Tallgrass Film Festival Program 2022

PRESENTED BY

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FESTIVAL WELCOME

While putting together the 20th festival program for Tallgrass, we looked back at the beginnings of the festival. While never at a loss for words, we feel that the Stubbornly Independent spirit founded by Timothy Gruver remains all that we need to say. So we yield the 20th program welcome letter back to our founder with his 2003 welcome. His spirit remains with the festival even though he was lost to us too soon in 2006. For the 20th, we honor him and co-founders, Lela Meadow-Conner and Eric Moore.

Sincerely, Melanie Addington Executive Director

Andre Seward Program Director

Hannah Bothner Operations Manager

A Message from Timothy Gruver (2003) It always begins with the flicker of an idea — light passing through celluloid — a series of images brought to vibrant life on the screen – to enlighten, to entertain, to captivate.

So begins the Tallgrass Film Festival. Film is a medium so accessible, so omnipresent, that we often forget it is an art form - the most influential, universal art form of our time. We come home from work, we turn on the television; we get bored sitting in the living room, so we go to the cinema. In our quest to be entertained, we often forgive the most mundane, predictable, familiar of stories and, in the process, subject ourselves to two hours of mediocrity. We at Tallgrass believe that the current state of commercial American filmmaking has given rise to the wealth of film festivals founded in cities across the country and around the world. Now, Wichita has its own festival.

We certainly hope that you will take some risks as you move through Tallgrass with us.

Experiment. Try something new. Be challenged. Allow yourself to be carried away by the people, places, and entirely new worlds represented in our program.

We’re very proud to bring these films to Wichita — and to bring Wichita to these films. We feel certain that our program will inspire you to resist the cinematic status quo – to seek out quality films, embrace exceptional programming goals, and revel in the richer experiences offered by motion picture art.

Enjoy the festival.

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TALLGRASS FILM CREDITS Timothy O. Gruver founded the Tallgrass Film Festival in 2003.

Staff Melanie Addington | Executive Director Hannah Bothner | Operations Manager Tom Mittlestadt | Events Director Larry Knott | Tallgrass Accountant Programming Team Hannah Bothner | Shorts Programmer Andre Seward | Head Programmer & Program Director Tina Truong | Programming Assistant Box Office Doanna Ayon | Box Office Manager Madlyn Medlock | Assistant Box Office Manager Education Thane Chastain | Education Manager Crickett Rumley | Festival Panels Coordinator Events Hugo Phan | Venue Manager Coordinator Jessica Brazil | Logistics and Experience Assistant Kelsey Unruh | Volunteer Coordinator Tina Walterscheid | Community Engagement Coordinator

COME GET YOUR MERCH

SEPT. 28-OCT. 2 IN THE LUX 120 E. 1ST. ST N.

TALLGRASS FILM CREDITS Media John Wildman | Publicist Ashley Lundblade | Green Carpet Assistant and Photographer Karen Lundblade | Photography Coordinator Josh S. Williams | Webmaster and Design Coordinator Hospitality Shannon Boone | Hospitality Manager Delilah Reed | Social Host Brian Gray | Beverage Coordinator Maria Garcia | Transportation Coordinator Ciara Duarte | Runner Tech Naythan Smith | Technical Manager Dev Shapiro | DCP Manager Interns Olivia Gonzales Caitlyn Cody Board of Directors Janice Van Sickle (President) Mark Janzen (President-Elect) Veronica Seberger (Secretary) Anna Heustis (Treasurer) Adam Gunnels (Past President) Sarah Leslie Julian Montes Jonathan Wood Kate Bastian Dennis Murphy Emily Bonavia (Emeritus)

Todd Ramsey Dr. Eva Henry Bob Nugent Denise Sherman Holly Dyer Lester Rowe Alicia Sanchez Ann Keefer Jane Schlapp Lisa Tatum Floyd Gruver (Emeritus)

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TALLGRASS FILM CREDITS Screening Committee William Brittendall, Buddy Lee, Shannon Fitts, Bryan Clark, Robert Lynn, Yulia Arispe Korotkova, Charity Hicks, Tyler Powell, Brandon Bena, Larry Salvato, Jan Swartzendruber, Debbie Riley-Williams, Greg Cooper, Kaelyn Hannah, Mischere Kawas, Logan Reich, Noah Ramer, Lori S, Satchel Owens, John Hale, Caitlyn Cody, Lea Hahlbeck, John DeCesaro, Elizabeth Eckrote, Oliver Webb, Susan Moeder, Tuesday Tidmus, Crystal Massie, Victoria D'Ambrosio, Matt R, Erica Houser, Sheryl Esau, Steve Gardner, Justin Herpolsheimer, Alec Willford, Kelcy Yadon Emerging Programmer Apprentices Cameron Bathoummy, Adam Bosworth, Wyatt Carmichael, Cahill Jones, Shayla Mai, Hayden Munro, Mick Snyder Entertainment & Decor Committee Ann Spikes, Gianna Williams, Jovana Johnson, Shan Jabara, Sue Ellen Petrillo, Tanya Merritt, Will Pyles, Will WIlliams, Anita Raghavan, Tavrick Lawless, Max Abood, Jason Tapler

TALLGRASS CELEBRATES 20!

Join us on Wednesday, Sept. 28th as we honor our founders at the 20th film fest at Exploration Place Dome.

Bright-eyed fest leaders. Pictured (l. to r.) Lela Meadow-Conner, Tyler Emerson (intern), Eric Moore, & Tim Gruver

Keep up with the conversation online using #Tallgrass20th

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TALLGRASS CELEBRATES 20!

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By Tyler Emerson Today, I am an OG (Original ‘Grasser). But twenty years ago, I was 17 years old, a high school kid. I’d read an article about Tim Gruver. A Hollywood veteran, he was bringing film to Doodah! The next day, I became the first volunteer for the Tallgrass Film Festival. It quickly became a household endeavor. Our home served as a hostel for fest producers Lela Meadow-Conner and Eric Moore each year (as well as visiting filmmakers on occasion). Tim took over the kitchen table and office so often that the house was quickly dubbed Tallgrass East, while my parents, Jeff Emerson, and Kari Schmidt, became affectionately known as “Ma and Pa Fest.”

As a volunteer for the first two years, I saw the scope of Tim’s dream.

Tallgrass was an event! The Old Town Warren provided a world-class theater experience. The first feature, Bomb The System, set the tone for audiences: this is independent film! Laura Lee Bahr became a mainstay alumni filmmaker after Jesus Freak became a sleeper hit. Joel and Kelly Fein, former Hollywood filmmakers, brought Gary Busey to jam after a screening of The Buddy Holly Story. Cloris Leachman received the first Ad Astra Award recognizing contributions to independent film. And AMPAS recognized native Wichitan Hattie McDaniel with artwork by artist Jason Kinchion. It touched off a greater interest in filmmaking locally and helped launch Wichita’s cultural revival.

As senior staff, I watched Eric and Lela keep Tim’s vision alive through Shortgrass, a one-day event after Tim’s passing. Lela’s decade of executive leadership afterward marked progress and expansion. She established the juried awards: the Stubbornly Independent Award recognizing small-budget films and the award recognizing female filmmakers. And she established the Emerging Filmmakers Program, providing local students a path into a wider industry similar to the experience Tim gave me. As a programmer in later years, knock-down dragouts with Shan Jabara, Nick Pope, and Gretchen Mitchell led to celebrated programs featuring films from up-and-comers like Noah Lang, David Phillips, Morgan Cooper, Sav Rodgers, Elle Callahan, Emily Ting, the Nee Brothers, and The Nelms brothers, to name a few.

As a filmmaker, I experienced Tallgrass as Tim always saw it: a filmmakersfirst festival. Off the beaten path from industry-centric fests, it’s the fact that Tallgrass lets filmmakers escape the pressure of the industry. It’s the fact that the industry should have its eye on Tallgrass. It’s the fact that Tallgrass and Wichita surprise filmmakers expecting a podunk experience receiving instead high-class hospitality and a city and event that like to keep their “cool” slightly below the radar.

I’m in the business today as an attorney and producer. A great part of that goes to the two decades of community I found through the festival. Happy Twentieth Anniversary, Tallgrass! Here’s to many more!

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BOX OFFICE & FEST VENUES BOX OFFICE & MERCHANDISE | 120 E. 1st St. N. (The Lux) Days/Hours: September 26-October 2 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM PASS & TICKET PRICING VIP TALLPass $250 (All Access Pass) FilmPass $100 (Access To Films Only) VirtualPass $50 (Access To All Virtual Films) General Admission $12 Matinee Admission $10 (Start Time Before 4 pm) Senior, Military, Student, and Teacher Admission (Use discount code: Service) $6 Gala Screening $15 Gala Movie + Party $45 Virtual Ticket $5

ONLINE BOX OFFICE | tallgrassfilm.org You may purchase TALLPasses, FilmPasses, and admission to all films/galas online or at the door with a credit card before each screening begins.

THEATRE AND EDUCATION VENUES Exploration Place Dome | 300 N. McLean Blvd.

Tallgrass Film Center | 120 E. 1st St. N. The Orpheum Theatre | 200 N. Broadway Scottish Rite (Temple Live) | 332 E. 1st St. N. CAC Theatre at WSU | 1845 Fairmount St. Regal Warren Old Town | 353 N. Mead Advanced Learning Library | 711 W. 2nd St. N. Kansas Leadership Center | 325 E. Douglas Ave. PARTY/RECEPTION VENUES VIP Lounge in the Candela at The Lux | 120 E. 1st St. N. Exploration Place Dome | 300 N. McLean Blvd.

Ulrich Art Museum at WSU | 1845 Fairmount St. Public at the Brickyard | 129 N. Rock Island Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum | 204 S. Main Advanced Learning Library | 711 W. 2nd St. N.

GENERAL INFORMATION

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PARKING | NEW IN 2022: A Park and Ride Shuttle hosted by Tallgrass will travel between venues every 30 minutes, so you can park once and ride free all day. The parking lot is at Exploration Place on McLean Blvd. but you can catch the shuttle from any venue. Metered parking is available on the street for a fee during weekdays but is free after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends.

Scottish Rite (Temple Live) has daily parking for $2. Accessible parking is available at each venue.

RESERVED SEATS | Seating is first come, first served. Most venues can hold everyone, but Tallgrass Film Center has 25 seats, so reserve in advance to guarantee a seat! We strongly encourage you to be at the theatre and in your seat 15 minutes before showtime.

RUN TIMES | Film running times do not include introductions, shorts, and Q&As. Most blocks are 2 hours total. The films are in order of when they play at the festival. Films are in English unless otherwise noted. Reminder to check online for schedule for updates and more information. Learn more at tallgrassfilm.org.

RATING GUIDE | Most films have not been rated by the MPA. Films are listed as All Ages, 13+, or Mature for rating suggestions. Parental discretion is advised.

HEALTH & SAFETY | Tallgrass follows all COVID-19 health and safety protocols, including suggested masks indoors regardless of vaccine status. We will continue to update and revise our protocols to reflect the most current safety standards. Due to variants, event plans and COVID-19, restrictions can change.

ACCESSIBILITY | All in-person venues are ADA accessible. Most films in the program will have open or closed captions. See the website for details on which films will have captions or reach out to info@tallgrassfilm.org.

Accessible parking is available at each venue.

FAQS | Please see the website for detailed explanations on how to use the Eventive ticketing system. https://tallgrassfilm.org/festival-faq/

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GALA FILMS

Enjoy an evening of quality cinema followed by a party to celebrate the film.

Planes, Trains and Automobiles sponsored by Kansas Strong and Lava & Tonic Wed. Sept 28, 7 pm | Exploration Place Dome 9 pm Party | Exploration Place Director: John Hughes | 93 min. | Rated: R A Chicago advertising man must struggle to travel home from New York for Thanksgiving, with a lovable oaf of a shower curtain ring salesman as his only companion. In Person Only. Preceded by the short film Twenty | 20 min. | World Premiere.

Four Samosas sponsored by Steve Anderson Thursday, Sept. 29, 7 pm | Orpheum Theatre 9 pm Party | Public at Brickyard Director: Ravi Kapoor | 80 min. | Rated: 13+ Community Partner Wichita Asian Association An unmotivated South Asian American rapper, along with three other first time thieves, plans a heist on a grocery store owned by his ex-girlfriend's father, in order to steal her wedding diamonds and disrupt her pending engagement. Preceded by the short films Down Town Wolves (Take 36 Winner) | 6 min. and Twenty | 20 min.

The Mojo Manifesto: The Life and Times of Mojo Nixon Sponsored by Public at Brickyard, Steve Anderson Thursday, Sept. 29, 7 pm | Regal Warren Old Town 9 pm Party | Public at Brickyard Director: Matthew Eskey | 85 min. | Rated: Mature Also in documentary feature competition. Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.

Relentless touring, a record deal, college radio airplay, and MTV exposure lead to unexpected mainstream success for Mojo Nixon. The song Elvis Is Everywhere is a cult phenomenon, but his next single is banned by MTV, and Mojo makes a decision that could jeopardize his career. Preceded by the short film Human | 9 min. | World Premiere.

GALA FILMS

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All Man: The International Male Story Friday, Sept. 30, 7:30 pm | Temple Live (Scottish Rite) 9 pm Party | Outside Orpheum Theatre Directors: Bryan Darling, Jesse Finley Reed | 83 min.

Rated: Mature | Community Partner Positive Directions.

Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.

A small-town dreamer with a big idea leads an unlikely band of outsiders to create the International Male catalog. Preceded by the short film Starf*ckers | 15 min.

We Were Famous, You Don't Remember: The Embarrassment sponsored by Rick & Monica Nutt, Art Busch & JoAnn Lofland, Janice & Jeff Van Sickle, Hatman Jack's, Vortex Souvenir, Ron & Lee Starkel, and Planet Hair Friday, Sept. 30, 6 pm | Orpheum Theatre 8 pm Party & Concert | Outside Orpheum Theatre Directors: Daniel Fetherston + Danny Szlauderbach | 93 min. | Rated: 13+ | World Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas. Community Partner Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum.

Ignited by punk’s invasion of the Great Plains, America’s gawkiest and greatest lost rock band battles conformity in Reagan-era Kansas. Preceded by the short film Case of the Mondays (Take 36 Audience Winner) | 6 min.

Still Working 9 to 5 sponsored by Kansas Strong & Ad Astra Financial Group Sunday, Oct. 2, 7 pm | Orpheum Theatre 9 pm Closing Night Party | Advanced Learning Library Director: Camille Hardman & Gary Lane | 91 min.

Rated: 13+ | Kansas Premiere. Community Partner The Women's Network & League of Women Voters of Kansas.

When the highest grossing comedy of 1980, 9 to 5 (starring Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, Dabney Coleman, and Lily Tomlin) exploded onto cinema screens, the laughs hid a serious message about women’s inequality in the office.

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SPOTLIGHT FILMS

An opportunity to view a selection of films that have garnered excitement and attention worldwide.

It Is In Us All Thursday, Sept. 29, 9 pm | Tallgrass Film Center Director: Antonia Campbell-Hughes | 92 min. | Rated: Mature | Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.

Premiere.

Hamish is forced to confront his self-destructive core when a violent car crash involving a precocious teenager challenges him to face his truth. Preceded by the short film Memento Mori | 9 min. | Kansas What We Leave Behind sponsored by WSU Office of Diversity & Inclusion and Lava & Tonic Friday, Sept 30, 10:30 am | Scottish Rite (Temple Live) Director: Iliana Sosa | 71 min. | Spanish and English Language | Rated: All Ages | In Person Only.

After a lifetime of bus rides to the US to visit his children, Julián quietly starts building a house in rural Mexico. In filming his work, his granddaughter crafts a personal and poetic love letter to him and his homeland. Preceded by the short films El Carrito | 15 min. | Spanish and More Than I Want To Remember | 14 min. | Spanish.

Lowndes County And The Road To Black Power Sponsored by Kelly W. Johnston Friday, Sept 30, 2 pm | Regal Old Town Directors: Geeta Gandbhir and Sam Pollard | 90 min.

Rated: Mature | Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas. | Community Partner Wichita Branch of NAACP & ICTUP. The story of the local movement and young Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) organizers who fought not just for voting rights but for Black Power in Lowndes County, Alabama. Preceded by the short film Visions | 10 min. | Kansas Premiere | Available At Home In Kansas.

SPOTLIGHT FILMS

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Death and Bowling Friday, Sept 30, 4:30 pm | Temple Live (Scottish Rite) Director: Lyle Kash | 63 min. | Rated: Mature Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.

In a fractured, dream-like world, a transgender actor struggles with what it means to be seen after the beloved captain of his lesbian bowling league dies, and a mysterious stranger shows up at the funeral. Preceded by the short film How Not To Date While Trans | 13 min.

Little Satchmo Sponsored by Drury Hotels Saturday, Oct. 1, 12:30 pm | Orpheum Theatre Director: John Alexander | 61 min. | Rated: 13+ Available At Home Globally. Community Partner Wichita Jazz Festival.

Louis Armstrong is iconic to the world — a symbol of musical genius, unparalleled success, and unassailable character. To Sharon, he was simply Dad. Preceded by the short film Tapping Into Our Past, Tapping Into Our Future: Ayodele Casel | 10 min. | Midwest Premiere.

Donnie Darko (35 mm) | Sponsored by Lava & Tonic Saturday, Oct. 1, 3 pm | Orpheum Theatre Director: Richard Kelly | 113 min. | Rated: R After narrowly escaping a bizarre accident, a troubled teenager is plagued by visions of a man in a large rabbit suit who manipulates him to commit a series of crimes.

Preceded by the short film Desi Standard Time Travel | 20 min.

Check online for schedule for updates and extended film information, trailers, and your virtual box office. Learn more at:

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SPOTLIGHT FILMS Immediate Family sponsored by Ann Keefer and Spektrum Muzik Saturday, Oct. 1 at 7 pm | Scottish Rite (Temple Live) Director: Denny Tedesco | 101 min. | Rated: 13+ Available At Home In the US. Community Partner Damm Music Center’s Rock Academy.

Immediate Family tracks the rise and collaborations of a group of legendary studio musicians through the 1970s, 80s, and onward, chronicling their illustrious partnerships and their formidable record of hit-making.

Butterfly in the Sky Sponsored by Second Wednesday Book Club Saturday, Oct. 1, 9 pm | Orpheum Theatre Directors: Bradford Thomason, Brett Whitcomb | 87 min.

Rated: 13+ | Kansas Premiere. In Person Only. Community Partner Phillips Fundamental Learning Center. 500 free tickets will be set aside for those who donate a children's book. See website for details.

Reading Rainbow introduced the world to one of the most adored television hosts, LeVar Burton.

No Place Like Home: The Struggle Against Hate In Kansas Sponsored by Kansas City Film Office Sunday, Oct. 2, 1 pm | Orpheum Theatre | Book Signing Sunday, Oct. 2, 2 pm | Orpheum Theatre Director: Kevin Wilmott | 57 min. | Rated: 13+ Work in Progress Screening. In Person Only. Community Partner Wichita Pride, Inc. Directed by Kansas' own Oscar winner Kevin Willmott, No Place Like Home takes you on a deep red state tour to meet people who have found themselves battling for LGBTQ rights in the most unlikely places. In rural Trego County, Salina, and Topeka, you'll meet some of the people C.J. Janovy profiles in her book No Place Like Home: Lessons in Activism in LGBT Kansas (University Press of Kansas, January 2018). Preceded by the short films Scream | 2 min.

World Premiere and with Death, by Koji | 12 min. and Love, Barbara | 12 min.

SPOTLIGHT FILMS

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Hidden Letters sponsored by Bungelow 26 Thursday, Sept. 29, 3 pm | Exploration Place Dome Director: Violet Du Feng | 86 min. | Rated: All Ages | Chinese & English | Midwest Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas. Community Partner Wichita Asian Association.

Two Chinese women try to balance their lives as independent women in modern China while confronting the traditional identity that defines and oppresses them. Preceded by the short film Stories Within | 10 min. | Kansas Premiere.

Mama Bears Sunday, Oct. 2, 4:30 pm | Orpheum Theatre Director: Daresha Kyi | 90 min. | Rated: All Ages Available At Home In Kansas. Community Partner Free Mom Hugs - Kansas.

Follows women who reshape almost every aspect of their lives with love. Preceded by the short film short Gaydream | 7 min. | Kansas Premiere.

DREAMGRASS Presented by

Experience a dystopian, post-apocalyptic world. Common rules of civilization have gone awry. Sentient technology threatens your space. You find an oasis —a place for solace through simple tasks. Can you trust what is real and what is delusion? Visit in the Exploration Place Tallgrass Entrance Sept. 28-October 2.

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STUBBORNLY INDEPENDENT COMPETITION

Named after long-time volunteer, the Jake Euker Stubbornly Independent juried category sponsored by The Cotillion highlights domestic narrative films with a budget of under $750,000. Experience the magic of the Stubbornly Independent spirit.

Paris Is In Harlem Friday, Sept. 30, 1 pm | Scottish Rite (Temple Live) Director: Christina Kallas | 110 min. | Rated: Mature Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In the US. On the eve of New York City’s controversial “No Dancing” law getting repealed, the lives of several strangers are forever changed by a shooting at a historic jazz bar in Harlem.

The Civil Dead Friday, Sept. 30, 3:30 pm | Orpheum Theatre Director: Clay Tatum | 103 min. | Rated: Mature Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.

A struggling photographer is forced to reunite with an old friend who ends up being more of a curse than a blessing. Preceded by the short film Mickey Dogface 10 min. | Kansas Premiere | Available At Home Globally.

Attack, Decay, Release Friday, Sept. 30, 10 pm | Tallgrass Film Center Director: H.P. Mendoza | 70 min. | Rated: 13+ Kansas premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.

Attack, Decay, Release is a sci-fi musical piece featuring 18 electronic dance songs by H.P. Mendoza that chronicles the migration of humans after Earth is decimated by a deadly virus. Preceded by the short films Out Of This World | 17 min. | Kansas Premiere and Hot Singles | 9 min. | Kansas Premiere.

Save the date!

October 5-8, 2023

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STUBBORNLY INDEPENDENT COMPETITION Disfluency sponsored by Kansas University Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Saturday, Oct. 1, 1:30 pm | Regal Old Town Director: Anna Baumgarten | 96 min. | Rated: 13+ Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.

Community Partner Wichita Family Crisis Center.

After failing her final college class, Jane returns home to her family's lake house and comes to terms with the trauma that derailed her senior year.

East Bay Sponsored by Moeder & Associates Saturday, Oct. 1, 6 pm | Tallgrass Film Center Director: Daniel Yoon | 94 min. | Rated: 13+ World Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas. Community Partner Wichita Asian Association.

A micro-budget comedy/drama about a Korean American man who, at age 39, decides he’s had it with trying to be happy and successful. English & Korean. Preceded by the short film Wei-Lai | 14 min. | Chinese.

The Unknown Country Sponsored by Lava & Tonic Sunday, Oct 2, 12 pm | Tallgrass Film Center Director: Morrisa Maltz | 85 min. | Rated: 13+ Kansas Premiere. In Person Only.

The Unknown Country follows a grieving woman (Lily Gladstone) as she travels from the Midwest to the TexasMexico border following an invitation to reconnect with her estranged Oglala-Lakota family. Preceded by the short film Datsun | 15 min.

Tallgrass Art Fair & Food Trucks

Where: Outside the Orpheum When: October 1, 11 am to 2 pm What: Check out Lear Heath Studio, Coloring the Cosmos, Write Vibez Publishing, Dockery Designs, Shop Risky LLC, Shurley Concessions, The Big Nerd, Travieso's Food Co., TISSU Sewing Studio, Reverse Mindset, MLW Malissa Long Wear, Comais Place, and Landen Swearingen Art | Vendors subject to change

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FEMALE FILMMAKER COMPETITION

The Female Filmmaker juried competition sponsored by Fidelity Bank now includes narrative and documentary films (previously known as DOXX).

Deconstructing Karen Thursday, Sept. 29, 11 am | Orpheum Theatre Director: Patty Ivins Specht | 75 min. | Rated: 13+ Kansas Premiere. In Person Only.

The premise is simple: What if white women could wake up and participate in ending racism? Watch out: Karen and Becky are coming to dinner. Preceded by the short films Nigerian Letter | 3 min. Black Beauty | 27 min.

Klondike Thursday, Sept. 29, 11:30 am | Scottish Rite (Temple Live) Director: Maryna Er Gorbach | 100 min. | Rated: Mature Ukrainian, Russian, Chechen, Dutch | Kansas Premiere.

Available at home in the US. Community Partner International Rescue Committee.

The story of a Ukrainian family living on the border of Ukraine and Russia during the start of the war. Irka refuses to leave her house even as the village gets captured. Shortly after, they find themselves at the center of an international catastrophe.

A Place in the Field sponsored by Kansas University Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences Friday, Sept. 30, 5 pm | Regal Old Town Director: Nicole Mejia | 84 min. | Rated: 13+ | In Person only.

When veteran Gio Scuderi receives a package and a letter from an old friend, he sets out on a journey across the American Southwest to fulfill a promise made long ago during deployment. Preceded by the short film Soldier | 22 min.

Keep up with the conversation online using #Tallgrass20th

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FEMALE FILMMAKER COMPETITION

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God Save the Queens Saturday, Oct. 1, 10 am | Scottish Rite (Temple Live) Director: Jordan Danger | 87 min. | Rated: 13+ Midwest Premiere. In Person Only. Community Partner Wichita Pride, Inc. A dramedy about four drag queens who find themselves at the very same therapy retreat. To overcome issues holding them back, they dissect their problems, told in vignettes of their lives. They discover common ground; perhaps, it wasn't serendipity that brought them together. Maybe they're not alone? Preceded by the short film Make Me A King | 16 min. | Kansas Premiere.

Refuge Sunday, Oct. 2, 5 pm | Regal Old Town Directors: Erin Bernhardt and Din Blankenship | 76 min.

Rated: 13+ | Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In the US. Community Partner International Rescue Committee.

A leader in a white nationalist hate group finds healing from the people he once hated - a Muslim heart doctor and his town of refugees. Refuge illustrates the roots of hate, its devastating impacts, and how it can be overcome.

NOVEMBER 4th, 5th, & 6th

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GORDON PARKS COMPETITION

The Gordon Parks category celebrates the legacy of famed Kansan Gordon Parks by highlighting Black-directed films in this juried competition sponsored by Cargill.

Our Father, the Devil Thursday, Sept. 29, 2:30 pm | Scottish Rite (Temple Live) Director: Ellie Foumbi | 108 min. | Rated: Mature | French The film also competes in the female filmmaker competition. Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.

An African immigrant’s quiet life is upended by the arrival of a charismatic Catholic priest who reminds her of her troubled past.

After Sherman Thursday, Sept. 29, 5 pm | Scottish Rite (Temple Live) Director: Jon-Sesrie Goff | 91 min. | Rated: Mature Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.

A story about inheritance and the tension that defines our collective American history. Preceded by the short films Prolyfyck | 9 min. | Midwest Premiere and The Pulpit: Prelude | 9 min.

Anastácias Saturday, Oct. 1, 11 am | Regal Old Town Director: Thati Almeida | 81 min. | Rated: Mature Portuguese | The film also competes in female filmmaker competition. Kansas Premiere. Available At Home Globally. Community Partner The Women’s Network.

The story of four women who have troubled relationships but still show deep affection for each other while surviving in the Jabaquara district, on the outskirts of the city of São Paulo. Preceded by short film August Sky | 16 min.

Keep up with the conversation online using #Tallgrass20th

@tallgrass |

@tallgrassfilm

GORDON PARKS COMPETITION

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Amansa Tiafi (Public Toilet Africa) Saturday, Oct. 1, 3 pm | Exploration Place Dome Director: Kofi Ofosu-Yeboah | 95 min. | Rated: Mature Ewe, Ga, Twi, English, Polish | Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.

Years after her disappearance, a reticent Ama returns to the city where she was gifted to a white art collector as a little girl. Preceded by the short $75,000 | 14 min.

Black Daddy: The Movie Sunday, Oct. 2, 12:30 pm | Exploration Place Dome Director: Damon Jamal Taylor | 83 min. | Rated: All Ages World Premiere. In Person Only. Community Partner Heros Academy, Rise Up For Youth, & Juneteenth ICT. A beautiful and captivating display of storytelling by black men as they journey through deep dialogue around experiencing fatherhood in America. Preceded by the short film In Search Of...Pregame 25 min. | Kansas Premiere.

Me Little Me Sunday, Oct. 2, 5 pm | Tallgrass Film Center Director: Elizabeth Ayiku | 84 min. | Rated: Mature Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.

Mya, an ambitious young woman, learns the hard way that life doesn't pause when one decides it's time to heal. Preceded by the short film Body Paragraphs | 21 min. | USA Premiere.

Check online for schedule for updates and more film information, trailers, and the virtual box office. Learn more at:

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KANSAS FEATURE COMPETITION

There’s no film like those from home. Films in this juried competition category sponsored by City Arts were made by Kansans or made in Kansas.

Mary Deboutez Zellmer Fenoglio Thursday, Sept. 29, 2 pm | Orpheum Theatre Director: Sam Huntley | 90 min. | Rated: 13+ World Premiere. In Person Only.

An intimate portrait filmed across ten years of Mary DeBoutez Zellmer Fenoglio, a charismatic and complex septuagenarian born and raised in rural Kansas. Mary runs a curiosity shop out of her front yard, builds giant furniture, and dreams of becoming an artist one day.

Once Was Lost: The 70-Year Search for Chaplain Emil Kapaun sponsored by Alumni of Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School Thursday, Sept. 29, 4:30 pm | Orpheum Theatre Directors: Travis Heying, Roy Wenzl | 59 min. | Rated: 13+ Available At Home Globally. Community Partner Father Kapaun Cause, Catholic Diocese of Wichita.

Raised on central Kansas's plains and farm fields, Emil Kapaun aspired to become a Catholic priest from a young age. Later, his aspirations grew to include serving in the Army as a chaplain. Kapaun posthumously received the Medal of Honor in 2013. The Vatican is currently investigating his life for sainthood. It was thought his remains would never be recovered. But in March of 2021, Kapaun's nephew received a phone call he never expected. Preceded by the short films Kansas Honor Flight Documentary | 12 min. | Available At Home Globally and So That Others May Live 7 min. | Kansas Premiere | Available At Home Globally.

Join us at the Tallgrass Film Center!

The fun doesn’t have to end Sunday! Join us year round at the Tallgrass Film Center for indie films. Buy a ticket or join as a member. Learn more at:

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KANSAS FEATURE COMPETITION PPP Loan Gone Friday, Sept. 30, 11 am | Regal Old Town Directors: Devon Bray & Naiya Lilly | 133 min.

Rated: Mature | Available At Home Globally.

The recent pandemic has caused many small businesses to struggle to keep their doors open. With relatively lax requirements and the option for forgiveness, the PPP federal loan program offered hope to small businesses and street-wise entrepreneurs.

It Started with a Horse Saturday, Oct. 1, 4 pm | Scottish Rite (Temple Live) Director: Joshua Dubois | 79 min. | Rated: 13+ World Premiere. Available At Home Globally. Community Partner Fisch Haus.

It Started with a Horse is a biographical documentary of legendary Western Kansas folk-artist M.T. Liggett.

Filmed over the course of 20 years, this documentary is an unfiltered look into the unbelievable and unapologetic life M.T. lived. Preceded by the short film Fake Tools 3 min. | World Premiere | Available At Home Globally.

Personal History Sunday, Oct. 2, 3 pm | Exploration Place Dome Director: Tyler W. Moore | 78 min. | Rated: All Ages World Premiere. Available At Home Globally.

While researching for a grant, a history major and her documentarian friend discover a man who has not physically aged in over 100 years. They set out to learn everything they can about his life and to meet the phenomenon himself. Preceded by the short film Better to Have Loved | 23 min.

World Premiere.

Save the date!

October 5-8, 2023

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DOCUMENTARY FEATURE COMPETITION That Thing | That Sound sponsored by Linda Nugent, REALTOR, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and Bob Nugent Friday, Sept. 30, 1 pm | Orpheum Theatre Director: Kelsey Hammer-Parks & Nathan M. Emerson 71 min. | Rated: All Ages | Midwest Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas. Community Partner Wichita-Sedgwick County Historical Museum.

A love letter to the steel guitar, following one man’s journey to pass on his knowledge and keep the instrument alive. Preceded by the short film Opera for Earth Presents: The Arts Earth Festival | 17 min.

The Pez Outlaw sponsored by Kathy & Jim Siebert Sunday, Oct. 2, 2 pm | Orpheum Theatre Directors: Amy Bandlien Storkel & Bryan Storkel 87 min. | Rated: 13+ | Kansas Premiere. In Person Only.

Steve Glew, from rural Michigan, spent ten years smuggling Pez dispensers into the USA from Eastern Europe, making millions of dollars. It was all magical until... his arch-nemesis, the Pezident, decided to destroy him. Preceded by the short film Time Cop: Justice Has a New Name 19 min. | Kansas Premiere.

2022 AD ASTRA

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In a career spanning five decades, this year’s Ad Astra recipient, living legend Lloyd Kaufman, has directed cult classics such as Tromeo and Juliet and The Toxic Avenger, co-founded world-famous Troma Entertainment, and championed indie filmmakers of every variety. Community Partners The Gate Record Store and Wichita Big Screen.

The Toxic Avenger Saturday, Oct. 1, 5:30 pm | Orpheum Theatre Directors: Michael Herz, Lloyd Kaufman | 82 min.

Rated: Mature | Available At Home Globally.

Tromaville has a monstrous new hero. The Toxic Avenger is born when meek mop boy Melvin falls into a vat of toxic waste. Now evildoers will have a lot to lose.

Preceded by the short film Call Me Snake | 5 min.

World Premiere. Available At Home Globally Poultrygeist: Night of the Living Dead Saturday, Oct. 1, 3 pm | Tallgrass Film Center Director: Lloyd Kaufman | 102 min. | Rated: Mature Available At Home Globally.

When the American Chicken Bunker builds on the site of an ancient Native American burial ground, the displaced spirits take revenge! Preceded by the short film Bone Appetit | 21 min. | Available At Home Globally #ShakespearesShitstorm Saturday, Oct. 1, 10 pm | Tallgrass Film Center Director: Lloyd Kaufman | 94 min. | Rated: Mature Available At Home Globally.

Mad scientist Prospero runs away with his blind daughter Miranda to Tromaville, hiding from evil pharmaceutical execs, including his own sister Antoinette who ruined his career after he found the cure for opioid addiction. Preceded by the short film Blender | 5 min. | World Premiere.

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NARRATIVE FEATURE COMPETITION Shall I Compare You To A Summer's Day Wednesday, Sept. 28, 10 pm | Tallgrass Film Center Director: Mohammad Shawky Hassan | 66 min.

Rated: Mature | Arabic & English | Kansas Premiere.

Available At Home In the US.

Shall I Compare You to a Summer's Day? is a contemporary queer musical taking Arab folktales as its formal reference and Egyptian pop music as its primary sonic material. Preceded by the short film Warsha | 16 min. | Arabic Available At Home In the US. Quantum Cowboys Sponsored by Lava & Tonic Saturday, Oct. 1, 12:30 pm | Exploration Place Dome Director: Geoff Marslett | 100 min. | Rated: 13+ Midwest Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.

A rotoscoped time travel western. Preceded by the short film In the Mountains | 5 min.

Midday Black Midnight Blue Saturday, Oct. 1, 3 pm | Regal Old Town Directors: Samantha Soule & Daniel Talbott | 88 min.

Rated: Mature | Midwest Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.

In this cinematic poem about love, loss, and healing, a man grapples with shifting memories of a woman he once loved. His existence turning ever darker, he will have to let her go before his imagined life swallows him whole. Preceded by the short film Kiddo | Midwest Premiere | 11 min.

Join us at The Tallgrass Film Center!

The fun doesn’t have to end Sunday! Join us year round at the Tallgrass Film Center for indie films. Buy a ticket or join as a member. Scan QR code to learn more.

NARRATIVE FEATURE COMPETITION

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Wes Schlagenhauf Is Dying sponsored by Lava & Tonic Saturday, Oct. 1, 4:30 pm | Regal Old Town Director: Parker Seaman | 78 min. | Rated: Mature Midwest Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.

After finding out their best friend is dying, filmmakers Parker and Devin decide to document their journey to see Wes one last time - all in the name of Hollywood success. Preceded by the short films (ha-ha) | 6 min. and Down We Go | 11 min.

Dogleg Sunday, Oct. 2, 12:30 pm | Scottish Rite (Temple Live) Director: James "Al" Warren | 80 min. | Rated: 13+ North American Premiere. Available At Home In the US. A balding director named Alan loses his fiancé’s dog at a gender reveal party on the morning of an important shoot. A film critic named Nick Pinkerton makes candid observations on a series of interconnected shorts that Alan has spent his money making. As the pursuit of the lost dog and the chaos of the short films begin to blend, Alan grows desperate for the day to be over.

Preceded by the short film Bunny | 8 min. | World Premiere.

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MURMURATIONS COMPETITION

Inspired by Joan Miró’s mural Personnages Oiseaux found at Ulrich Museum of Art at Wichita State University; Murmurations is the newest category at Tallgrass. The category aims to highlight the connection between Kansas and Miró’s home country Spain through his unique artwork. This connection is continued in the film selection, showcasing films that strongly connect to Spain.

Films are in Spanish unless otherwise noted.

Home Owners Sponsored by Crain Company, WSU Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and Ulrich Museum of Art Thursday, Sept. 29, 5:30 pm | CAC Theatre Directors: Pablo Aragüés, Marta Cabrera | 75 min.

Rated: All Ages | US Premiere. Available At Home Globally.

A young couple finds their dream house. Their new home ends up being a dream come true in more ways than one. Preceded by the short film The Bathtub | 19 min. | Catalan language.

Finlandia Sponsored by WSU Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and Ulrich Museum of Art Thursday, Sept. 29, 8 pm | CAC Theatre Director: Horacio Alcalà | 92 min. | Rated: Mature Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In the US.

5 min. | World Premiere.

After a devastating earthquake hits Oaxaca, the lives of the Muxes (so-called third gender people) there will never be the same. Preceded by the short film Mierda

COME GET YOUR MERCH

SEPT. 28-OCT. 2 IN THE LUX 120 E. 1ST. ST. N.

SHORTS COMPETITION

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Film blocks are in alphabetical order. Please see the website for languages, captions, and geo-blocking (Kansas, US or World).

Comedy Short Films Ha-ha's, chuckles, and laughs are available here! We’ve got all of your comedy needs, from surprising comedy to dark comedy to just plain funny.

Content Warning: gun violence/violence Sunday, Oct. 2, 3 pm | Scottish Rite (Temple Live) | 95 min. | Rated: Mature Block includes: An Example of Lee-Roth Fog Isolated Under Laboratory Conditions, Could This Have Been An Email, Cruise, Dinner Party, Dollar Generals, Lucy, NonNegotiable, The Manager Position, The Mountain, Valid Glitter, and We Should Get Dinner!

Documentary Short Films Explore stories from the past and present; get lost in the inspirational, heartwarming, and eye-opening stories of real people and places. Content Warning: depictions of sex, mentions of addiction, death, and trauma Thursday, Sept. 29, 12 pm | Exploration Place Dome | 103 min. | Rated: 13+ Block includes: A Slice of Paradise, Art Chooses Us, Free to Care, Gina, Restoring Néške’emāne, Stranger Than Rotterdam with Sara Driver, The Hairdresser / La coiffeuse, and Video Visit

Drama Short Films Stories from the more dramatic side of the street. Content Warning: mentions of suicide, sexual situations, and strong language Sunday, Oct. 2, 10 am | Scottish Rite (Temple Live) | 108 min. | Rated: Mature Block includes: de closin night, Dọlápọ̀ Is Fine, Elevate, Hoar, La Macana, Maddie, Red Line, and The Plumber

Save the date!

October 5-8, 2023

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SHORTS COMPETITION

Horror & Bloody Short Films Spooky, scary, gory, spine-tingling, and maybe a few laughs too! Content Warning: strong language, blood, violence, and scary situations Saturday, Oct. 1, 12:30 pm | Scottish Rite (Temple Live) | 107 min.

Rated: Mature Block includes: Canceled, Deep Clean, Deliver, Drift, Shark, Slasher Squad, The Bottom, The Housesitters, The Well, and Witchy

Identity Short Films These films explore questions like: Who am I? Who do I want to be? How does my ancestry or where I’m from shape me? Content Warning: strobe effects, physical abuse, and nudity Sunday, Oct. 2, 11 am | Regal Old Town | 105 min. | Rated: Mature Block includes: Bus Girl, Close Ties to Home Country, Half, High Power, Intimacy Workshop, Loves Baby Soft, Valentine, XAR - Sueño de Obsidiana, and You've Never Been Completely Honest

Kitchen Sink Short Films sponsored by Conlee, Schmidt & Emerson These shorts give you everything but the kitchen sink! We cannot guarantee that there are no kitchen sinks in these shorts.

Friday, Sept. 30, 10 am | Orpheum Theatre | 108 min. | Rated: Mature Block includes: Ang Motel, Bird in the Peninsula, Convection, "jokes", North Star, Riskfalling, The Dress, and Three Points of Suspension

Let’s Get Weird Short Films Weird, strange, peculiar, eccentric, funky: this program is a cosmic gumbo of interesting shorts. Content Warning: assault, mentions of suicide, and strong language Friday, Sept. 30, 7:30 pm | Tallgrass Film Center | 105 min. | Rated: Mature Block includes: Dog Lover, In The Waking Dust, Julian, Le Censeur Des Rêves (Censor Of Dreams), Milk Snake, The Diamond, The Nipple Whisperer, and Twitching

SHORTS COMPETITION

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Music & Dance Short Films Trip the light fantastic and strike up the band because this program isn’t the same old song and dance! Content Warning: strong language Friday, Sept. 30, 3 pm | Exploration Place Dome | 107 min. | Rated: Mature Block includes: Bow, Call It What You Will, Elvis of Laos, F^¢k ‘€m R!ght B@¢k, Heart Failure, Incursion, Mama I’m Through, Tank Fairy, The End of the Squirrel, The Muse, and We Dance

Relationship Short Films It’s not just romance in this film block; we’ve got families and friendships because the world needs plenty of love. Content Warning: strong language Sunday, Oct. 2, 5 pm | Scottish Rite (Temple Live) | 105 min. | Rated: 13+ Block includes: Anniversary, Dead Bird Hearts, OMI, Ramen, The Lonely Store, The Man of My Dreams, The Marigolds Listen, and Wild Card

Timothy Gruver Spotlight on Kansas Short Films Competition Award Sponsored by City Arts All short films in this program are made by Kansans or former Kansans.

Content Warning: sexual assault, self-harm, suicide, and strong language Saturday, Oct. 1, 10 am | Orpheum Theatre | 101 min. | Rated: Mature Block includes: As the Crow Flies, Goodnight Mr. Vincent Van Gogh, Grand Nationals - The '74 Fire, It’s OK to not be OK, Searching for La Yarda, Shaky Hands, Something to Fear, The Cycle, The Den, Vegan Apocalypse

Vortex Short Films Our newest category! This one is all about animation and experimental films. Content Warning: sexual assault, violence, some strong language, and some mild strobe effects Friday, Sept. 30, 12 pm | Exploration Place Dome | 108 min. | Rated: Mature Block includes: (Cathedral), 7LBS 8OZ, Among the People, Assaman, Empire of My Melodious Mind, Everybody Goes to the Hospital, land and flower, May We Know Our Own Strength, Omnipotent Glow, Phainesthai, We Are Here, and Where are the Files?

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FREE FRIDAY FILMS

Friday Sponsored by The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic Sponsored by Eva Henry, M.D./Neurologist Friday, Sept. 30, 11 am | Advanced Learning Library Director: Teemu Nikki | 82 min. | Finnish | Rated: Mature | Available at home in the US. Jaakko is blind and disabled. He loves Sirpa. Living far away, they have never met in person, but they meet daily over the phone. When Sirpa is overwhelmed by shocking news, Jaakko immediately decides to go to her despite the challenges. Preceded by the short film Susan and Leslie 5 min. | World Premiere.

The Art of Rebellion Sponsored by Eva Henry, M.D./Neurologist Friday, Sept. 30, 1:30 pm | Advanced Learning Library Director: Libby Spears | 78 min. | Rated: 13+ | Kansas Premiere. In Person Only. Also in documentary feature competition.

The Art of Rebellion follows LA-based street artist, activist, and single mother, Lydia Emily, as she fights against an unforgiving healthcare system while she battles the symptoms of progressive multiple sclerosis. Preceded by the short film The Body is a House of Familiar Rooms | 10 min.

Kansas Premiere.

Joel Fein Spotlight on Emerging Filmmakers Short Films Sponsored by Wichita State University School of Digital Arts Friday, Sept. 30, 4:30 pm | Kansas Leadership Center | Industry Mixer Friday, Sept. 30, 5:30 pm | Kansas Leadership Center | 94 min. | Rated: 13+ Short films from the next generation of great filmmakers! All films are made by filmmakers 18 or younger. Join us for the industry mixer at 4:30pm to meet the Emerging Programmer Apprentices that helped to craft the program.

FREE SATURDAY FILMS

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Saturday Sponsored by

Smallgrass Short Films sponsored by Wichita Mom Content Warning: some mild strobe effects.

Saturday, Oct. 1, 11 am | Advanced Learning Library 111 min. | Rated: All Ages The perfect program for our younger film fans. A mix of animation and liveaction films that will appeal to all ages, especially those under 18.

Block includes: Cloud Boy: An Autistic Journey, Dance or Drive, Deep Fears, Frank & Emmet, Hermie, Homebird, My Summer Vacation, Persimmon Branch, Shakespeare for all Ages, The Devil Will Run, The Messenger, The Perfect Fit, and Turning the World

Motherhood Short Films sponsored by Wichita Mom Content Warning: sexual assault and abortion, addiction, and strong language.

Saturday, Oct 1, 2 pm | Advanced Learning Library 110 min. | Rated: 13+ Mothers to be, working mothers, struggling mothers, new mothers, mothers with grown children, mothers with unconventional children, and people who choose not be mothers.

Block includes: Holding Moses, Mama Retreat, Mamma, Matka/Polka, My Duduś, Placenta Pâté, The Girl at the Motor Hotel, and Unbound

Keep up with the conversation online using #Tallgrass20th

@tallgrass |

@tallgrassfilm

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EDUCATION

All panels and conversations will be held in the Candela in the Lux. The panel entrance is on Market Street. All panels are free and open to the public.

Feature Film Distribution: What Filmmakers Need to Know Thursday, September 29, 10 am - 11 am With the rise of AVOD, SVOD, and TVOD, there are numerous outlets in search of feature content these days. So why is securing a distribution deal so challenging?

What do distributors wish filmmakers knew about deliverables and marketing?

What do filmmakers wish they had known before they signed a contract or booked a sales agent? Is theatrical distribution possible in today’s climate? And how feasible is self-distribution?

Marketing Your Film, or The Only Thing You Can Control is Your Poster Friday, September 30, 10 am - 11 am In today’s social media- and advertising-saturated world, savvy filmmakers know they need marketing skills if they are to find – and capture the attention of – their audiences. How do you create trailers, posters, and press kits that connect? What types of social media campaigns and events get films noticed? And how do you get critics to review your work?

Your Story, Your Screen: Storytelling From Within Your Community Friday, September 30, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Communities historically underrepresented in the Hollywood film industry have also been excluded from decisions around which stories were told about them and how characters were presented. As the filmmaking world becomes more diverse and inclusive, how is representation behind and in front of the camera changing?

Which stories do we need to hear more of? See less of? And how can audiences take power into their own hands and advocate for more of their stories on their theater, television, and cell phone screens?

Conversation with Lloyd Kaufman Saturday, October 1, 2:30 pm - 4 pm In a career spanning five decades, living legend Lloyd Kaufman has directed cult classics such as Tromeo and Juliet and The Toxic Avenger, co-founded worldfamous Troma Entertainment, and championed indie filmmakers of every variety.

EDUCATION

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Festival Strategy: How to Get the Most Out of Your Film Festival Experience Sunday, October 2, 10 am - 11 am Festivals create space for filmmakers to connect with audiences as well as with other filmmakers and industry professionals, so what are best practices for leveraging them in moving your career forward? This panel will explore what to budget for in your festival run, why you should pre-network before the festival begins, how to meet people at networking events, and other tips for maximizing opportunities the festival world offers.

Get Started in Film: How to Transition into Production With Skills and Resources You Already Have Sunday, October 2, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm Got an idea for a film that you’re dying to shoot, but you’re not sure where to begin because you didn’t go to film school? Start with who and what you already know!

Film production requires skills like project management and logistics, accounting and construction, cooking and legal. And artists creating in other media can draw on their experiences to create fresh work. Come hear how our panelists who began in other professions harnessed their own skills to get films in the can.

TALLPASS HOLDERS ONLY Filmmaker Networking Lunch with Film Festival Alliance Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm During these lunchtime sessions, we’ll have an expert at each dining table so that you can meet them personally, pick their brains, hear their wisdom, then hop to the next table and connect with another expert. Get ready to level up and be inspired!

Meet the Filmmakers and Media Roundtable Saturday, October 1, 9 am - 11 am Want to meet the people behind this year’s films in a setting more casual than a Q&A? Trying to figure out what you want to watch this weekend? Want to know more about a film you just saw? Join us for an informal mix and mingle session with the filmmakers of Tallgrass 2022! Come grab a cup of joe or tea and bring those questions and observations for some of the best minds in indie filmmaking today!

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TALLGRASS FILM JURY

Stubbornly Independent and Narrative Feature Jury Milan Kumar Chakraborty Milan Chakraborty, Head of Film at Marginal MediaWorks, oversees all of the company’s efforts in independent, studio, and streaming film. He is an 18-year veteran of the film industry.

Aaron Hillis Aaron Hillis is the Director of Programming (VOD) at Cinedigm. He was praised by Brooklyn Magazine as one of "The 100 Most Influential People in Brooklyn Culture" alongside Lena Dunham and Spike Lee.

Dan Mirvish Dan Mirvish is an award-winning filmmaker with a recent win at Tallgrass with 18 ½ and author of The Cheerful Subversive's Guide to Independent Filmmaking (Focal Press), frequent film school guest lecturer, and co-founder of the Slamdance Film Festival.

Female Filmmaker and Documentary Jury Faridah Gbadamosi Faridah Gbadamosi is a pop culture-obsessed lover of film working towards making the space more inclusive. She is currently the Artistic Director of Outfest.

TALLGRASS FILM JURY

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Victoria Gayer Victoria Gayer is a Wichita-based actress and producer, known for Ghostwriter, Wish You Were Here, and Mack.

Mye Hoang Mye Hoang is a Los Angeles-based producer and director. She has directed numerous films showcased internationally and recently won at Tallgrass with Cat Daddies.

Gordon Parks Jury Tamara Mariam Dawit Tamara Mariam Dawit is an Ethiopian-Canadian producer and director. Her most recent film is the award-winning documentary Finding Sally which premiered in 2020 and won the Tallgrass Gordon Parks category in 2021.

Robert Daniels Robert Daniels is a Chicago-based film critic with freelance bylines in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, RogerEbert.com, Polygon, and at The Playlist. He has written widely about Black American pop culture and issues of representation.

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TALLGRASS FILM JURY

Gordon Parks Jury cont.

Sean Armstrong Sean Armstrong is an award-winning entrepreneur and seasoned business professional with more than 15 years of experience across many functional areas and co-founder of Homestead Entertainment.

Kansas & Vortex Jury Harmon Sisters Sara Harmon is a local director/producer and Adjunct Professor at Wichita State University and Friends University. Charity Harmon is a local director/producer and freelancer. The two sisters co-produced Who Scammed Rajah Rabbit? which won the Tallgrass 2021 Kansas Doc Short.

Alex Liu Alex Liu is a New York-based writer, director, and producer. His first film, A Sexplanation, won Outstanding First Feature at the 2021 Tallgrass Film Festival.

Cheri Gaulke Director/Writer/Producer Cheri Gaulke is a pioneer in the feminist art movement in Los Angeles, working in film and visual art. Her films have been screened in national and international film festivals. Her film Miss Alma Thomas: A Life In Color won the 2021 Tallgrass Doc Short Award.

TALLGRASS FILM JURY

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Narrative Shorts Jury Diane Becker Diane is a Peabody Award-winning producer and a graduate of the American Film Institute. She is the co-founder of Fishbowl Films alongside Melanie Miller. Their latest film, Navalny, won both the U.S. Documentary Audience Award and the Fest Favorite Award at the 2022 Sundance Film Fest and can currently be seen on CNN and HBOMax. Allyson Morgan Allyson Morgan is founder of award-winning film and theatre collective F*It Club. Her short film, Sitting, won Outstanding Narrative Short at Tallgrass Film Festival. First Date, her newest short, commissioned by 20th Digital Studio, is currently airing on Hulu in their Bite-Size Halloween series and is being developed as a feature film.

James Kautz James Kautz (he/him) is hailed by The New York Times as “fearless” and as “fiercely talented” by Time Out New York. James is the founder of Red Seed Films, an independent film production company whose stories focus on personal transformation, gender, and identity. Frankie has won several awards, including Best Narrative Short at Tallgrass.

Tallgrass Art Fair & Food Trucks

Where: Outside the Orpheum When: October 1, 11 am to 2 pm What: Check out Lear Heath Studio, Coloring the Cosmos, Write Vibez Publishing, Dockery Designs, Shop Risky LLC, Shurley Concessions, The Big Nerd, Travieso's Food Co., TISSU Sewing Studio, Reverse Mindset, MLW Malissa Long Wear, Comais Place, and Landen Swearingen Art | Vendors subject to change

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TALLGRASS FILM JURY

Murmurations and Documentary Shorts Enrique Navarro Associate Professor of Spanish, Wichita State University.

Jennifer Merin Film critic and activist Jennifer Merin is President of the Alliance of Women Film Journalists and Editor-in-Chief of AWFJ.org, for which she also writes the Cinema Citizen blog.

Jean Anne Lauer Jean Anne Lauer has promoted the development and exhibition of film and media on the festival and independent cinema circuits, specializing in Latinx, Iberoamerican, and Indigenous titles. Currently, Jean programs sidebar titles at Cine Las Americas and short films with Fantastic Fest.

Emerging Filmmaker Jury Geib Lusenaka An upcoming professional video editor, Geib Lusenaka’s goal is to graduate from Wichita State University and continue his freelance work until his experience grows to full-time studio work.

TALLGRASS FILM JURY

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Alyssa Pfeifer A Media Arts major at Wichita State University, Alyssa Pfeifer found her passion for telling stories through filmmaking at a young age. She looks forward to pursuing all aspects of filmmaking, especially motion graphics and film editing, after her graduation in 2023.

Legacy Victorio-Coto Legacy Victorio-Coto is a production manager and pre-production specialist studying at Wichita State University. She is a senior pursuing a degree in Media Arts in Film.

EDA Jury The Alliance of Women Film Journalists EDA Awards recognize the amazing work done by and about women in film – both in front and behind the camera.

2022 is the second consecutive presentation at Tallgrass. EDA Awards are presented in two Best Female-Directed categories for feature length and short films. The festival nominates the films. AWFJ jurors watch the films, deliberate and vote for a winner in each category. The EDAs are named in honor of AWFJ founder and President Jennifer Merin’s mother, Eda Reiss Merin, a stage, film and television actress whose career spanned more than 60 years. Founded in 2006, AWFJ is a nonprofit 501(c)3 professional membership association of highly esteemed women film critics and reporters based across the US and Canada, in the UK, Australia, Austria, Germany and Serbia. For more information about AWFJ, our members and our EDA Awards, visit AWFJ.org.

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SPONSORS

PRESENTING SPONSOR

OFFICIAL BEVERAGE SPONSOR

PRODUCING SPONSORS

PREMIER SPONSORS

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

SPONSORS SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS

GRANT SPONSORS

MEDIA SPONSORS

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SPONSORS VENUE SPONSORS

CINEPHILE SPONSORS

Anthony & Lynda Addington Arts Council/City Arts Berkshire Hathaway PenFed Realty Robert & Linda Nugent Bungalow 26 Dave and DJ Burk Chicken Poop Lip Junk Cognitive Performance & Health Conlee Schmidt & Emerson Bree & Jason Cox Crain Company Crown Uptown Emily Dean Design, Etc. Docking Family Foundation Eva Henry, M.D./Neurologist

Flamingo Ink Foulston Seifkin, LLP Furniture Options GLMV Architecture Adam Gunnels Anna Heustis Insite Real Estate Jane Schlapp Kansas University Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences KC Film Office Ann Keefer Kirby’s Larkspur Bistro & Bar Lava & Tonic Lucky’s Lux Ballroom

COME GET YOUR MERCH

Margarita's Maximum Outdoor Equipment NuWay Old Mill Tasty Shop Stev Overstreet Pizza Ranch Proludio Alicia Sanchez Second Wednesday Book Club Star Lumber Charitable Trust Texas Roadhouse Tourbox, LLC Workroom ZipSip

SEPT. 28-OCT. 2 IN THE LUX 120 E. 1ST. ST. N.

SPONSORS Alumni of Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School Arctic Glacier Ice Bicycle X-Change Bud & Toni Gates Connie's Cookies Dennis Murphy DJ Carbon Ed and Gidget Watson Farha Construction Fiorito Floyd & Kaye Gruver Hatman Jacks Hopping Gnome Brewing

PATRON SPONSORS

Company Kansas Underground Salt Museum - Strataca La Galette Local Roasters Lynda L & Mark CarrierMetz Molino's Planet Hair Pro Kansas Recycling Rain Cafe & Lounge Reverie Coffee Fritz and Jennifer Robinson Ron & Lee Starkel

Specs Eyewear T-Mobile The Health Connection Theatrical Services Inc. Van Chase Studios Vortex Souvenir Yokahoma Ramen Joint OIII Gentry Kevin Pham Coming Together for a Cure Dark Thread Video DROB Fitness RMI

TALLGRASS FILM CENTER SUPPORTERS

Melanie Addington & Josh Williams Clay & Kate Bastian Art Busch & Jo Anne Lofland Lori Callahan Thane Chastain Discord Illusions Holly Dyer & Gary Owens Jim & Ruthie Gillespie Cassandra & Damon Heart

Eva Henry, M.D. Arta James Madeline Janzen Mark Janzen & Jessica Branning Sheri Kaufman-Marsh Marty Lang Sarah Leslie Jamil Malone Susan & Leon Moeder

Julian Montes William Morris Lynette & Dan Murphy Bob & Linda Nugent Jennifer Ray Fritz & Jennifer Robinson Kathy & James (Jim) Siebert Jeff & Janice Van Sickle

20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

Mario Abasola Arby's Aspen Boutique B. Young Salon Milan Chakraborty Club Car Wash Jeanette Clement Lisa Crenshaw Henry Eshelman Kyle & Tom Futo Stephanie Goddard Jeff Kennedy & Patti Gorham Hairy Sofa Pet Grooming

Cassandra & Damon Heart Kelly W. Johnston Kansas Aviation Museum Karg Art Glass Suzanne Laycock Brook Lund Fawn McDonough Joe Miller Music Theatre of Wichita Joel Nollette/Get Reel Productions Maureen O’Brien Margaret Ochs

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Angie Paul Greg Rincker Marcia Scurfield Naomi Shapiro Denise Sherman Tony Shock Melissa Simpson Brittney Squire Vikki Jo Stewart Woody Swain Wichita Fence Co Inc Wichita Star

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A-Z INDEX

"jokes" 30 (Cathedral) 31 (ha-ha) 27 #ShakespearesShitstorm 25 $75,000 21 7LBS 8OZ 31 A Place in the Field 18 A Slice of Paradise 29 Ad Astra Recipient 25 After Sherman 20 All Man: 11 The International Male Story Amansa Tiafi 21 (Public Toilet Africa) Among the People 31 An Example of Lee-Roth Fog 29 Isolated Under Laboratory Conditions Anastácias 20 Ang Motel 30 Anniversary 31 Art Chooses Us 29 As the Crow Flies 31 Assaman 31 Attack, Decay, Release 16 August Sky 20 Better to Have Loved 23 Bird in the Peninsula 30 Black Beauty 18 Black Daddy: The Movie 21 Blender 25 Body Paragraphs 21 Bone Appetit 25 Bow 31 Box Office & Fest Venues 8 Bunny 27 Bus Girl 30 Butterfly in the Sky 14 Call It What You Will 31 Call Me Snake 25 Canceled 30

Case of the Mondays 11 Close Ties to Home Country 30 Cloud Boy: An Autistic Journey 33 Convection 30 Could This Have Been An Email 29 Cruise 29 Dance or Drive 33 Datsun 17 de closin night 29 Dead Bird Hearts 31 Death and Bowling 13 Death, by Koji 14 Deconstructing Karen 18 Deep Clean 30 Deep Fears 33 Deliver 30 Desi Standard Time Travel 13 Dinner Party 29 Disfluency 17 Doc Feature Competition 24 Dog Lover 30 Dogleg 27 DỌLÁPỌ̀ Is Fine 29 Dollar Generals 29 Donnie Darko 13 Down Town Wolves 10 Down We Go 27 Dreamgrass 15 Drift 30 East Bay 17 Education 34-35 El Carrito 12 Elevate 29 Elvis of Laos 31 Empire of My Melodious Mind 31 Everybody Goes to the Hospital 31 F^¢k '€m R!ght B@¢k 31 Fake Tools 23 Female Filmmaker Competition 18-19 Sponsored by Fidelity Bank

A-Z INDEX Festival Welcome 2 Finlandia 28 Four Samosas 10 Frank & Emmet 33 Free Friday Films 32 Sponsored by Evergy Free Saturday Films 33 Sponsored by Evergy & Fidelity Bank Free to Care 29 Gala Films 10-11 Gaydream 15 General Information 9 Gina 29 God Save The Queens 19 Goodnight Mr. Vincent Van Gogh 31 Gordon Parks Competition 20-21 Sponsored by Cargill Grand Nationals - The '74 Fire 31 Half 30 Heart Failure 31 Hermie 33 Hidden Letters 15 High Power 30 Hoar 29 Holding Moses 33 Home Owners 28 Homebird 33 Hot Singles 16 How Not To Date While Trans 13 Human 10 Immediate Family 14 In Search Of...Pregame 21 In the Mountains 26 In The Waking Dust 30 Incursion 31 Intimacy Workshop 30 It Is In Us All 12 It Started with a Horse 23 It's OK to not be OK 31 Julian 30

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Kansas Feature Competition 22-23 Sponsored by City Arts Kansas Honor Flight Doc 22 Kiddo 26 Klondike 18 La Macana 29 land and flower 31 LE Censeur De Rêves 30 (Censor of Dreams) Little Satchmo 13 Love, Barbara 14 Loves Baby Soft 30 Lowndes County and 12 The Road To Black Power Lucy 29 Maddie 29 Make Me A King 19 Mama Bears 15 Mama Retreat 33 Mama, I'm Through 31 Mamma 33 Mary Deboutez Zellmer Fenoglio 22 Matka/Polka 33 May We Know Our Own Strength 31 Me Little Me 21 Memento Mori 12 Mickey Dogface 16 Midday Black Midnight Blue 26 Mierda 28 Milk Snake 30 More Than I Want to Remember 12 Murmurations Competition 28 Sponsored by Ulrich Museum of Art and Diversity & Inclusion at WSU My Duduś 33 My Summer Vacation 33 Narrative Feature Competition 26-27 Nigerian Letter 18 No Place Like Home: 14 The Struggle Against Hate in Kansas

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A-Z INDEX

Non-Negotiable 29 North Star 30 OMI 31 Omnipotent Glow 31 Once Was Lost: The 70-Year 22 Search for Chaplain Emil Kapaun Opera for Earth Presents: 24 The Arts Earth Festival Our Father, the Devil 20 Out Of This World 16 Paris is in Harlem 16 Persimmon Branch 33 Personal History 23 Phainesthai 31 Placenta Pâté 33 Planes, Trains and Automobiles 10 Poultrygeist: 25 Night of the Chicken Dead PPP Loan Gone 23 Prolyfyck 20 Quantum Cowboys 26 Ramen 31 Red Line 29 Refuge 19 Restoring Néške'emāne 29 Riskfalling 30 Scream 14 Searching for La Yarda 31 Shakespeare for all Ages 33 Shaky Hands 31

Shall I Compare You To 26 A Summer's Day Shark 30 Shorts Competition 29-31 Slasher Squad 30 So That Others May Live 22 Soldier 18 Something to Fear 31 Sponsors 42-45 Spotlight Films 12-15 Starf*ckers 11 Still Working 9 to 5 11 Stories Within 15 Stranger Than Rotterdam 29 with Sara Driver Stubbornly Independent 16-17 Competition Sponsored by The Cotillion Susan and Leslie 32 Tallgrass Art Fair & Food Trucks 17, 39 Tallgrass Celebrates 20 7 Tallgrass Film Credits 4-6 Tallgrass Film Jury 36-41 Tank Fairy 31 Tapping Into Our Past, 13 Tapping Into Our Future: Ayodele Casel That Thing | That Sound 24 The Art of Rebellion 32 The Bathtub 28 The Blind Man Who Did Not 32 Want to See Titanic

Save the date!

October 5-8, 2023

A-Z INDEX The Body is a House 32 of Familiar Rooms The Bottom 30 The Civil Dead 16 The Cycle 31 The Den 31 The Devil Will Run 33 The Diamond 30 The Dress 30 The End of the Squirrel 31 The Girl at the Motor Hotel 33 The Hairdresser / La coiffeuse 29 The Housesitters 30 The Lonely Store 31 The Man of My Dreams 31 The Manager Position 29 The Marigolds Listen 31 The Messenger 33 The Mojo Manifesto: 10 The Life and Times of Mojo Nixon The Mountain 29 The Muse 31 The Nipple Whisperer 30 The Perfect Fit 33 The Pez Outlaw 24 The Plumber 29 The Pulpit: Prelude 20 The Toxic Avenger 25 The Unknown Country 17 The Well 30

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Three Points of Suspension 30 Time Cop: Justice Has a 24 New Name Transportation Films 10, 12, 13, 17, 26, 27 Sponsored by Lava & Tonic Turning the World 33 Twenty: A Retrospective 10 Twitching 30 Unbound 33 Valentine 30 Valid Glitter 29 Vegan Apocalypse 31 Video Visit 29 Visions 12 Warsha 26 We Are Here 31 We Dance 31 We Should Get Dinner!

29 We Were Famous, You 11 Don't Remember: The Embarrassment Wei-Lai 17 Wes Schlagenhauf Is Dying 27 What We Leave Behind 12 Where are the Files?

31 Wild Card 31 Witchy 30 XAR - Sueño de Obsidiana 30 You've Never Been 30 Completely Honest

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NOTES