Utica University’s long running Thursday night film series, Films on Thursday, entered a new chapter this spring, continuing its tradition of showcasing independent, international and classic films while also carving out a distinct identity of its own.
Paul MacArthur, Distinguished Professor of Public Relations and Journalism, has assumed the role as curator for the series and said the goal is to honor the legacy built by Communication Professor Jeff Miller, who directed the program for 26 years, without attempting to replicate it.
“I won’t imitate what Professor Miller did during his incredible run, that would be impossible,” MacArthur said. “But I will carry on his tremendous legacy by programming a unique set of movies you won’t find playing elsewhere in the area.”
This semester’s lineup emphasizes films that are often overlooked titles that never received wide U.S. distribution, exist slightly off the beaten path or have faded from public memory. Many selections also share a strong musical thread.
The 1964 film “Nothing But a Man” is believed to be one of the first movies to feature a Motown soundtrack, while “Little Richard: I Am Everything” explores the life of one of rock and roll’s most influential pioneers.
Other highlights include “Elevator to the Gallows,” a 1958 French film scored with a largely improvised soundtrack by jazz legend Miles Davis, and “What the Hell Happened to Blood, Sweat & Tears?” that documents the band’s controversial 1970s tour behind the Iron Curtain.
Beyond music, the series presents a wide range of stories from satire of the newspaper industry to a documentary titled “Checkpoint Zoo” about rescuing more than 5,000 animals during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as the Academy Award winning animated film “Flow” about a cat, friendship and community.
The series opened on Jan. 15 with “Nothing But a Man,” screened on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. ‘s birthday. Associate Professor of History Clemmie Harris introduced the film and led a post screening discussion, connecting its themes to the Civil Rights movement of the early 1960s and their relevance today.
Films are shown Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Macfarlane Auditorium (127 DePerno Hall) and are free and open to the campus and public. The full schedule is available at Utica.edu/films-thursday.
cael nichols • Feb 8, 2026 at 4:44 am
I think this is a beautiful work of journalism, well thought out and articulated very well.