The Magic Lantern is a student-run, nonprofit organization at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). It serves as a cinema and film society that aims to promote film appreciation and education among students and the wider community. The Magic Lantern screens a diverse range of films from different genres, time periods, and countries. Since its establishment in 1972, the Magic Lantern has become an integral part of the UCSB campus culture. It offers regular screenings that are open to the public, allowing students and community members to explore various cinematic works. Through its programming, the Magic Lantern seeks to foster dialogue and critical thinking around film as an art form.
Magic lantern ucsb
All Shows are free with UCSB student ID
$6 for everyone else!
Through its programming, the Magic Lantern seeks to foster dialogue and critical thinking around film as an art form. In addition to regular screenings, the Magic Lantern often hosts special events and film festivals. These events provide opportunities for filmmakers, scholars, and enthusiasts to share their knowledge and insights with the audience.
Fall 2023
Monday September 25th
Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken
Sweet and awkward 16-year-old Ruby Gillman is desperate to fit in at school, but she mostly just feels invisible. She's prevented from hanging out with the cool kids at the beach because her over-protective mom forbids her from getting in the water. When she breaks her mom's rule, Ruby discovers that she is a descendant of the warrior Kraken queens and is destined to inherit the throne from her grandmother. The Kraken are sworn to protect the world's oceans against vain, power-hungry mermaids.
Monday September 25th
Fast X
Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto and his family have outsmarted and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they must confront the most lethal opponent they've ever faced. Fueled by revenge, a terrifying threat emerges from the shadows of the past to shatter Dom's world and destroy everything -- and everyone -- he loves.
Monday October 2nd
In Anisqoyo Park
Hocus Pocus
After moving to Salem, Mass., teenager Max Dennison (Omri Katz) explores an abandoned house with his sister Dani (Thora Birch) and their new friend, Allison (Vinessa Shaw). After dismissing a story Allison tells as superstitious, Max accidentally frees a coven of evil witches (Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kathy Najimy) who used to live in the house. Now, with the help of a magical cat, the kids must steal the witches' book of spells to stop them from becoming immortal.
Friday October 13th
The Blackening
Seven friends go away for the weekend, only to find themselves trapped in a cabin with a killer who has a vendetta. They must pit their street smarts and knowledge of horror movies against the murderer to stay alive.
Friday October 27th
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a transvestite scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker (Meat Loaf) and a creepy butler (Richard O'Brien). Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named "Rocky."
Monday October 30th
Kiki's Delivery Service
In this anime feature, 13-year-old Kiki moves to a seaside town with her talking cat, Jiji, to spend a year alone, in accordance with her village's tradition for witches in training. After learning to control her broomstick, Kiki sets up a flying courier service and soon becomes a fixture in the community. But when the insecure young witch begins questioning herself and loses her magic abilities, she must overcome her self-doubt to get her powers back.
Friday November 3rd
Barbie
8:00 pm and 10:00 pm
Barbie and Ken are having the time of their lives in the colorful and seemingly perfect world of Barbie Land. However, when they get a chance to go to the real world, they soon discover the joys and perils of living among humans.
Monday November 6th
Past Lives
Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are wrest apart after Nora's family emigrates from South Korea. Decades later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront destiny, love and the choices that make a life.
Friday November 17th
Meg 2 - The Trench
Jonas Taylor leads a research team on an exploratory dive into the deepest depths of the ocean. Their voyage spirals into chaos when a malevolent mining operation threatens their mission and forces them into a high-stakes battle for survival. Pitted against colossal, prehistoric sharks and relentless environmental plunderers, they must outrun, outsmart and outswim their merciless predators.
The organization also collaborates with other campus groups and departments to organize film-related workshops, discussions, and exhibitions. Aside from its film screenings and events, the Magic Lantern also has a publication called "The Projectionist." This publication features articles, reviews, and interviews related to cinema and filmmaking. It provides a platform for students to share their passion for film and contribute to film discourse. The Magic Lantern is entirely run by dedicated student volunteers who share a passion for film. They handle all aspects of the organization, from programming and marketing to projection and event management. Through their involvement with the Magic Lantern, students gain valuable skills in event planning, communication, and leadership. Overall, the Magic Lantern is an essential part of the UCSB community, providing an avenue for film appreciation, education, and artistic expression. With its diverse programming and commitment to fostering film discourse, the Magic Lantern continues to enrich the cultural landscape of the university and the surrounding community..
Reviews for "In the Spotlight: Celebrating the Magic Lantern Artists of UCSB"
1. John - 2 out of 5 stars
I was extremely disappointed with my experience at Magic Lantern UCSB. The theater itself was run down and dirty, and the seats were uncomfortable. The movie I saw was also terrible - the plot was confusing and the acting was subpar. The concessions stand was overpriced, and the popcorn tasted stale. Overall, I would not recommend Magic Lantern UCSB to anyone looking for a enjoyable movie-going experience.
2. Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars
I had high hopes for Magic Lantern UCSB, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The sound quality in the theater was poor, and it was difficult to hear the dialogue. The staff seemed disinterested in providing good customer service, and one employee was quite rude when I asked a question. The theater was also quite cramped and uncomfortable, with minimal legroom. Overall, I was not impressed and I don't plan on returning to Magic Lantern UCSB.
3. Mark - 1 out of 5 stars
Magic Lantern UCSB was a complete waste of my time and money. The movie I saw was outdated and the screen was blurry. The seats were old and broken, and I had to constantly shift around to find a somewhat comfortable position. The theater was also freezing cold and there were no blankets or cushions provided. The overall experience left a lot to be desired, and I would not recommend anyone to visit this theater.