2016 dsff program finalsmall

JUNE 1-5, 2016

NOW OFFERING ASSOCIATE AND BACHELOR’S* DEGREES IN DIGITAL VIDEO & MEDIA PRODUCTION 300 N. 1st Ave, Mpls, MN 1.866.477.4840 | IPR.edu *NOTICE: Federal regulations require the U.S. Department of Education to approve this program for federal financial aid eligibility. The school has submitted this program for review and is awaiting the U.S. Department of Education decision. As of the publication of this print piece, this program is not eligible for federal financial aid.

Information regarding program cost, graduate outcomes, and the occupations each program prepares students to enter can be accessed via links on the individual program Web pages within The Institute of Production and Recording website. The program Web pages can be accessed by using the following link: http://www.ipr.edu/programs.aspx

$5 WEDNESDAYS

@ZINEMA2

EVERY MOVIE. EVERY WEDNESDAY.

WWW.ZINEMA2.COM

Film Production Incentive

Northeastern Minnesota:

It’s all about our locations, locations and locations... and our good nature!

Assisting production companies of feature films, national television programs, Internet programs, documentaries, music videos and commercials that are filmed within the IRRRB service area, directly create jobs and result in economic impact.

For more information, contact: Sheryl Kochevar| 218-735-3021 | sheryl.kochevar@state.mn.us IRRRB | P.O. Box 441, 4261 Hwy. 53 South | Eveleth, MN 55734 http://mn.gov/irrrb/community/grant-programs/film-production.jsp

FILM SCREENING SCHEDULE All Films are FREE of Charge Orange=Visiting Guest in attendance

Wednesday 6/1 7:00 PM

9:00 PM 8 PM- The Seventh Fire

Clyde Iron

Thursday 6/2 7:00 PM Zinema

6:30 The Summer Help

9:00 PM 8:00 The Legend of Swee’ Pea 9:30 MN 13: From Grain To Glass

7:00 PM 7:00 Cats Under The Stars

Teatro Zuccone

9:00 PM 10:00 PM 9:00 Jug Band Hokum

Friday 6/3 7:00 PM Zinema

9:00 PM 9:15 A Stray

7:00 American Fable 7:00 PM

Teatro Zuccone

9:00 PM 8:05 Artificial

6:00 PM 2021

Saturday 6/4 1:00 PM Zinema 1:00 EDU and IPR Showcase

1:00 PM Teatro Zuccone 2 PM MN Magnified Panel discussion

3:00 PM 2:30 Regional Shorts

3:00 PM 3:00 Superior

5:00 PM

7:00 PM

5:00 UMD EFPD Showcase

7:00 IFP Cinema Lounge

5:00 PM

7:00 PM

5:00 Sustainable

9:00 PM 9:15 Vore King

9:00 PM

7:00 Cirkeln

Sunday 6/5 1:00 PM 3:00 PM Zinema 1:00 Dirt and Deeds in Mississippi

5:00 PM

7:00 PM The Comet Theater in Cook, MN

7:00 After The Reality

9:00 PM 9:00 After The Reality

'HOW IS THE FESTIVAL ABLE TO BE FREE OF CHARGE?' We get asked this question a lot.

In 2014 The Duluth Superior Film Festival made a rather bold and somewhat scary decision to not charge any admission to our festival film presentations. We had numerous reasons for why we thought this was the correct choice. Much of it was about expanding our audience and providing access to anyone who wanted to engage with the festival. We felt it took away the risk of attending something new and was a reward to those who supported us when we charged admission.

How can we survive doing this? Donations. Donations from people who come and enjoy the festival events.

Donations from local business who offer goods, services, and sometimes money. Donations of people's time and energy from our volunteers, donations of engagement and donations of word of mouth. Doantions are how we are able to provide a high quality film festival that does not charge admission.

PLEASE, IF YOU ENJOY THE FESTIVAL AND YOU WANT TO SEE IT CONTINUE...DONATE.

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Zinema/Teatro Zuccone Zeitgeist Atrium Fest HQ & Hospitality Center

Red Herring Lounge

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All films at The 2016 Duluth Superior Film Festival are

FREE of Charge

If you would like to obtain priority seating, we recommend purchasing an ALL-ACCESS BADGE.

$30.00 - Festival All-Access Badge

entitles its holder the opportunity to be seated prior to the general public.

Please note that each film or event has a limited capacity and we strongly recommend purchasing an All-Access Badge in advance to assure priority seating.

FESTIVAL HQ AND HOSPITALITY CENTER:

Festival information and general lounging can be found here, in The Zeitgeist Arts Atrium.

You may also pick up All-Access Badges and mingle.

Zeitgeist Arts Atrium 222 E. Superior St. Duluth, MN 55802 PARKING INFO:

For maps and detailed parking information, we encourage you to visit Greater Downtown Duluth’s website at www.downtownduluth.com/maps.

Hospitality Center is generously sponsored by:

HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS

OPENING NIGHT FILM AND RECEPTION: THE SEVENTH FIRE DATE: WEDNESDAY JUNE 1, 2016 TIME: 7:00PM/doors, 8:00PM/show, 9:30 PM reception VENUE: Clyde Iron Works Event Center and Mezzanine FREE admission, FREE beer for Lake Superior Brewing, FREE food from Clyde Iron!

Subject Rob Brown IN ATTENDANCE! When Rob Brown, a Native American gang leader on a remote Minnesota reservation, is sentenced to prison for a fifth time, he must confront his role in bringing violent drug culture into his beloved Ojibwe community. As Rob reckons with his past, his seventeen-year-old protégé, Kevin, dreams of the future: becoming the most powerful and feared Native gangster on the reservation.

Executive Producers Terrence Malick, Natalie Portman, and Chris Eyre present this haunting and visually arresting nonfiction film about the Native American gang crisis.

THE SEVENTH FIRE was made in Minnesota and has screened at the most prestigious film festivals in the world, including a World Premiere at The Berlin International Film Festival and Closing Night presentation at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Film Festival. The Duluth Superior Film Festival is honored to present THE SEVENTH FIRE. Please join us and our partners for a micro-panel discussion following the screening and Native American awareness organizations presentations throughout the festival.

Join us as we celebrate the OPENING NIGHT OF THE 2016 DULUTH SUPERIOR FILM FESTIVAL! SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS.

HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS

CLOSING NIGHT FILM AND SPECIAL EVENT AFTER THE REALITY MN PREMIERE! SUNDAY JUNE 5, 2016 TWO SHOWINGS! 7 PM & 9PM COOK, MN FREE DIRECTOR DAVID ANDERSON IN ATTENDANCE! Scottie Olson is once again trying to find purpose in his life, this time by vying for a woman’s heart on "Young Bucks,” a hit reality TV dating show. After the sudden death of his father, Scottie is forced to quit the series and reunite with his estranged sister, Kate, who put her life on hold to be their father's caretaker and who is grappling with her own life-changing secret. Moving back and forth between Scottie’s turn in the national spotlight and his time reconnecting with Kate at their family's cabin, AFTER THE REALITY is a funny and poignant story about loss, reality show romance, and a brother and sister’s love.

In an effort to celebrate films produced in the Arrowhead region, DSFF is very pleased to host the Minnesota Premiere of the Virgina, MN and Crane Lake shot film AFTER THE REALITY. DSFF supports both the MN Film and TV Board’s and The IRRRB’s incentive programs and want to shine as bright of a light on these undeniably excellent film productions.

Join us as we celebrate the CLOSING NIGHT OF THE 2016 DULUTH SUPERIOR FILM FESTIVAL! SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS.

HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS

CENTERPIECE PRESENTATION: AMERICAN FABLE MN Premiere!

Editor Amanda Griffin in attendance!

Friday, June 3 at 7PM Zinema 2 Duluth, MN FREE When 11-year-old Gitty discovers that her beloved father is hiding a wealthy man in her family's silo in order to save their struggling farm, she is forced to choose between saving the man's life or protecting her family from the consequences of their actions. AMERICAN FABLE is a fairytale thriller set in the 1980s rural Midwest about a courageous girl living in a dark, and sometimes magical world.

Directed by: Anne Hamilton Starring: Kip Pardue, Peyton Kennedy, Richard Schiff, Marci Miller, Gavin MacIntosh & Zuleikha Robinson DSFF is incredibly honored to be showcasing writer-director Anne Hamilton’s debut feature AMERICAN FABLE, which world premiered at SXSW Film Festival this past March to rave reviews.

Having only played a select few festivals, our audience will enjoy an early look at this darkly visionary tale.

SPECIAL IRON RANGE INVASION PRESENTATION: I AM NOT A SERIAL KILLER MN Premiere!

TWO SHOWINGS! Sunday, June 5 at 3 PM and 5 PM The Comet Theater Cook, MN FREE Sixteen-year old John Cleaver is dangerous, and he knows it. He’s obsessed with serial killers, but really doesn’t want to become one. Terrible impulses constantly tempt him, so for his own sake, and the safety of those around, he lives by rigid rules to keep himself “good” and “normal”.

However, when a real monster shows up in his town he has to let his dark side out in order to stop it – but without his rules to keep him in check, he might be more dangerous than the monster he’s trying to kill.

In an effort to celebrate films produced in the Arrowhead region, DSFF is very pleased to host the Minnesota Premiere of the Virgina, MN shot film I AM NOT A SERIAL KILLER. DSFF supports both the MN Film and TV Board’s and The IRRRB’s incentive programs and want to shine as bright of a light on these undeniably excellent film productions.

HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS EMERGING FILMMAKERS PROJECT DULUTH SHOWCASE Saturday June 4 5 PM Zinema MULTIPLE FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE FREE From experimental animation to live action shorts, Emerging Filmmakers Project Duluth Showcase features original videos by area middle school, high school, and university students who participated in workshops and classes at University of Minnesota Duluth over the past year. In collaboration with local arts educators and regional film organizations, Emerging Filmmakers Project Duluth aims to help beginning filmmakers gain skills and confidence creating with moving media. EFPD workshops were funded through an Academic Affairs Public Engagement Grant with additional support from the Department of Art & Design, School of Fine Arts, Fine Arts Academy, and Motion and Media Across Disciplines Lab at UMD.

IPR Presents PRODUCTION IN MN RECEPTION AND AWARD CEREMONY Saturday June 4 Zeitgeist Atrium 8:00-11:00 PM FREE

DSFF is going to invite every organization, production company, filmmaker, producer, actor, film exhibitor, institute of higher education, politician, lobbyist, or interested party who cares about the current climate of film production in MN to come to the lobby of Zeitgeist and talk about it. It is the goal of DSFF to have all of these interested parties come together and discuss what must be done to continue to advance the art of filmmaking in MN and The Arrowhead Region.

With drinks. And food provided by Whole Foods COOP. Like everything else at DSFF…It is FREE.

SPECIAL EVENT ELLIPSIS PRESENTS: DSFF AT RED HERRING LOUNGE

Thursday June 2 9PM-Midnight Launched in 2014, ELLIPSIS has become the go-to online gude to what is happening in Duluth. DSFF is pleased to partner with ELLIPSIS for this very special night.

In association with music films JUG BAND HOKUM and BRINGING IT BACK HOME: PAUL METSA AND CATS UNDER THE STARS, DSFF and Ellipsis are very excited to present a night of music in The Red Room at The Red Herring Lounge. Line-up includes Paul Metsa followed by Clover Street Cronies Free with DSFF identifier!

HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS IFP CINEMA LOUNGE TOUR

SATURDAY JUNE 4 7 PM ZINEMA MULTIPLE FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE FREE Presented by IFP Minnesota in partnership with the Duluth Superior Film Festival with funds from the Minnesota State Arts Board Programmed by Valerie Deus Hosted by Joshua Carlon Featuring shorts films by Keith Hopkins, Nicholas Hansen, Alberto Justiniano, and Matt Osterman For over 25 years IFP Minnesota has presented Cinema Lounge, a monthly screening series of Minnesota-made short films that features filmmakers in conversation about their work and careers.

For the second straight year, IFP MN is taking Cinema Lounge on tour, starting with Duluth!

The next stop will be St. Cloud in November 2016, followed by Fargo/Moorhead in March 2017, and culminating in a final show at Cinema Lounge's long-time home, the Bryant Lake Bowl in Minneapolis. Each Cinema Lounge Tour stop will feature works by filmmakers from across the state-showcasing the best work being created in Minnesota, and connecting filmmakers--and filmmaking communities.

Come for the screenings and conversations and then join us for a reception in the Zeitgeist Lobby.

Appetizers provided by Whole Foods Coop!

ENJOY THE SHOW!

GS

IN GOOD TH AWAIT...

DENFELD 2016

610 East 4th Street Duluth, MN 55805 218.728.0884

4426 Grand Avenue Duluth, MN 55807 OPENING IN 2016!

HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS MINNESOTA FILM MAGNIFIED

FILMMAKER PANEL DISCUSSION 'MAKE IT RURAL' SATURDAY JUNE 4TH 2:00 PM TEATRO ZUCCONE FREE

Minnesota Film Magnified filmmaker panel features a discussion centered on making films in a rural environment. With the success of rural Iron Range made films AFTER THE REALITY and I AM NOT A SERIEAL KILLER, DSFF wanted to shine a light on the tips and techniques used to successfully navigate a rural film shoot and negotiate editing to get the proper feel.

Attendees learn how each panelist came to be involved in their current roles in the film industry, what resources they’ve used to develop their careers, and what they would encourage others to use today.

These resources include: schools; non-profit organizations; grants, scholarships & tax incentives; classes & workshops; and networking opportunities & career building techniques among others.

This panel discussion will also look to engage, inspire and educate the community about what is currently happening with film and video production in Minnesota and in the Arrowhead area.

Panelists include: David Anderson- Director of DSFF's Closing Night Film AFTER THE REALITY Amanda Griffin-Editor of DSFF Centerpiece film AMERICAN FABLE Riki McManus - Director of the Upper Minnesota Film Office • Minnesota Film & TV Board Michael Forstein - VP of Production and Development at Indevu Films • Worked for festivals Tribeca, Rooftop Films

WEEKNIGHTS AT 5:30, 6:30, & 10:00

2016 DSFF JURY MEMBERS In 2013 DSFF presented its inaugural award for Best Film In Competition or as we like to call it-The Lepus Award. These jurors have agreed to view each of the films In Competition and award the 2016 prize. Thank you, Jurors!

Erik Stolhanske

Erik Stolhanske, an actor, writer and producer, is a member of Broken Lizard, a well-known comedy group.

He is probably most recognizable in his role as "Rabbit" in the hit comedy Super Troopers. Stolhanske has written, produced and starred in all of the Broken Lizard's films - including Puddle Cruiser, Super Troopers, Club Dread, Beerfest,The Slammin' Salmon ad the forthcoming Super Troopers 2. Besides writing, acting and producing, Stolhanske travels the country as a public speaker delivering keynote speeches to corporations, colleges, and veterans' groups and volunteering his time to work with the Disabled Veterans of America whenever possible.

Michael Forstein

Michael Forstein is a director and producer from Minneapolis. His films have screened at festivals throughout the country including Sundance, SXSW, AFI, Mill Valley, Indie Memphis, Denver, and Rooftop Films. In between making films he’s helped show them for organizations like Tribeca Film Festival, Chicago International Film Festival, Rooftop Films, and Walker Art Center. In addition, he has taught master classes in filmmaking at the San Francisco Academy of Art, University of Texas-Arlington, and the University of Minnesota. His film 'Heart Of Wilderness' was the winner of The 2015 DSFF Lepus Award.

Joellyn Rock

Joellyn Rock is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Art & Design at University of Minnesota Duluth, teaching in the studio area of Digital Art. Rock has developed a range of new digital media art courses at UMD, such as Digital Art: MixedMedia Studio, Digital Filmmaking: Visual Narratives, Digital Art: Interactive Media, and Digital Methods in Art Education. Her interdisciplinary research draws her to the crossroads of new media art, visual storytelling, and interactive narrative.

DULUTH SUPERIOR FILM FEST STAFF FESTIVAL DIRECTOR/FOUNDER Richard Hansen ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Jordan Brown

Message from the Festival Director Welcome to your 2016 Duluth Superior Film Festival!

Year #7! We're hoping it's a lucky one.

FILMMAKER LIAISON Riki McManus

I'll keep it extra short this year, so we can save some movie watching time.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR Letisha Rice

Every year, the festival emerges in its own way. Films present themselves, opportunities arise, guests agree to visit...and along the way each DSFF gains its own identity. This year is no different, but this year the festival somehow grew a bit darker. We are unsure if it is the mood of our staffers, the current cultural climate, or a combination of all kinds of different factors...but as DSFF turned 7...it turned a bit heavier. And that is fine by us, because these dark stories have a place with us as well.

Our mission includes heavier material. Not every film has to by plucky and light hearted. You've become a very sophisticated audience...we're pretty sure you will appreciate it.

EDUCATION COORDINATOR Matt Cici EVENTS/SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR Brittany Sanford TECH ADVISOR/LOGISTICS Tyler Johnson FISCAL AGENT Zeitgeist Arts FESTIVAL PROGRAM CONSULTANT Joellyn Gum FESTIVAL TRAILER Keith Hopkins-KBJR A very special thanks to our volunteers and to anyone we might have missed!

Thanks as always to our sponsors, volunteers, supporters, and community partners. We sincerely could not do it without you.

I think that's enough from me...enjoy your 2016 festival!

Founder and Director Richard Hansen

acknowledgements

Joellyn Gum Al Milgrom Alex Giuliani ARAC Nick Hansen Grant Carlson Craig Samborski Andrew Peterson Reilly Tillman Clyde Iron Restaurant Oliver Gum Dorothy Gum Earl Gum Lucy Hansen Goldy Gum Paper White Gum

Deanna Hansen Christopher Hansen Buck Hansen Hansen Lake Doug Bremer Irene Synnott Ryan Kern The Jewels of The Nile Steve Grazier Terry Mattson Anna Tanski Bob Gustafson Scott Keenan Ed Newman Brad Nelson Barbara Berry

Jim Brunzell Christa Lawler Emily McNeill Tony Cuneo Andy Bennett Zeppa Family Foundation Dale Kleinschmidt Keith Hopkins Bob DeArmond Alison Wade Sara J. Zeleznikar Mary Somnis Mike Hanson Wide Range Films Troy Parkinson

MN Film & TV Board Susan Nash Allison Heitmiller Shawn McGlaughlin Robyn Pokorny Matt Dressel Duluth Film Collective Cheryl Reitan Susan Nash Mackenzie Astin Zach Shedd Anna Pearce Trey Wodele

The Duluth Superior Film Festival is made possible in part by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to appropriations from the Minnesota State Legislature’s general and arts and cultural heritage funds.

LEPUS AWARD The following 7 films are In Competition for The 2016 Duluth Superior Film Festival's Lepus Award for Best Film In Competition. Good luck to each of these outstanding films and thank you to our talented jury.

SUMMER HELP

Thursday June 2 Zinema 2 6:30 PM FREE Director Melody Gilbert IN ATTENDANCE!

Every summer, thousands of international students descend upon America’s resorts and tourist towns to clean hotel rooms, wash dishes and make pizzas for Americans on vacation. Elena and Nikoleta are college freshmen from small towns in Eastern Europe who need to earn money to pay tuition and help their struggling families. It will be their first international trip, their first time on a plane, and it will be a dream come true … even if they are just going to work as hotel maids in South Carolina. Or will it?

67 Minutes Director: Melody Gilbert

2021

Friday June 3 Teatro Zuccone 6:00 PM FREE Director David Ash IN ATTENDANCE!

John Cooper is a computer programming genius who starts working on a project to reverse engineer human intelligence using a map of the human genome. He becomes increasingly disillusioned and severely depressed as he begins to question any possible meaning of human thoughts and emotions that can be replicated on computer software. On the verge of a mental breakdown, John meets Emily—a shy, bohemian novelist that is unable to find emotional sustenance outside of the world of her own writing. This is the story of two lost souls searching for a shadow of love in an increasingly alienating modern world.

87 minutes Director: David Ash

LEPUS AWARD The following 7 films are In Competition for The 2016 Duluth Superior Film Festival's Lepus Award for Best Film In Competition. Good luck to each of these outstanding films and thank you to our talented jury.

JUG BAND HOKUM

Thursday June 2 Teatro Zuccone 9:00 PM FREE

JUG BAND HOKUM is the feature length directorial debut from Emmy Award winning filmmaker and musician Jack Norton. Quirky, funny and downright bizarre, the film stars Anne Baggenstoss, Brooklynd Turner, Lil’ Majesty and Amnesia Starr. This highly anticipated documentary follows the eccentric lives of musicians competing to win a broken waffle iron in the 33rd Annual Minneapolis Battle of the Jug Bands. The film features guest appearances by Garrison Keillor (of Prairie Home Companion fame), rap legends Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Charlie Parr, Dom Flemons (of the Carolina Chocolate Drops) and many others.

99 minutes Director: Jack Norton

MN 13: FROM GRAIN TO GLASS

Thursday June 2 Zinema 2 9:30 PM FREE

Minnesota craft brewing is not just a 21st century story of taprooms and food trucks.

During Prohibition one of the best and most popular moonshines in the country, known as Minnesota 13, came from Stearns County, Minnesota. Minnesota directors Norah Shapiro and Kelly Nathe pull the curtain back on this little-known story in Minnesota history. Widely regarded as the only branded moonshine of its day, Minnesota 13 was created by church-going farmers with the support of everyone in their community. Double-distilled and aged in oak barrels, Minnesota 13 was far from the bathtub booze the era was famous for.

80 minutes Directors: Kelly Nathe & Norah Shapiro

LEPUS AWARD The following 7 films are In Competition for The 2016 Duluth Superior Film Festival's Lepus Award for Best Film In Competition. Good luck to each of these outstanding films and thank you to our talented jury.

THE LEGEND OF SWEE' PEA

Thursday June 2 Zinema 2 8 PM FREE Director Benjamin May and Producer Joel Pitkin IN ATTENDANCE! Lloyd Daniels’s unlikely rise to the NBA is the stuff that myths are made of: the most soughtafter college basketball recruit of his generation, he got busted buying cocaine in a police sting operation, and two years later was almost killed after getting shot three times in the chest while negotiating an $8 drug deal. Yet, in spite of this, he somehow managed to make it to the NBA without having played a single college game, with remnants of bullets still in his body, and with years of crack addiction behind him.

This film documents Lloyd’s struggle to survive the perilous streets of New York, to navigate in the world of high stakes professional sports, and to overcome a lifetime of addiction. In addition to interviews with Jerry Tarkanian, David Robinson, John Lucas, and Avery Johnson, we use archival footage, current verité, and illustrations to recreate that mythic talent that the young Swee’ Pea displayed in the playgrounds, to express not only his charisma and charm, but also the darker side the unrepentant lone wolf and hustler who, in the words of a friend, is “a rogue…he walks the face of this earth endlessly.”

Moving from the concrete to the dream and back to the concrete, we depict a story that is completely human but also fairy talelike in its utter unlikelihood, cementing Lloyd’s reputation as a flawed hero and the greatest playground legend of all time.

82 Minutes Director: Ben May

ARTIFICIAL World Premiere!

Friday June 3 Teatro Zuccone 8:05 PM FREE Director Lance Karasti IN ATTENDANCE! A neurotic visionary recruits a young photographer to create a program with the ability to recognize beauty. Artificial is a psychedelic character study that blurs the lines between experimental and narrative filmmaking.

70 min Director: Lance Karasti ARTIFICIAL was made entirely in Duluth, MN with a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council.

LEPUS AWARD The following 7 films are In Competition for The 2016 Duluth Superior Film Festival's Lepus Award for Best Film In Competition. Good luck to each of these outstanding films and thank you to our talented jury.

SUPERIOR

Saturday June 4 Teatro Zuccone 3:00 PM FREE Director Edd Benda IN ATTENDANCE!

It’s 1969, during the height of the Vietnam War, two young friends are at a crossroads.

Charlie is on his way to Michigan Tech University, and Derek is counting the days to his inevitable military draft eligibility. Before their futures take hold, the lifelong best friends embark on one final adventure: a 1,300mile bike ride along the shores of the gargantuan Lake Superior. With only two­speed Schwinn bicycles and limited preparation, Charlie and Derek pedal through the massive northern backwoods of Michigan, Minnesota, and Canada. Along the way they face hunger, exhaustion, and the kind of people in the world who never wanted to be found.

90 minutes Director: Edd Benda

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS A STRAY Friday June 3 Zinema 2 9:15 PM FREE stars Barkhad Abdirahman and pup Ayla IN ATTENDANCE!

In Minneapolis’ large Somali refugee community, Adan has nowhere to go. His mom kicked him out, and his friends are tired of his headstrong ways. As a last resort, he moves into the mosque, praying for a little help. Surprisingly, God seems to answer. Adan quickly lands a good job, devout friends, and a newfound faith. When Adan nearly hits a stray dog on the job, he’s forced to take it in for a night. But one of his new mosque friends considers the dog impure, and he throws Adan out. With Adan back on the streets, surrounded by his old crew, ex-girlfriends, prying FBI agents, and his estranged family, the dog may be his only friend as he tries to keep his faith and get through the night.

82 Minutes Director: Musa Syeed

VORE KING

Saturday June 4 Zinema 2 9:00 PM FREE Director Dan S and subject Ray Whalen IN ATTENDANCE!

VORE KING is a detailed portrait of R.P. Whalen, world-famous horror host, trash movie guru, carnival sideshow barker, and America’s premier purveyor of vorarephilia fetish film.

Vorarephilia, popularly known as “vore,” is a sexual fetish where arousal is brought about by the act of one creature consuming another creature, most commonly manifested by monsters eating women. This film follows Whalen’s process of conceiving and constructing an array of vore creatures while he rekindles a bond with his elderly father and battles the demons of suburban Milwaukee.

118 minutes Director: Dan S

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SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS ‘BRINGING IT BACK HOME’ -PAUL METSA AND CATS UNDER THE STARS Thursday June 2 Teatro Zuccone 7:00 PM FREE Director Steven Ash and subject Paul Metsa IN ATTENDANCE!

Virginia native Paul Metsa and his band “Cats Under the Stars” celebrate 40 years on the music making highway, through Minnesota and beyond. His story and that of the ‘Cats’ takes us from the hard drinking, riotous ‘70s bar scene of the Iron Range to the unrestrained ‘80s Minneapolis music scene.

Formed by school age buddies from Virginia in the early-seventies, the sometimes jazz and reggae, often blues and rock and roll band, hit it hard and almost hit it big for a solid decade.

Then founder Paul Metsa went solo and started recording in earnest, earning the title of one of Minnesota’s best folk/rock troubadours. Metsa went on to play with some of the biggest names in the music industry and was dubbed by the Huffington Post, “the other great folksinger from Minnesota’s Mesabi Iron Range.”

Group members Metsa, Tim O’Keefe and Jack Pasternacki share the ups and downs of lifelong musicianship, and a bond that remains today.

Their motto: “The beauty of obscurity is you never go out of style.”

The performance documentary features original music from throughout their careers including the 40th reunion concert recorded live in Duluth in September of 2015.

57 Minutes Director: Steve Ash

SUSTAINABLE Saturday June 4 5:00 PM Teatro Zuccone FREE

America is facing a food crisis driven by profitability and a dependence on non-renewable resources. While the window to restoring our heartland continues to shrink, passionate individuals have emerged who provide hope that the health of our nation might still remain within our grasp.

96 Minutes Director: Matt Wechsler This film has been generously sponsored by:

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS DIRT AND DEEDS IN MISSISSIPPI Sunday June 5 1:00 PM Zinema FREE Director David Shulman IN ATTENDANCE!

Dirt & Deeds In Mississippi is narrated by actor and activist Danny Glover (The Color Purple, Lethal Weapon). It is an inspiring and provocative account of how Black landowning families in Mississippi – who controlled almost 2 million acres of land in the 1960’s and who believed in armed self-defense –became the secret weapon of the non-violent civil rights movement for voting rights and racial equality in America’s most violently racist state.

Dirt & Deeds tells the inspiring story how an independent farmer and teacher who came to own the land on which his great-grandparents were slaves became the first Black candidate elected to a state-wide office in Mississippi in the 20th century.

81 Minutes Directed by David Shulman

IPR Showcase

Saturday June 4 1:45 PM Zinema 2 FREE

Guthrie theater and feature film actor Charles Hubbell has declared that IPR Digital Video and Instructor Andrew Hunt have, “changed the game when it comes to student films - high-quality images, knowledgeable student teams, and professional results.” This collection of IPR short films features an action adventure narrative, a comedy short, and a snowcross documentary short. These three thesis films lead up to the award-winning professional student collaborative short film, Personal Space, directed by Andrew Hunt and crewed by a combination of film professionals and students from IPRs Digital Video and Media Production department.

IPR Showcase includes the following short films: The Hunted: Directed by Ben Thorson A young man lets his confidence get the better of him when he makes a bet with a wealthy stranger and is drugged and pursued by a twisted hunter.

It Happens: Directed by Audrey Swenson.

A young woman with an extreme phobia of public restrooms is forced to face her fear when it becomes her only option.

Levi LaVallee: Directed by Lindsey Lucht.

This short documentary highlights the most monumental moments in the Snocross career of Minnesota native, X Games gold medalist, and world record holder Levi LaVallee.

Behind the Scenes of Personal Space: Edited by Lindsey Lucht A peek behind the scenes of IPR's Award winning student/professional collaboration.

Personal Space: Directed by Andrew Hunt.

A peaceful night turns into a nightmare upon the arrival of an unexpected guest.

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS CIRKELN

Saturday June 4 7:00 PM Teatro Zuccone FREE

An otherworldly evil is slipping into a small town in Sweden. Six unrelated girls have been chosen to fight this evil. Together they must overcome their differences in order to save themselves and the world. The film is based on the bestselling Circle-trilogy, a critically acclaimed series of books.

In Swedish with English subtitles 144 Minutes Director: Levan Akin

EDU Showcase

Saturday June 4 1:00 PM Zinema 2 FREE

Having just completed it's 9th year, The EDU Film Festival has become a vital part of the emerging filmmaking community. By putting students together with filmmakers, industry professionals, and post high school educational institutions, the EDU Film Festival introduces the variety of film industry options available in Minnesota. The festival provides a time and place for emerging filmmakers to interact with each other, form friendships and partnerships, and to create a professional network of peers. EDU aims to provide young filmmakers with an authentic film festival experience, a valuable understanding of the film industry, and an opportunity to screen their movies on the big screen.

EDU Showcase includes the following short films: Jerrad Directed by Scott Tinkham A touching and inspiring short documentary about one young man's perseverance Cheers Imaginary Directed by Frankie Gormley In this peculiar coming of age movie, where a young high school boy struggles with an odd relationship with his imaginary friend.

Spanish Sahara by Foals Directed by Jacob Lundell A bullied and abused boy overcomes his suicidal thoughts Frontier Psychiatrist: A Visual Interpretation Directed by Malcolm Ryshavy A young boy is tormented by the fears of his own psyche after being kicked out of school for his truancy.

Paranormal Accidentally Directed by Avinash Patel A boy thinks he is recording when his camera is off and vice versa and unwittingly films some things he shouldn't.

REGIONAL SHORTS COLLECTION

DSFF presents a collection of short films whose themes are significantly influenced by the people and places of The Twin Ports.

Saturday June 4 Zinema 2:30 PM FREE

BOATS AGAISNT THE CURRENT

Post breakup, a couple meets to exchange belongings and quickly becomes mired in the past when one invokes the hope of 'The Great Gatsby' in an unexpected contemporary light.

11 minutes Dir. David Anderson

ONERE

A young woman bears a strange burden.

8 minutes Dir. Kevin Pontuti

BOOTS

While working to restore an old derelict home, a handyman encounters the unexplainable.

13 minutes Dir. Keith Hopkins

MR. THUNDERBIRD: IN ROD WE TRUST

Built in the early 1960’s, The Thunderbird Hotel, was a unique landmark in Bloomington MN. 7 minutes Dir. Dina Dainty

STUCK IN MUTE

The story of a young woman whose Selective Mutism disorder causes her to live in isolation. It’s not until making unlikely friends with a young boy that she begins to realize that every word counts.

12 minutes Dir. Shane Meuwissen

PERSONAL SPACE

A peaceful night’s rest abruptly turns into a nightmare upon the arrival of an unexpected guest.

10 minutes Dir. Andrew Hunt

LIFE AND ART ENTANGLED

Life & Art Entangled is the beautiful story of one woman leaving her law career to live more creatively.

17 minutes Dir. Joe Olivieri

JACKED

A woman is tormented by a jack-in-the-box with a bad attitude.

3 minutes Dir. Bryce Richards

DYLAN DAYS MUSIC VIDEO WINNERS

The following are the winners from the Dylan Days Music Video Competition.

10 minutes Dir. Multiple Directors