Film Streams Celebrates Art House Theater Day with Two Unforgettable Films

July 23rd, 2026

ndependent theaters are more than places to watch movies — they are spaces where audiences discover new stories, revisit classics and share experiences that spark conversation.

Later this month, Film Streams joins independent theaters across the country in celebrating Art House Theater Day, an annual event recognizing the theaters that bring challenging, surprising and memorable films to their communities.

To mark the occasion, Film Streams will present two special screenings on Thursday, July 30: Sidney Lumet’s acclaimed media satire Network at the Dundee Theater and Boots Riley’s surreal comedy Sorry to Bother You at the Ruth Sokolof Theater.

Two films, two very different perspectives

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Network remains one of the most influential films about television and the media. Directed by Sidney Lumet, the 1976 classic follows a struggling television network that finds unexpected success after a veteran news anchor has an on-air breakdown.

Nearly five decades later, the film’s sharp humor and commentary on ratings, corporate influence and the news industry continue to resonate.

At the Ruth Sokolof Theater, audiences can experience Sorry to Bother You, the bold feature debut from director Boots Riley, who serves as this year’s Art House Theater Day Ambassador.

The surreal comedy follows a struggling telemarketer whose sudden career success leads him into an increasingly strange world. The film explores capitalism, ambition and the compromises people make in pursuit of success.

The power of seeing films together

While movie theaters across the country continue to navigate changes in how audiences watch films, Film Streams has seen growing interest in the shared experience of cinema.

In 2025, Film Streams reported a 34 percent increase in box office revenue compared with the previous year, while membership grew by 20 percent — its strongest year since the pandemic.

Audiences are returning not only for new independent releases, but also for classic films, documentaries, community partnerships and opportunities to experience movies together.

That is the heart of an arthouse theater: a place to discover something new, reconnect with a favorite film and have conversations that continue long after the credits roll.

Art House Theater Day also comes just before Film Streams celebrates its 19th anniversary. As the organization looks ahead to its 20th year, it continues building on its mission of bringing meaningful cinema and community connections to Omaha audiences.

If You Go

Art House Theater Day at Film Streams
Thursday, July 30 — 6:30 p.m.

** Network **
Dundee Theater

** Sorry to Bother You **
Ruth Sokolof Theater