bud Frank Theatre, site of so many performances and productions at ETSU through the years, continues its legacy as a hub for artistic engagement,” said Dr. Chelsea Wessels, associate professor in the Department of Literature and Language. “We are thrilled to welcome the community back for our fall programming.”   

Below is a look at what visitors can expect. Film titles, times and additional information will be announced near the date of each event, and the latest information is posted here.      

And get excited, snackers. The cinema is soft-launching concessions this year, including popcorn, soda and candy.

First Friday screenings are back  

With films set for Sept. 6, Oct. 4, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6, art enthusiasts should mark their calendars. The first screening on Sept. 6 will be “I Saw the TV Glow.” 

Musical performances  

On Sept. 12, musicians Lee Bidgood, Roy Andrade and Kalia Yeagle will accompany a screening of restored Fleischer animations.     

Campus collaboration   

In partnership with the Women and Gender Resource Center, “It’s Only Life After All” will be screened on Oct. 11.  It’s a documentary about the popular Indigo Girls.

Halloween fun  

It was so popular last year, event organizers decided to do it again. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will play on Oct. 30.   

Community collaboration   

The popular Tri-City Film Farm will come to ETSU’s main campus for two screenings, one on Nov. 15 and the other on Dec. 13.  

Following major renovations to Gilbreath Hall on the institution’s main campus, the Bud Frank Cinema opened in 2023 as a way to serve the community as a site of entertainment and enrichment.  

Called a “quiet dream for many of us at ETSU” by Dr. Joe Bidwell, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Bud Frank Cinema aims to meet cultural needs in the area.  

“We have long lived in a cinema desert,” said Dr. Matthew Holtmeier, an associate professor in the Department of Literature and Language. “We believe we are helping to rectify that with the Bud Frank.”  

ETSU is home to a vibrant arts community, hosting dozens of concerts, talks and exhibitions each year.      

For disability accommodations, call the ETSU Office of Disability Services at (423) 439-8346.   

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