Each summer the Empire Ranch Foundation celebrates classic Western movies with outdoor showings at the Historic Empire Ranch on Las Cienegas National Conservation Area. The Empire Ranch Foundation greatly appreciates the support of The Loft Cinema’s sponsorship of these events which help support the preservation of the Empire Ranch buildings and landscape.
Admission to the outdoor showings is free. Bring your own seating, food & flashlights. Snacks and water will be available for purchase.
September 27, 2025 is the date for the showing of Monte Walsh (1970) directed by William A. Fraker and starring Lee Marvin, Jean Moreau, and Jack Palance. The set for the “Slash Y” ranch, featured in the film, was located on Empire Ranch property, south of ranch headquarters.
Loft Solar Cinema
The Loft Solar Cinema is a program that allows Southern Arizona communities to enjoy a free screening of a film of their choosing. The Empire Ranch Foundation has partnered with the Loft Cinema to host showings of:
- Monte Walsh (2025)
- Ulzana’s Raid (2024)
- Gunman’s Walk (2023)
- Night of the Lepus (2023)
- Last Train from Gun Hill (2022)
- Red River (2019, 2025)
- 3:10 to Yuma (2018)
The showings take place outdoors at Empire Ranch Headquarters. A cargo van outfitted with solar panels powers a 12 or 20-foot inflatable screen and state-of-the-art mobile projection system.
Western Movies at the Loft Cinema
From 2011 to 2022 the Empire Ranch Foundation partnered with the Loft Cinema to show classic Western films on the big screen. Prior to the movie a panel of film experts provided interesting background information about the film, with audience participation invited.
Past movie showings at The Loft included:
- Gunfight at the OK Corral (2022)
- Oklahoma (2019)
- The Outlaw Josey Wales (2018)
- Ride the High Country (2017)
- Westward the Women (2016)
- The Shootist (2015)
- El Dorado (2014)
- 3:10 to Yuma (2013)
- Monte Walsh (2012)
- Red River (2011)
