Celebrating Franklin's location in the path of totality for this once-in-a-lifetime solar phenomenon, the Solar Eclipse Film Festival brings you the finest in astronomical, solar-oriented cinematic entertainment.

Film Schedule:

Friday, April 5, 2024

7:30 PM: Flash Gordon

Flash Gordon is a 1980s reinterpretation of the classic pulp hero - a football star flung across worlds to fight the evil Emperor Ming the Merciless.

Why we're showing it: With a classic Queen soundtrack and a campy space opera story, Flash Gordon is science fiction at it's most ridiculous (and fun!).

Rated PG - 1 hour, 51 minutes - 1980 - Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi

Starring: Sam J. Jones, Melody Anderson, Max von Sydow, Brian Blessed

Friday, April 6, 2024

2 p.m: Muppets from Space

The mysterious muppet Gonzo is contacted by his alien family. He tries to connect with his extraterrestrial roots with the help of Kermit, Miss Piggy and the rest of the Muppets.

Why we're showing it: In this family-friendly film, the beloved Muppets take on science-fiction

Rated G - 1 hour, 27 minutes - 1999 - Adventure, Family, Comedy

Starring: Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Frank Oz, Bill Barretta

7:30 p.m: A Space Odyssey

An adaptation of Arthur C. Clarke's legendary science fiction novel, 2001 depicts mankind's long evolution towards space flight, culminating in two astronauts and the computer HAL 9000 embarking on a voyage to Jupiter to investigate a mysterious monolith.

Why we're showing it: 2001: A Space Odyssey is a ground-breaking science fiction film courtesy of celebrated director Stanley Kubrick. It revolutionized how space flight was depicted in film and is still influencing generations of filmmakers today.

Rated G - 2 hours, 29 minutes - 1968 - Adventure, Science Fiction

Starring: Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, Douglas Rain

Sunday, April 7, 2024

5:30 p.m: For All Mankind

For All Mankind is a ground-breaking documentary cut together from actual footage shot by NASA astronauts on the Apollo moon missions.

Why we're showing it: Using footage from various Apollo missions, this documentary depicts mankind's momentous journey to the moon, taking audiences from start to finish through the whole trip.

Rated G - 1 hour, 20 minutes - 1989 - Documentary, Science

Starring: Jim Lovell, Ken Mattingly, Russell Schweickart, Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin

Monday, April 8, 2024

5:30 p.m: A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court

Adapted from Mark Twain's classic novel, A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court is the story of a modern New Englander transported to the days of King Arthur. Using his future knowledge (including that of an upcoming eclipse), the time traveler makes friends (and enemies) as he looks to find his way home.

Why we're showing it: With one of the most momentous solar eclipses in film, how could we not show it? With the always engaging Bing Crosby as the titular Connecticut Yankee, this film will entertain fans of all ages as they wait for the eclipse traffic to clear.

Rating: Approved - 1 hour, 46 minutes - 1949 - Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Musical

Starring: Bing Crosby, Rhonda Fleming, Cedric Hardwicke, William Bendix

Fest Date: April 5 - 8, 2024

Location: The Historic Artcraft Theatre, 57 North Main Street, Franklin, IN 46131

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