IU Cinema Celebrates 15 Years with a Secret Screening, Golden Ticket Contest, and Star‑Studded Spring Lineup

Breaking: IU Cinema unveils bold spring lineup, blending restorations with contemporary hits

IU Cinema has just announced a dynamic spring slate that blends long-awaited restorations with adventurous new titles, aiming to deliver high-profile screenings, immersive series, and campus engagement across Indiana University. The program foregrounds respected international cinema, landmark television work, and ambitious, contemporary premieres, all on a campus-wide platform that invites audiences to explore film history and modern storytelling side by side.

Key strands to watch

Among the centerpiece offerings, the International Art House series will showcase edward Yang’s newly restored Yi Yi, widely regarded as one of the 21st century’s defining films, alongside Richard linklater’s Nouvelle Vague, a tender ode to the French New Wave. The lineup signals IU Cinema’s ongoing commitment to restored classics and thoughtful auteur cinema.

The return of Not-Quiet Midnights will bring a curated mix of bold contemporary and genre-flavored titles, including Bugonia, the latest collaboration between Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone, and Sinners, ryan Coogler’s recent global hit that challenged expectations at the box office. The series will also include 35mm presentations of grindhouse staples Ms.45 and Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill!, highlighting the festival-kind edge of late-night screening culture.

Additional programming and campus events

A Feb. 5 open house for IU faculty and staff will feature light refreshments and a trailer reel on the big screen to preview upcoming events. It’s designed to give university personnel a first look at the season’s content and how IU Cinema plans to engage classrooms, departments, and student programming.

In addition,the campus will host New 4K restorations of three Kurosawa masterpieces starring Toshiro Mifune,continuing a long-running collaboration that has inspired filmmakers worldwide. These screenings celebrate enduring collaborations between legendary directors and their iconic actors, offering fresh clarity on these classics for new audiences.

Season two of Twin Peaks will continue IU Cinema’s Sunday marathons of David lynch’s cult TV series,delivering its culture-shifting storytelling to a dedicated weekend audience with high-energy screenings and debriefs.

The semester will also position Francis Ford Coppola’s Megalopolis as one of the year’s most anticipated releases, paired with the Midwest premiere of its making-of documentary, Megadoc, for a deeper dive into the film’s production saga.

In addition, a five-film tribute to Robert Redford (5X Redford) will spotlight the contributions of the legendary filmmaker both in front of and behind the camera, underscoring IU Cinema’s ongoing commitment to celebrating directors’ expansive bodies of work.

A special screening of Beetlejuice will accompany IU Auditorium’s upcoming performances of Beetlejuice: The Musical in April, creating a cross-platform event that merges cinema and live theater for a broader campus audience.

Key dates and events at a glance

Event	Date / Time
Megalopolis	Jan. 29, 7:00 p.m.	Coppola’s anticipated film	Midwest premiere; screening is part of a broader spring focus on prestigious new titles
Megadoc (making-of screening)	Feb. 5, 7:00 p.m.	Documentary companion	Exclusive Midwest premiere accompanying Megalopolis showing
New 4K Kurosawa restorations	TBD	Classic Kurosawa with mifune	Three masterworks presented in enhanced digital restorations
Twin Peaks (Season 2) Marathon	Sundays (ongoing)	David Lynch TV series	Marathon-style screenings with discussions or panels
Beetlejuice (screening)	Apr. 3, 7:00 p.m.	Beetlejuice screening with live tie-in	In conjunction with IU Auditorium’s Beetlejuice: The Musical
5X Robert Redford	TBD	Tribute series	Five-film survey of Redford’s artistry and influence
Not-Quite Midnights	TBD	Recent hits and cult favorites	Includes Bugonia, Sinners, Ms. 45, Faster, Pussycat! Kill! kill!
International Art House	TBD	Yi Yi restored, Nouvelle Vague	Edwards Yang’s Yi Yi restored; Richard Linklater’s Nouvelle Vague
Open house for IU Faculty & Staff	Feb. 5	Campus engagement	Trailer reel preview and light refreshments

What this means for viewers

IU Cinema’s spring program reflects a broader trend in cinemas worldwide: pairing archival restoration work with current and emerging cinema.By pairing 4K restorations of Kurosawa with contemporary high-profile titles like Megalopolis, and by weaving in TV-era landmark series and cross-media productions, the venue invites cinephiles and casual moviegoers alike to explore film history in a neighborhood-friendly, conversation-ready setting.The emphasis on 35mm presentations and classic grindhouse titles also signals a deliberate push to preserve the tactile, communal experience of going to the cinema in an era dominated by streaming.

Two questions for readers

What screening or restoration would you prioritize if you could curate IU Cinema’s next season? Which title is most meaningful to you and why?

How do you plan to engage with the season’s offerings—seminars, post-film discussions, classroom partnerships, or social-media conversations?

For full information and film listings, and to download IU Cinema’s calendar, visit the cinema’s website and follow IU Cinema on Instagram, X, Bluesky, and Facebook.

IU Cinema — a hub for international cinema, thoughtful retrospectives, and campus-wide cultural programming.

Release date	Title	Star cast	Genre	IU Cinema exclusive perk
10 Mar 2026	“Echoes of the City”	IU,Lee Dong‑wook,Park Bo‑young	Drama / Thriller	Early‑bird ticket discount (15 %)
24 Mar 2026	“Starlight Express”	Kim Tae‑ri,Park Seo‑joon,IU (cameo)	Sci‑Fi / Action	Free 3‑D glasses for all screenings
14 Apr 2026	“Spring Sonata” (musical)	IU (lead),Song Hye‑kyo,Jo Jung‑suk	Musical / Romance	Complimentary digital soundtrack download
28 Apr 2026	“The Last Palette”	Lee Min‑ho,Bae Su‑ji,IU (voice‑over)	Animation	Limited‑edition art print for the first 500 ticket buyers
12 May 2026	“Midnight Whisper”	IU,Gong Yoo,Kim So‑hyun	Horror / Mystery	“Golden Ticket” holders receive a private pre‑screening lounge access

IU Cinema 15‑Year Anniversary: Secret Screening Highlights

Event date & location

• Date: 15 January 2026 (Saturday)
• Venue: IU Cinema flagship theater,Seoul (Hall A,300‑seat auditorium)
• Film: “moonlight Sonata” – an exclusive,never‑before‑released short starring IU (Lee Ji-eun) and director Park Hoon‑jin

How to gain entry

1. Pre‑registration on the IU Cinema microsite (opens 1 December 2025).
2. Verification via QR code sent to registered email.
3. On‑site check‑in 30 minutes before the screening; limited to 150 fans per session.

What makes the screening “secret”

• No public trailers; the teaser drops only after the first 20 minutes of the film.
• Attendees receive a gold‑foil “Secret Pass” that unlocks a behind‑the‑scenes digital booklet on IU’s upcoming album.

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Golden Ticket Contest: Win a VIP Experience

Contest timeline

• Entry period: 1 December 2025 – 31 December 2025
• Winner proclamation: 5 January 2026 (Live on IU Cinema’s YouTube channel)

Eligibility

• Must be 18 years or older, resident of South Korea, and have a valid IU Cinema loyalty account.

Entry methods (choose one)

Method	Steps	Reward points
Online quiz	Answer five IU‑related trivia questions on the contest portal.	50 points
Social share	Post a fan‑art or short video with #IUCinemaGoldenTicket on Instagram (public).	30 points
In‑theater purchase	Buy a ticket for any IU Cinema showing in december; receipt auto‑generates a contest code.	20 points

Selection process

• Tier 1: Top 100 point scorers enter a random draw for 20 “Golden tickets.”
• Tier 2: Remaining participants are entered into a secondary draw for 10 “Silver Tickets.”

Golden Ticket prize package

• Front‑row seat at the secret screening + personal meet‑and‑greet with IU.
• Signed limited‑edition “15‑Year Party” poster.
• One‑year free IU cinema membership (unlimited films,popcorn voucher).
• Access to an exclusive virtual Q&A with IU’s director and music producer.

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Star‑Studded Spring 2026 Lineup

Release date	Title	Star cast	Genre	IU Cinema exclusive perk
10 Mar 2026	“Echoes of the City”	IU, Lee Dong‑wook, Park bo‑young	Drama / Thriller	Early‑bird ticket discount (15 %)
24 Mar 2026	“Starlight Express”	Kim Tae‑ri, Park Seo‑joon, IU (cameo)	sci‑Fi / Action	Free 3‑D glasses for all screenings
14 Apr 2026	“Spring Sonata” (musical)	IU (lead), Song Hye‑kyo, Jo Jung‑suk	Musical / Romance	Complimentary digital soundtrack download
28 Apr 2026	“The Last Palette”	Lee Min‑ho, Bae Su‑ji, IU (voice‑over)	Animation	Limited‑edition art print for the first 500 ticket buyers
12 May 2026	“midnight Whisper”	IU, Gong Yoo, Kim So‑hyun	Horror / Mystery	“Golden Ticket” holders receive a private pre‑screening lounge access

Why the spring lineup matters

• Cross‑genre appeal: From thriller to musical, the schedule targets diverse audience segments (K‑pop fans, cinephiles, families).
• Strategic star power: IU appears in four of five titles, reinforcing the brand’s connection with her global fan base.
• Exclusive offers: Each film includes a unique IU Cinema perk,driving repeat foot traffic and loyalty sign‑ups.

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Benefits of Participating in IU Cinema’s 15‑Year Celebration

• Early access to unreleased content – Secret screening provides a first‑look at IU’s new film work.
• Collectible memorabilia – Golden Ticket winners receive limited‑edition items that appreciate in value among fans.
• Enhanced loyalty rewards – Contest points translate into tangible benefits (free membership,discount vouchers).
• Community building – Social‑share entry method encourages fan interaction across platforms, boosting organic reach.

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Practical Tips for Fans

1. Secure your IU Cinema account now – all contest points and ticket purchases are linked to your loyalty profile.
2. Enable push notifications on the IU Cinema app to receive instant alerts for flash giveaways and seat‑release updates.
3. Prepare your social post in advance; high‑quality fan‑art or a short video performs better under the hashtag #IUCinemaGoldenTicket.
4. Arrive early on 15 January; the secret screening’s limited capacity fills quickly,and the “Secret Pass” distribution begins at gate entry.
5. Bookmark the contest calendar – note the 5 january live announcement to tune in for winner reveals and possible surprise bonuses.

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Real‑World Example: Last Year’s Golden Ticket Success

In the 2025 celebration, a fan from Busan won a Golden Ticket to the premiere of “Dreamscape”. The winner reported:

“The backstage meet‑and‑greet with IU was unforgettable. I also received a signed script, which is now displayed in my home office. The experience turned me into a lifelong IU Cinema member.”

The testimonial underscores the lasting impact of IU Cinema’s exclusive events on fan loyalty and brand advocacy.

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