August at Milwaukee Film features programming of epic proportions. Fresh off the heels of a successful run of 70mm film screenings of The Odyssey, Milwaukee Film’s team of projectionists will keep the projector running with a weeklong series of 70mm film prints, featuring classics like Lawrence of Arabia and 2001: A Space Odyssey, and the more recent masterpiece Sinners. Also coming up this month: the return of everyone’s favorite feline film event, two spectacular new 4K restorations, a 25th anniversary screening of a beloved David Wain laugh riot, and the highly anticipated August edition of Cinematic Sisterhood—not to mention the numerous new releases hitting Milwaukee Film’s historic cinemas later this summer.

70MM FILM SERIES – August 28 – September 4, 2026
Although the 70mm film presentations of The Odyssey are coming to an end on August 5th, Milwaukee Film is honored to continue the celebration of celluloid with a weeklong series of stunning film prints. Come watch a week’s worth of masterpieces on 70mm in the most beautiful theatre in the world, exhibited with care by Milwaukee Film’s dedicated projectionist team.

Kelsey Parks, Milwaukee Film’s Technical Manager expressed, “The Oriental Theatre is one of the only cinemas in the country with the capacity to screen a series like this, and maintaining the specialty projection equipment and trained technical staff is an important part of the role we play in the history of cinema in Milwaukee.” She continued, “Keeping the practice of celluloid projection alive and creating the opportunity for our city to experience films in the medium they were shot and originally exhibited, are key to what sets Milwaukee Film apart.”

The full lineup for Milwaukee Film’s 70mm Film Series:

CINEMATIC SISTERHOOD
August’s edition of Cinematic Sisterhood, presented by Tracey B. Thomas, brings the brand new indie dramedy Horsegirls to the Oriental Theatre. As her mother battles an uncertain diagnosis, neurodivergent 22-year-old Margarita discovers a source of strength in an unexpected place: the sport of hobbyhorsing.

Following the screening, producer Alix Madigan and actor Jerod Haynes are expected for a Q&A in dialogue with local filmmaker/actor, Khaula Kai Mahmood.

UECK – Starting August 6, 2026
In case you missed its world premiere at the 2026 Milwaukee Film Festival, Ueck returns for a limited run at the Oriental Theatre. Milwaukee legend Bob Uecker, the former Major League baseball player, Hall of Fame sportscaster, comedian, and actor has seen it all and made us laugh along the way. Though Ueck passed away in January 2025, this documentary from Milwaukee-based filmmakers Michael T. Vollmann and Steve Farr persists as a testament to his legacy, giving audiences intimate access to his life, work, family, and friends, amplifying his humor and heart for future generations.

Join us on August 6 for a marquee screening featuring a Q&A with directors Steve Farr and Michael T. Vollmann plus special guests from the Brewers broadcast family: Josh Mauer, Jeff Levering, Lane Grindle, and Sophia Minnaert. Additional screenings will be added throughout the week starting on August 7.

WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER: 25th ANNIVERSARY – August 15 and 16, 2026
David Wain’s hilarious, star-studded comedy Wet Hot American Summer is heading to the Oriental Theatre for a limited run in honor of its 25th anniversary. It’s the last day of Camp Firewood’s season, but there’s still time for the big talent show, a little romance… and for everyone to be wiped out by the piece of NASA’s Skylab that’s hurtling toward Earth.

CATVIDEOFEST 2026 – August 7, 2026
Our fuzzy overlords return to the big screen! Each year, CatVideoFest curates a compilation reel of the latest, best cat videos culled from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations, music videos, and, of course, classic internet powerhouses (Keyboard Cat, we’re looking at you). CatVideoFest is a joyous communal experience, only available in theaters, and 10% of ticket sales will be donated to Second Hand Purrs.

WILD INSIDE – August 15 and 16, 2026
Milwaukee Film is thrilled to screen the newest documentary from acclaimed director and multi-MFF alum Penny Lane (Confessions of a Good Samaritan, Hail Satan?, Nuts!). On February 2, 2023, a Eurasian Eagle-Owl named Flaco escaped from the Central Park Zoo and set off on a magical odyssey through the island of Manhattan. Flaco overcomes his years of captivity and lack of survival skills to answer the call of the wild—and discovers he was wild inside all along. 

Following the screening on Sunday, August 16, we expect director Penny Lane to join us for a virtual Q&A followed by an extended talkback with local birding, rescue, and wildlife rehabilitation partners.

4K RESTORATIONS – Starting July 31, 2026
Two new 4K restorations are hitting Milwaukee Film’s historic cinemas this month: Jane Campion’s 1993 film The Piano screens at the Downer Theatre July 31-August 5, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s Boogie Nights plays at the Oriental Theatre August 14-20. 

All Tickets and showtimes can be found online at mkefilm.org/whats-playing.