Independent Since ’92:

Featuring Alex Winter.

For 35 years, the St. Louis International Film Festival has celebrated bold voices, original storytelling, and the filmmakers who have always found a way to make something their own.

Join Cinema St. Louis for Independent Since ’92: A Most Excellent Celebration of 35 Years of Independent Film, featuring actor, filmmaker, and longtime independent cinema favorite Alex Winter.

The evening begins with a special VIP reception at Par Lounge from 6–7 PM, including a meet-and-greet with Winter, complimentary food and drinks, early access to the auction, and reserved seating at the Hi-Pointe Theatre.

Doors at the Hi-Pointe open to all guests at 7 PM for our silent and live auctions, with concessions available for purchase.

At 8 PM, Winter will join us onstage for a conversation about his career in front of and behind the camera, his work across independent film and documentary filmmaking, and the creative freedom that has defined so much of his work. The conversation will be followed by audience questions and the presentation of the SLIFF35 Independence Award to Winter, recognizing a career that embodies the spirit of independent filmmaking.

JUST ANNOUNCED: Following the award presentation, Winter will introduce his 2020 documentary, Zappa, a labor of love that takes an in-depth look into the private life and work of American musician, composer, and bandleader Frank Zappa.

SLIFF streamed Zappa during our virtual SLIFF in 2020, and it won the Best Documentary Award that year. We now get to show his film on a big screen in his hometown!

Come celebrate where we’ve been, where independent film is going, and 35 years of SLIFF bringing it all to St. Louis.

Event Schedule

Thursday, October 22, 2026
Hi-Pointe Theatre

VIP Reception: 6–7 PM at Par Lounge
Silent & Live Auction: 7–8 PM at Hi-Pointe Theatre
Conversation with Alex Winter & SLIFF35 Independence Award Presentation: 8 PM
Screening of Winter’s film, Zappa: 9 PM

Tickets

Student Tickets: $20 (with access to reception)*

General Admission: $35

VIP: $75

VIP tickets include the pre-event reception at Par Lounge, meet-and-greet with Alex Winter, complimentary food and drinks, early auction access, early theatre entry, and reserved seating.

* You will be asked to present a valid student ID upon entry to verify your ticket.