ST. LOUIS — The 35th St. Louis International Film Festival begins November 5 with a significant free-program strand, making the price of admission only part of the access question.

Cinema St. Louis lists 34 free programs, including workshops and shorts, across venues such as Washington University, Julia Davis Library, the Contemporary Art Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum and Arkadin.

Free admission does not guarantee a seat. The organizer encourages advance reservations and says availability can become limited, so readers should check the specific program rather than assume an unticketed walk-in.

Friday’s free lineup includes Hell on Hall Street at 7 p.m. at Washington University’s Brown Hall Auditorium. The documentary examines the campaign to close the Workhouse jail through testimony, archival material and organizing history.

The festival runs November 5–15 and also offers paid films and passes. Its mix of formats gives independent work a setting beyond ordinary commercial releases.

For county residents planning a trip, venue and start time matter as much as price: the programs are spread across the region rather than housed in one building. Individual listings should be checked before travel.