Salina Art Center Cinema
The Salina Art Center Cinema is an independent art house cinema in the cultural heart of downtown Salina. It offers a wide variety of programming, including independent films, documentaries, foreign-language films, special screening events, Oscar shorts, film discussions, and Q&A events with filmmakers.
The cinema, 150 S Santa Fe Avenue, is open Friday through Wednesday at 6 p.m. each evening. You can catch a film on Saturdays & Sundays at either 2 p.m. or 6 p.m. Tickets at the box office are $8 for SAC Members, $10 for Students & Seniors, and General Admission is $12. Tickets are available online or at the box office.
A Real Pain
December 13-18
Benji Kaplan could be described as “a real pain.” An irreverent, clownish, bro-tastic man-child, Benji thrives on offending others but somehow gets away with it through sheer charisma and charm. Played by Kieran Culkin of Succession, Benji's sharp wit and disregard for social niceties make him a modern-day Groucho Marx. His cousin David, portrayed by Jesse Eisenberg, is far more uptight—a perfect foil reminiscent of Zeppo Marx.
Their dynamic is put to the test when they embark on a “Holocaust tour” of Poland to honor their late grandmother. Eisenberg, who also wrote and directed the film, balances biting humor with poignant emotional moments as the cousins navigate personal and historical trauma.
The film also features compelling performances from Jennifer Grey as a recent divorcee, Will Sharpe as an overly intellectual Oxford scholar, and Kurt Egyiawan as a Rwandan genocide survivor who has converted to Judaism. Eisenberg’s nuanced exploration of grief, guilt, and reconciliation elevates A Real Pain beyond typical family dramas. Smartly written and superbly acted, this comedy-drama tackles themes of maturity, forgiveness, and emotional healing.
Rated R for profanity and some drug use.
For ticket information, click here.
Description and Narration by David Cooper
Sponsored by Wedel Financial
The Activated Man
December 13 | 8:30 p.m.
December 14 & 15 | 10 a.m. & 8:30 p.m.
Don’t miss this rare chance to see Tony Todd in his final leading role on the big screen. The Activated Man, a genre-bending supernatural thriller and emotional drama, has earned critical acclaim and over 40 festival awards.
The film features an ensemble cast of genre icons, including Tony Todd (Candyman), Kane Hodder (Friday the 13th), Sean Young (Blade Runner), Andrew Keegan (10 Things I Hate About You), and Vladimir Kulich (The 13th Warrior), alongside rising stars Jamie Costa and Ivana Rojas.
On Friday the 13th, the screening honors Kane Hodder’s legendary portrayal of Jason Voorhees while celebrating the film’s unique blend of heartfelt drama and spine-chilling horror.
Additional Screenings: Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, at 10 AM and 8:30 PM.
Plot Synopsis: A grieving man, haunted by the loss of his dog and visions of a shadowy figure, uncovers long-buried secrets that force him to confront his destiny through a series of harrowing events.
Rated R | 2 hrs