The Plaza Classic Film Festival returns to Downtown El Paso for its 18th annual run from Thursday, July 17, to Sunday, July 27, showcasing more than 100 films across a range of genres, eras and languages. Hosted by the El Paso Community Foundation, the festival continues its tradition of spotlighting beloved cinematic works at the historic Plaza Theatre and surrounding venues, offering a blend of nostalgia and new discoveries.
This year’s lineup features renowned film figures and a slate of signature screenings that include “La Bamba,” “Alien,” “Notting Hill,” “Saving Private Ryan” and “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back.” Notable appearances include Luis Valdez, the pioneering filmmaker behind “Zoot Suit” and “La Bamba,” and actress Veronica Cartwright, known for her roles in “Alien” and “The Birds.” Both will take part in post-screening discussions, giving audiences an opportunity to hear directly from those who shaped these films.
In addition to marquee titles, the festival explores themes of wartime propaganda, memory and identity through its curated lectures, local filmmaker showcases and collaborations with cultural institutions across the city. From family-friendly screenings at La Nube STEAM Discovery Center and the Philanthropy Theatre to thought-provoking documentaries at the El Paso Museum of Art, the festival extends far beyond the main stage, offering events for cinephiles of all stripes.
El Paso’s own cinematic voice will also be heard through the Local Flavor series, which includes the Femme Frontera Filmmaker Showcase and works by Diego Muñoz Holguin. Paired with lectures, receptions and a screenwriting pitch fest, these events underline the festival’s commitment to elevating borderland talent while connecting it to global storytelling traditions.
With most ticket prices ranging from $5 to $10 — and many events free to attend — the Plaza Classic Film Festival is one of the region’s most accessible cultural gatherings. Whether you’re revisiting a childhood favorite, exploring silent-era gems or diving into postwar film history, the festival offers 11 days of curated cinema that pays homage to the past while embracing the creative spirit of El Paso.
Featured showings
This year’s Plaza Classic Film Festival includes a lineup of signature classics anchored by celebrity appearances and commemorative lectures.
- “La Bamba”: The biopic of Ritchie Valens will be shown at 7 p.m. Friday, July 18, at the Plaza Theatre, with a special appearance by writer-director Luis Valdez, a trailblazer in Chicano theater and film. Preceding the screening is a free lecture at 6 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre, where attendees can gain insight into the cultural impact of the film and its place in Latino cinematic history.
- “Alien”: Fans of Ridley Scott’s sci-fi horror classic can catch a special screening of “Alien” at 7 p.m. Friday, July 25, at the Plaza Theatre. The showing will be followed by a Q&A with Veronica Cartwright, who portrayed Lambert in the 1979 film. A free lecture at 6 p.m. at the Philanthropy Theatre will explore the film’s genre-defining legacy.
- “Notting Hill”: Romantic comedy lovers can indulge in “Notting Hill” at 7 p.m. Monday, July 21, at the Plaza Theatre, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. A free lecture on the film’s themes and cultural resonance precedes the screening at 6 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre.
- “Saving Private Ryan”: Steven Spielberg’s visceral World War II epic screens at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at the Plaza Theatre. A free companion lecture is scheduled at 6 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre, focusing on the film’s realism and historical context.
- “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back”: The saga continues with a showing of The Empire Strikes Back on the festival’s final night, Sunday, July 27, at 7 p.m. at the Plaza Theatre. Fans can attend a lecture at 6 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre to revisit the film’s legacy and innovations in special effects and storytelling.
Timeless Hollywood
These films from the mid-20th century bring history, romance and war-time drama to the screen, reminding audiences why the golden age of Hollywood still resonates today.
- “From Here to Eternity,” (1953): A pillar of postwar cinema, this romantic war drama screens at 4 p.m. Friday, July 18, at the Plaza Theatre. With a cast led by Burt Lancaster, Deborah Kerr and Montgomery Clift, the film examines military life in the days before Pearl Harbor.
- “The Day the Earth Stood Still,” (1951): This black-and-white sci-fi classic delivers Cold War-era allegory with stark clarity. It shows at 11:30 a.m. Monday, July 21, at the Plaza Theatre and is part of the festival’s “It Came From … ” series celebrating speculative fiction.
- “Going My Way,” (1944): This musical drama starring Bing Crosby screens at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, at the Plaza Theatre. Crosby’s performance earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor and remains a defining moment of his career.
- “The Battle of Midway,” (1942): Paired with “The Memphis Belle,” this short film offers wartime footage and patriotic messaging. It screens at 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the El Paso Museum of Art as part of the festival’s “Propaganda Wars” series and is free to attend.
- “The Freshman,” (1925): Marking its 100th anniversary, Harold Lloyd’s silent comedy returns at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, to the Plaza Theatre. With physical humor and a touching underdog story, it’s a reminder of silent film’s enduring emotional power.
Movies for Kids at Plaza Classic
The Plaza Classic Film Festival offers an array of kid-friendly films spread across venues such as the Philanthropy Theatre and La Nube.
- “Toy Story,” (1995): Celebrate the 30th anniversary of Pixar’s groundbreaking animated feature at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 23, at the Plaza Theatre. A free lecture precedes the screening at 6 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre, reflecting on its legacy in digital animation and storytelling.
- “Dumbo,” (1941): This Disney classic spreads its ears and takes flight at 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19, at the Plaza Theatre. With its timeless message of self-acceptance, it remains a festival favorite for families.
- “The Muppets Take Manhattan,” (1984): Kermit, Miss Piggy and the gang chase Broadway dreams in this lively feature screening at 1 p.m. Friday, July 18, in the Philanthropy Theatre.
- “Despicable Me,” (2010): The mischievous Minions are back on Wednesday, July 23, at 3:30 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre, bringing their signature slapstick humor to the festival lineup.
- “Happy Feet,” (2006): With its penguin-powered soundtrack and ecological themes, Happy Feet screens at 1 p.m. Monday, July 21, in the Philanthropy Theatre.
- “All Dogs Go to Heaven,” (1989): The Don Bluth classic about redemption, friendship and loyalty screens at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at 1 p.m. in the Philanthropy Theatre.
Free events
The Plaza Classic Film Festival offers a wide selection of free events, from museum screenings to outdoor favorites, making the magic of cinema accessible to everyone.
Outdoor screenings on Oregon Street
- “The Wedding Singer,” (1998): 9 p.m. Friday, July 18
- “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” (1975): 9 p.m. Saturday, July 19
- “Spaceballs,” (1987): 9 p.m. Friday, July 25
- “Mamma Mia!” (2008): 9 p.m. Saturday, July 26
Museum, cultural center films
- “The Art of Propaganda: War Posters from the Collection” exhibit: July 17-27, El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
- “Dimensions in Testimony” permanent exhibit: El Paso Holocaust Museum, 715 N. Oregon St.
- “Why We Fight: War Comes to America”: 1 p.m. Saturday, July 19, El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
- “The Battle of Midway” / “The Memphis Belle”: 3 p.m. Saturday, July 19, El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
- “Escuadrón 201”: 1 p.m. Sunday, July 20, 1 p.m., El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 E. Franklin Ave.
- “The Men of Company E”: 2 p.m. Saturday, July 19, El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 E. Franklin Ave.
- “Until He’s Back”: 1 p.m. Saturday, July 26, El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 E. Franklin Ave.
- “Abuelita’s Kitchen: Stories from the Borderland”: 2 p.m. Saturday, July 26, El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, 201 E. Franklin Ave.
- “The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter”: 3 p.m. Saturday, July 26, El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
- “The Negro Soldier” / “The Battle of San Pietro”: 1 p.m. Saturday, July 26, El Paso Museum of Art, 1 Arts Festival Plaza
- Plaza Days I, II: 11 a.m. Friday, July 18, and 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 25, Plaza Theatre, 125 W. Mills Ave.
Plaza Classic full schedule
Thursday, July 17
- 10 a.m.: “The Art of Propaganda: War Posters from the Collection,” El Paso Museum of Art, free
- 10 a.m.: “Dimensions in Testimony,” El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center, free
- 1 p.m.: “The Great Dictator” (1940), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 4 p.m.: “To Be or Not To Be” (1942), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 7 p.m.: “Cabaret” (1972), Plaza Theatre, $20
Friday, July 18
- 11 a.m.: “Plaza Days I,” Plaza Theatre, free
- 1 p.m.: “Sergeant York” (1941), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 1 p.m.: “The Muppets Take Manhattan” (1984), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 3:30 p.m.: “Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure” (1985), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 4 p.m.: “From Here to Eternity” (1953), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 6 p.m.: Lecture: “La Bamba,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
- 7 p.m.: “La Bamba” (1987) with Luis Valdez, Plaza Theatre, $10
- 7:30 p.m.: Concert: The PIE Sisters, Oregon Street, free
- 7:30 p.m.: “Cowboy Bebop: The Movie” (2001), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 9 p.m.: “The Wedding Singer” (1998), Oregon Street, free
- 10 p.m.: “Wild at Heart” (1990), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 10:30 p.m.: “Idiocracy” (2006), Plaza Theatre, $8
Saturday, July 19
- 1 p.m.: “Dumbo” (1941), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 1 p.m.: “Why We Fight: War Comes to America” (1945), El Paso Museum of Art, free
- 1 p.m.: “Sands of Iwo Jima” (1949), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 1 p.m.: Lecture: “Latino G.I.s and the Fight for Equality,” El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, free
- 2 p.m.: “The Men of Company E,” El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, free
- 2 p.m.: Lecture: “Fort Bliss on the Mesa,” El Paso Museum of History, free
- 3 p.m.: “Zoot Suit” (1981), with Luis Valdez, Plaza Theatre, $10
- 3 p.m.: “The Battle of Midway” / “The Memphis Belle” (1942/1944), El Paso Museum of Art, free
- 3 p.m.: “Mrs. Miniver” (1942), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 6 p.m.: Lecture: “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” Philanthropy Theatre, Free
- 7 p.m.: “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” (1989), Plaza Theatre, $8
- 7:30 p.m.: Concert: Saving Bandit, Oregon Street, free
- 7:30 p.m.: “Say Anything” (1989), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 8 p.m.: PCFF Screenwriting Pitch Fest, Foundation Room, free
- 9 p.m.: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975), Oregon Street, free
- 9:30 p.m.: “Boogie Nights” (1997), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 10:30 p.m.: “The Fog” (1980), Plaza Theatre, $8
Sunday, July 20
- 1 p.m.: “The Way We Were” (1973), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 1 p.m.: “Twelve O’Clock High” (1949), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 1 p.m.: “Escuadrón 201” (1945), El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, free
- 3:30 p.m.: “The Freshman” (1925), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 4 p.m.: “Run Silent, Run Deep” (1958), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 6 p.m.: Lecture: “The Godfather Part II,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
- 7 p.m.: “The Godfather Part II” (1974), Plaza Theatre, $8
- 7:30 p.m.: “Punch-Drunk Love” (2002), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
Monday, July 21
- 11:30 a.m.: “The Day the Earth Stood Still” (1951), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 1 p.m.: “Happy Feet” (2006), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 2 p.m.: “Patton” (1970), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 3:30 p.m.: “Black Beauty” (1994), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 5 p.m.: “I’m Just a Girl” dinner, Foundation Room, $30/$50
- 6 p.m.: Lecture: “Notting Hill,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
- 7 p.m.: “Notting Hill” (1999), Plaza Theatre, $8
- 7:30 p.m.: “Life Is Beautiful” (1997), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
Tuesday, July 22
- 11:30 a.m.: “My Man Godfrey” (1936), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 1 p.m.: “All Dogs Go to Heaven” (1989), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 2 p.m.: “The Diary of Anne Frank” (1959), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 3 p.m.: “Matilda” (1996), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 6 p.m.: Lecture: “Saving Private Ryan,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
- 7 p.m.: “Saving Private Ryan” (1998), Plaza Theatre, $8
- 7:30 p.m.: “King Creole” (1958), Philanthropy Theatre, $6
- 8 p.m.: “National Velvet” (1944), Plaza Hotel Pioneer Park, $30
Wednesday, July 23
- 11:30 a.m.: “Going My Way” (1944), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 1 p.m.: “Free Willy” (1993), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 2:30 p.m.: “The Bridge on the River Kwai” (1957), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 3:30 p.m.: “Despicable Me” (2010), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 6 p.m.: Lecture: “Toy Story,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
- 7 p.m.: “Toy Story” (1995), Plaza Theatre, $8
- 7:30 p.m.: “Rush” (2013), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
Thursday, July 24
- 11:30 a.m.: “The Producers” (1967), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 1 p.m.: “An American Tail” (1986), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 2 p.m.: “The Longest Day” (1962), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 3 p.m.: “Adventures in Babysitting” (1987), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 6 p.m.: Lecture: “Schindler’s List,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
- 7 p.m.: “Schindler’s List” (1993), Plaza Theatre, $10
- 7:30 p.m.: “Diego Muñoz Holguin Showcase,” Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 8 p.m.: “Big Hero 6” (2014), La Nube STEAM Discovery Center, $10
Friday, July 25
- 11:30 a.m.: “Plaza Days II,” Plaza Theatre, free
- 1 p.m.: “MouseHunt” (1997), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 1:30 p.m.: “The Great Escape” (1963), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 3:30 p.m.: “The Book of Life” (2014), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 6 p.m.: Lecture: “Alien,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
- 7 p.m.: “Alien” (1979) with Veronica Cartwright, Plaza Theatre, $10
- 7:30 p.m.: Concert: Bloomwave, Oregon Street, free
- 7:30 p.m.: “The Birdcage” (1996), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 9 p.m.: “Spaceballs” (1987), Oregon Street, free
- 10 p.m.: “City of God” (2002), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 10:30 p.m.: “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001), Plaza Theatre, $8
Saturday, July 26
- 12:30 p.m.: “Castle in the Sky” (1986), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 1 p.m.: “The Negro Soldier” / “The Battle of San Pietro” (1944/1945), El Paso Museum of Art, free
- 1 p.m.: “Notorious” (1946), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 1 p.m.: “Until He’s Back,” El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, free
- 2 p.m.: “Abuelita’s Kitchen: Stories from the Borderland,” El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center, free
- 3 p.m.: “The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter” (1980), El Paso Museum of Art, free
- 3:30 p.m.: “The Birds” (1963) with Veronica Cartwright, Plaza Theatre, $10
- 3:30 p.m.: “Red Sands” (2024), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 5 p.m.: “Night and Fog” (1956), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 6 p.m.: Lecture: “Long Shadows”, Philanthropy Theatre, free
- 7 p.m.: “Long Shadows” (2024) with producer Allen Gilmer, Plaza Theatre, $8
- 7:30 p.m.: Concert: Jenna Ivey, Oregon Street, free
- 7:30 p.m.: “9th Femme Frontera Filmmaker Showcase”, Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 9 p.m.: “Mamma Mia!” (2008), Oregon Street, free
- 10 p.m.: “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” (1991), Plaza Theatre, $8
- 10 p.m.: “Hellboy” (2004), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
Sunday, July 27
- 11 a.m.: Filmmakers Brunch: “On Location with Jacob Cena,” Foundation Room, free
- 1 p.m.: “Her Husband’s Trademark” (1922), Plaza Theatre, $6
- 1 p.m.: “Gran Hotel” (1944), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 3:30 p.m.: “Local Flavor Showcase and Awards,” Plaza Theatre, $6
- 3:30 p.m.: “A League of Their Own” (1992), Philanthropy Theatre, $5
- 5:30 p.m.: Local Flavor 2025 Reception, Foundation Room, free
- 6 p.m.: Lecture: “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back,” Philanthropy Theatre, free
- 7 p.m.: “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” (1980), Plaza Theatre, $8
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