The last couple of weeks have been good ones for the movie industry, with The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day scoring as well with critics as they have at the box office. Milwaukee Film is looking to maintain that momentum with August programming that stars everyone from Bob Uecker to pretend horses to maybe your cat?
Aug. 6: Ueck
Putting Mr. Baseball at the top of the lineup never would’ve happened during his playing days, but the Milwaukee legend gets a deserved spot starting the month as his documentary kicks off a limited run at the Oriental Theatre. The Thursday night screening is a special one, with a Q&A featuring directors Steve Farr and Michael T. Vollmann, plus Brewers broadcasters Josh Mauer, Jeff Levering, Lane Grindle and Sophia Minnaert.
Aug. 7: CatVideoFest 2026
Even a dog person can admit there’s something about cats on screen that sucks in an audience. Milwaukee Film is very aware of the draw, which is why this event keeps coming back to the big screen. It’s exactly what it sounds like: a compilation of cat videos selected from who knows how many submissions, sourced animations, internet content and even music videos. As if watching the 70-minute screening isn’t feel-good enough, 10% of ticket sales go to Second Hand Purrs no-kill shelter.
Aug. 15-16: Wild Inside
In 2023, Flaco the Eurasian Eagle-Owl escaped from the Central Park Zoo and winged his way across Manhattan, capturing a fair amount of attention in the process. Milwaukee Film Fest alum Penny Lane was one of the people captivated by the story, and she put together this documentary about Flaco’s journey. If you want to hear from the director herself, she’s expected to join for a virtual Q&A after the Aug. 16 screening.
Aug. 15-16: Wet Hot American Summer (25th Anniversary)
In one of those “time comes for us all” milestones, the classic comedy turned the ripe old age of 25 last week (if you go by its theatrical debut date of July 27, 2001). So it’s a good time to make a return visit to Camp Firewood for a memorable talent show, a few different flavors of romance and the possibility of getting crushed by a deorbiting space station.
Aug. 17: Horsegirls
Part of the organization’s Cinematic Sisterhood series, Horsegirls is a new release that follows neurodivergent 22-year-old Margarita as she navigates life’s challenges from a unique viewpoint: the back of a hobbyhorse. 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.
Aug. 28-Sept. 4: 70mm Film Series
The Odyssey turned 70 millimeters into the most popular measurement in the world. And while the Christopher Nolan epic will wind down its Oriental Theatre run Aug. 5, audiences can enjoy other classics (and new classics) of the format as August turns into September. The run of films includes:
- 2001: A Space Odyssey — 7 p.m. Aug. 28
- The Master — 2 p.m. Aug. 29 and 7 p.m. Aug. 30
- West Side Story (1961) — 7 p.m. Aug. 29 and 2 p.m. Aug. 30
- Sinners — 7 p.m. Aug. 31 and Sept. 1
- Lawrence of Arabia — 6 p.m. Sept. 2 and 3
