Saratoga Arts is reviving a longtime local tradition this spring with the return of the Saratoga Film Forum, launching a new weekly screening series dedicated to independent, foreign, and documentary cinema.
The revived Film Forum begins Thursday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. at the Dee Sarno Theater inside Saratoga Arts at 320 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. The initial run will feature twelve weeks of curated films designed for audiences interested in movies beyond the typical multiplex experience.
With just over 100 seats, the theater offers an intimate setting where film fans can gather to discover acclaimed independent works and engage with fellow moviegoers.
The series kicks off with the acclaimed indie drama Sorry, Baby, written, directed, and starring Eva Victor.
Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in 2025, the film earned the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award and quickly drew attention as a powerful new voice in independent cinema. The story follows a young professor navigating the aftermath of trauma while trying to move forward with life and relationships, blending emotional depth with moments of dark humor.
Originally founded in 1993, the Saratoga Film Forum served as a gathering place for film lovers interested in independent and hard-to-find movies. The revived series aims to continue that mission while bringing new voices and perspectives to local audiences.
The revival was organized by Saratoga Arts Grants Coordinator Spencer Sherry, who saw the potential for expanded film programming after the strong response to the annual Saratoga Film Showcase.
“Our community clearly has an interest in supporting this medium,” Sherry said. “We want to offer movies that people either missed or never had the opportunity to see at all.”
The program will feature a range of films spanning genres and countries. The first three announced titles include Sorry, Baby, It Was Just An Accident, and Blue Moon, highlighting the diverse programming audiences can expect throughout the series.
Film selections are curated by a programming committee made up of Saratoga Arts staff, board members, former organizers of the original forum, and longtime attendees. The goal is to honor the spirit of the original series while expanding its reach.
Amy Godine, who helped lead the original forum, praised the revival of the program.
“A hometown arthouse for great indie films was a terrific idea when the Saratoga Film Forum was founded in 1993, and it’s still a great idea,” Godine said. “We need brilliant, fresh, provocative movies in downtown Saratoga more than ever.”
Some screenings will include post-film discussions, and organizers hope to welcome filmmakers and guest speakers whenever possible.
Saratoga Arts hopes the weekly series becomes a regular cultural gathering for local residents.
The arts center recently completed major upgrades to its facilities, including improvements to the Dee Sarno Theater and gallery spaces, helping expand opportunities for film, music, and performing arts programming in the region.
For more information check out their official site.
Comments are closed.