The film exhibition program at the MFAH presents over 200 screenings annually.The museum is the oldest repertory cinema in Houston and has sponsored the exhibition of film since 1939. Brown Auditorium Theater, designed by renowned Bauhaus architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, opened in the mid-1970s and screenings have been presented continuously ever since. This unique venue offers a superb movie-going experience with stadium seating, Dolby digital sound, and projection capabilities ranging from 35mm reel-to-reel to state-of-the-art digital formats. It was named Houston’s “Best Place to See Vintage Flicks” by the Houston Press two years in a row.  The museum’s film program was honored by the Houston Film Critics Society in 2008 and the Cinema Arts Festival Houston in 2010.

Programming highlights the best of classic and contemporary world cinema, often providing exclusive engagements and Houston premieres.  Thematic film series consider important genres and individuals in the history of cinema, as well as independent film, national cinemas and retrospectives of actors and filmmakers. Personal appearances by artists and film industry professionals are often scheduled, and their perspectives enrich the movie-going experience.

MFAH Films collaborates frequently with many of Houston’s arts, cultural and community organizations, as well as with the local offices of numerous Consulates.