All films, all times, all places.
ETSU’s Bud Frank Theater keeps this motto at the heart of its operations, remaining faithful to its ambition to cultivate a richer cinematic environment for the Johnson City community. Since its establishment 2023, Bud Frank Theater has commited itself to showcasing a wide variety of film— from arthouse cinema and classics to silent movies accompanied by ETSU’s own Bluegrass and Old Time faculty. Chelsea Wessels, co-director of the film and media studies program, believes that cinema isn’t just entertainment, but rather an integral part of cultural and personal growth.
“Cinema is important as a way to give us exposure to different ideas, different perspectives,” said Wessels “We have this idea that we have more access than ever to films, but in some ways that [streaming platforms] can be overwhelming. One of our goals is to create a cinematic community.”
Wessels has been with ETSU since 2018 and works as an assistant professor and film historian. She obtained her PhD from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, dedicating her life to the study of communal cinema and film’s importance in global culture.
Bud Frank Theater offers a place for ETSU students and all members of the East Tennessee community to discover films that otherwise may not get exposure through mainstream platforms like AMC Theaters. It continues to appreciate films from all times and places, ensuring their accessibility to the Johnson City community.
“Beyond the art and ideas cinema offers us on our own, there’s also this element of being in a room with other people and experiencing it that is so powerful,” said Wessels.
Throughout February, the Bud Frank Theater will be showing a variety of titles that are all free and open to the public:
Frozen— February 2nd @ 2:30pm
All We Imagine As Light— February 7th @ 7pm
The Umbrellas of Cherbourg— February 12th @ 7pm
Where Are We Really: A Video Poetry Festival— February 28th @ 7pm
