Apr 29, 2025
Cinema Meets Science in a Futuristic Three-Day Spectacle
SCHENECTADY, NY (April 29, 2025) – Film Schenectady, in collaboration with Discover Schenectady, is thrilled to announce the inaugural Sci:Fi Schenectady FilmFest, a groundbreaking three-day festival celebrating the imaginative and thought-provoking worlds of science and sci-fi cinema, to be held Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22. Experience cinema at the intersection of science and science fiction!
Set against the historic and innovative backdrop of Schenectady, the Sci:Fi Schenectady FilmFest will feature award-winning feature films, international and domestic shorts, cult classics, science-inspired screenings, expert panel discussions, immersive exhibitions, and interstellar parties. The festival will take place at multiple venues across the city, including Armory Studios NY, the GE Theatre at Proctors, Scene One Movieland, and miSci (Museum of Innovation and Science).
Full festival passes are available for only $50 (plus handling fee) and include access to all films, panels, and the exclusive Launch Party on Friday night and Out Of This World FilmFest Party on Saturday night. Individual event block tickets are $15 (plus handling fee), and some events are free with reservation. Tickets and information are available at www.scifischenectadyfilmfest.com.
“This event is not just about films, it’s about ideas, imagination, and innovation,” said Donna Pennell, Schenectady County Film Commissioner. “Sci:Fi Schenectady is where science fiction meets science fact, creating a unique platform to explore both the future of cinema and the future itself.”
Highlights include:
- “Mickey 17”, the highly anticipated feature from Oscar-winning director Bong Joon Ho (Parasite).
- “Watch the Skies”, the first international release to use AI visual dubbing technology, accompanied by a panel of experts on AI and film.
- “Stakeout”, filmed locally at Armory Studios NY, and presented by Director Micah Kahn.
- “Resistance”, short film, with a special appearance by award-winning Director Jon Russell Cring
“Often prophetic, sci-fi offers glimpses into futures that may one day materialize, while giving writers and filmmakers the freedom to rewrite the rules and explore the issues of today through the lens of film.” said Director, Jon Russell Cring.
Schenectady is synonymous with some of the greatest scientists of all time and home of General Electric and its storied history of pioneering electronic tech. It is the birthplace of over-the-air broadcast television, and the first regularly scheduled TV programming and news broadcasts. Much of what is seen in sci-fi was invented in Schenectady.
“Schenectady’s legacy of innovation - from Edison’s electricity to today’s AI breakthroughs - makes it the perfect home for a festival like this,” said Todd Garofano, Executive Director of Discover Schenectady. “We look forward to SciFi fans coming in from all over and are proud to host such a unique event that blends entertainment, technology and the community in such a dynamic way.”
Festival Schedule at a Glance:
DAY 1 – FRIDAY, JUNE 20
Armory Studios NY
5:00–8:30 p.m. – Sci:Fi Schenectady Launch Party & Art Night
8:30–10:00 p.m. – When Sci-Fi Was Silent: A Celluloid Moon (Expert Panel)
DAY 2 – SATURDAY, JUNE 21
Scene One Movieland
10:00 a.m. – Shorts Block 1: Space & Time
4:00 p.m. – Shorts Block 2: Future Tech
Proctors Theatre
1:00 p.m. – Feature: The Brother From Another Planet + Guest Panel
6:00 p.m. – Out Of This World Film Fest Party (Atrium)
7:30 p.m. – Short: Stakeout + Feature: Watch the Skies + AI Panel
miSci
11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. – Science Fiction, Science Future Exhibition
Three shows daily – The Planetarium Experience
DAY 3 – SUNDAY, JUNE 22
Scene One Movieland
10:00 a.m. – Feature: The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind
12:00 p.m. – Feature: The Current War
Proctors Theatre
2:00 p.m. – Silent Feature: Woman in the Moon w/ Live Music
7:30 p.m. – Feature: Mickey 17
miSci
11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. – Science Fiction, Science Future Exhibition
Three shows daily – The Planetarium Experience
For the full lineup, trailers, ticketing, and venue information, visit www.scifischenectadyfilmfest.com.
Check out the Discover Schenectady website for more Information on where visitors can eat, drink, play and stay in Schenectady County.