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June 22-28
2026

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The Arab

Liberty Hall 644 Massachusetts St, Lawrence

A brand new Algerian co-production fresh from the 2026 Rotterdam International Film Festival screens at the Free State Festival in celebration of the Algerian soccer team's home base in Lawrence, … [more]

Free

The Battle of Algiers

Lawrence Arts Center 940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence

Directed by by Gillo Pontecorvo Run Time: 2 hours Pre-show performance by New Horizons Band, including the Algerian National Anthem Post-show discussion with Megan Greene of KU International Affairs and … [more]

$12

I Love Boosters | An Evening with Boots Riley

Lawrence Arts Center 940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence

Headliner Boots Riley returns to the Free State Festival for a screening of his new film, I Love Boosters, and a post-screening Q&A. This event was made possible by support … [more]

$15

Zidane: A 21st Century Portrait

Lawrence Arts Center 940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence

ABOUT THE FILM An entire football match filmed from the perspective of soccer hero Zinedine Zidane (father of this year's Algerian goalie, Luca Zidane). High-art comes to the pitch for … [more]

Free

American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez

Lawrence Arts Center 940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence

ABOUT THE FILM An auteur emerges from America’s underclass: from migrant farmworker to revolutionary artist, Luis Valdez changed American culture. In the 1960s, his El Teatro Campesino performed on flatbed … [more]

$12

Slice of Life: Short Documentaries + Pizza Party

Lawrence Arts Center 940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence

Four short documentaries capture people, places and things in Kansas and beyond. Experience the films on the big screen and head to the lower lobby for pizza by our friends … [more]

$15

Nine Little Indians

Lawrence Arts Center 940 New Hampshire St, Lawrence

Nine Little Indians makes its Kansas premiere at the Free State Festival followed by a Q&A with filmmaker Shannon Kring and Pat Charbonneau. Don't miss this special engagement! ABOUT THE … [more]

$12

Short Films + Culinary Pairings

10th & Mass Studios 1000 Massachusetts St., Lawrence

Experience bite-sized films thoughtfully paired with culinary selections by Meadowlark Wine Bar & Kitchen. A favorite event at every festival, this pass-holder only screening is peppered with community and conversation. … [more]

Paint Me a Road out of Here

Liberty Hall 644 Massachusetts St, Lawrence

ABOUT THE FILM In 1971, artist Faith Ringgold created a monumental painting “For the Women’s House” for the women incarcerated at Rikers Island jail. Fifty years later, artist Mary Enoch … [more]

$12