PRESENTED BY
Executive Director Program Director Operations Manager
FESTIVAL WELCOME
Andre Seward Hannah Bothner
MelanieSincerely,Addington
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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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.
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 4 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 OliviaCaitlynGonzalesCody Janice Van Sickle (President) Mark Janzen (President-Elect) Veronica Seberger (Secretary) Anna Heustis (Treasurer) Adam Gunnels (Past President) Sarah Leslie Julian EmilyDennisKateJonathanMontesWoodBastianMurphyBonavia(Emeritus) Todd Ramsey Dr. Eva Henry Bob FloydLisaJaneAnnAliciaLesterHollyDeniseNugentShermanDyerRoweSanchezKeeferSchlappTatumGruver(Emeritus) Board of Directors 5
TALLGRASS FILM CREDITS
up
#Tallgrass20th @tallgrass | @tallgrassfilm Screening
Keep with using 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
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!
us
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Join 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
Entertainment & Decor Committee
the conversation online
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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.Asa 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!
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.
TALLGRASS CELEBRATES 20!
By Tyler EmersonToday,Iam 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.”
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. 8
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.
GENERAL INFORMATION PARKING |
RESERVED SEATS |
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.
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.
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.
Scottish Rite (Temple Live) has daily parking for $2. Accessible parking is available at each venue.
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.
FAQS | Please see the website for detailed explanations on how to use the Eventive ticketing system. https://tallgrassfilm.org/festival-faq/ 9
Wed. Sept 28, 7 pm | Exploration Place Dome 9 pm Party | Exploration Place
FILMS
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.
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 Thursday,Anderson Sept. 29, 7 pm | Regal Warren Old Town 9 pm Party | Public at Brickyard
Community Partner Wichita Asian Association
Also in documentary feature competition. Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.
Four Samosas sponsored by Steve Anderson
Director: Ravi Kapoor | 80 min. | Rated: 13+
Planes, Trains and Automobiles sponsored by Kansas Strong and Lava & Tonic
Thursday, Sept. 29, 7 pm | Orpheum Theatre 9 pm Party | Public at Brickyard
Director: John Hughes | 93 min. | Rated: R
Enjoy an evening of quality cinema followed by a party to celebrate the film.
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. 10
GALA
Director: Matthew Eskey | 85 min. | Rated: Mature
Friday, Sept. 30, 7:30 pm | Temple Live (Scottish Rite) 9 pm Party | Outside Orpheum Theatre
9 pm Closing Night Party | Advanced Learning Library
All Man: The International Male Story
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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Still Working 9 to 5 sponsored by Kansas Strong & Ad Astra Financial Group Sunday, Oct. 2, 7 pm | Orpheum Theatre
GALA
Friday,Hair
8 pm Party & Concert | Outside Orpheum Theatre
Directors: Bryan Darling, Jesse Finley Reed | 83 min.
FILMS
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.
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
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Sept. 30, 6 pm | Orpheum Theatre
Director: Camille Hardman & Gary Lane | 91 min. Rated: 13+ | Kansas Premiere. Community Partner The Women's Network & League of Women Voters of Kansas.
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Director: Antonia Campbell-Hughes 92 min. Rated: Mature Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas. 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 Premiere. Behind sponsored by WSU Office of Diversity Inclusion Lava Tonic
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What We Leave
Directors: Geeta Gandbhir and Sam Pollard 90 min.
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SPOTLIGHT
Director: Iliana Sosa 71 min. Spanish and English Language Rated: All Ages In Person Only.
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Rated: Mature | Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas. Community Partner Wichita Branch of NAACP & TheICTUP.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.
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An view a selection of have garnered Is Us Sept. 29, 9 pm Film Center
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 Carrito 15 min. | Spanish and More Than I Want To Remember 14 min. Spanish. County And The Road To Black Power
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Director: John Alexander | 61 min. | Rated: 13+ Available At Home Globally. Community Partner Wichita Jazz LouisFestival.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
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
SPOTLIGHT FILMS
Director: Lyle Kash | 63 min. | Rated: Mature Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.
Saturday, Oct. 1, 3 pm | Orpheum Theatre
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:
Death and Bowling Friday, Sept 30, 4:30 pm | Temple Live (Scottish Rite)
Director: Richard Kelly | 113 min. | Rated: R
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SPOTLIGHT FILMS
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: Denny Tedesco | 101 min. | Rated: 13+ Available At Home In the US. Community Partner Damm Music Center’s Rock Academy.
Butterfly in the Sky
Immediate Family sponsored by Ann Keefer and Spektrum Muzik Saturday, Oct. 1 at 7 pm | Scottish Rite (Temple Live)
Sponsored by Second Wednesday Book Saturday,Club 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.
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.
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. 14
your space. You
their lives with love. Preceded
SPOTLIGHT confronting Oct. Daresha reshape almost aspect of by the short dystopian, post-apocalyptic Common rules of civilization gone awry. Sentient technology threatens 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. Presented by DREAMGRASS
film short Gaydream | 7 min. | Kansas Premiere. Experience a
have
FILMS 15 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 TwoAssociation.Chinese women try to balance their lives as independent women in modern China while
the traditional identity that defines and oppresses them. Preceded by the short film Stories Within | 10 min. | Kansas Premiere. Mama Bears Sunday,
Kyi | 90 min. | Rated: All Ages Available At Home In Kansas. Community Partner Free Mom Hugs - Kansas. Follows women who
2, 4:30 pm | Orpheum Theatre Director:
world.
every
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.
Named after long-time volunteer, the Jake Euker Stubbornly Independent juried category sponsored by The Cotillion highlights domestic narrative films with a bud get of under $750,000. Experience the magic of the Stubbornly Independent spirit.
Director: H.P. Mendoza | 70 min. | Rated: 13+ Kansas premiere. Available At Home In Kansas. Attack, Decay, Release is a sci-fi musical piece fea turing 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
Director: Clay Tatum | 103 min. | Rated: Mature Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.
Paris Is In Harlem
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
Attack, Decay, Release Friday, Sept. 30, 10 pm | Tallgrass Film Center
Director: Christina Kallas | 110 min. | Rated: Mature Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In the US.
STUBBORNLY INDEPENDENT COMPETITION
Out Of This World | 17 min. | Kansas Premiere and Hot Singles | 9 min. | Kansas Premiere. 16 Save the date! October 5-8, 2023
Friday, Sept. 30, 1 pm | Scottish Rite (Temple Live)
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. 17 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
Saturday, Oct. 1, 1:30 pm | Regal Old Town
Director: Morrisa Maltz | 85 min. | Rated: 13+ Kansas Premiere. In Person Only.
East Bay Sponsored by Moeder & Associates
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.
Director: Anna Baumgarten | 96 min. | Rated: 13+ Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.
Disfluency sponsored by Kansas University Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences
The Unknown Country Sponsored by Lava & Tonic Sunday, Oct 2, 12 pm | Tallgrass Film Center
Community Partner Wichita Family Crisis Center.
STUBBORNLY INDEPENDENT COMPETITION
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 Female Filmmaker juried competition sponsored by Fidelity Bank now includes narrative and documentary films (previously known as DOXX).
FEMALE FILMMAKER COMPETITION
Deconstructing Karen
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.
Director: Nicole Mejia | 84 min. | Rated: 13+ | In Person Whenonly.
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. 18 Keep up with the conversation online using #Tallgrass20th @tallgrass | @tallgrassfilm
Klondike
Thursday, Sept. 29, 11 am | Orpheum Theatre
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
min. Rated:
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serendipity
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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 perhaps, it wasn't that brought them Maybe they're not Oct. 2, 5 Erin Bernhardt and Din Blankenship 76 13+ 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.
together.
alone? Preceded by the short film Make Me A King | 16 min. | Kansas Premiere. Refuge Sunday,
FEMALE FILMMAKER COMPETITION 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.
pm | Regal Old Town Directors:
GORDON PARKS COMPETITION
Thursday, Sept. 29, 2:30 pm | Scottish Rite (Temple Live)
The film also competes in the female filmmaker compe tition. Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.
An African immigrant’s quiet life is upended by the ar rival of a charismatic Catholic priest who reminds her of her troubled past.
Director: Ellie Foumbi | 108 min. | Rated: Mature | French
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 film maker competition. Kansas Premiere. Available At Home Globally. Community Partner The Women’s Network.
The story of four women who have troubled relation ships but still show deep affection for each other while surviving in the Jabaquara district, on the outskirts of the city of São Paulo. Pre ceded by short film August Sky | 16 min. 20 Keep up with the conversation online using #Tallgrass20th @tallgrass | @tallgrassfilm
Our Father, the Devil
Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.
The Gordon Parks category celebrates the legacy of famed Kansan Gordon Parks by highlighting Black-directed films in this juried competition sponsored by Cargill.
After Sherman Thursday, Sept. 29, 5 pm | Scottish Rite (Temple Live)
Director: Jon-Sesrie Goff | 91 min. | Rated: Mature
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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
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.
Amansa Tiafi (Public Toilet Africa) Saturday, Oct. 1, 3 pm | Exploration Place Dome
Black Daddy: The Movie Sunday, Oct. 2, 12:30 pm | Exploration Place Dome
Director: Kofi Ofosu-Yeboah | 95 min. | Rated: Mature Ewe, Ga, Twi, English, Polish | Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.
GORDON
Director: Damon Jamal Taylor | 83 min. | Rated: All Ages World Premiere. In Person Only. Community Partner Heros Academy, Rise Up For Youth, & Juneteenth ICT.
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:
PARKS COMPETITION
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.
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
Once Was Lost: The 70-Year Search for Chaplain Emil Kapaun sponsored by Alumni of Kapaun Mt. Carmel High School
KANSAS FEATURE COMPETITION
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. 22 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:
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 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. 23 Save the date! October 5-8, 2023
KANSAS FEATURE COMPETITION
Directors: Devon Bray & Naiya Lilly | 133 min. Rated: Mature | Available At Home Globally.
It Started with a Horse
Director: Joshua Dubois | 79 min. | Rated: 13+ World Premiere. Available At Home Globally. Community Partner Fisch Haus.
Saturday, Oct. 1, 4 pm | Scottish Rite (Temple Live)
PPP Loan Gone Friday, Sept. 30, 11 am | Regal Old Town
DOCUMENTARY FEATURE COMPETITION That Thing | That Sound sponsored by Linda Nugent, REALTOR, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services and Bob Friday,NugentSept. 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. 24
#ShakespearesShitstorm
Directors: Michael Herz, Lloyd Kaufman | 82 min.
Saturday, Oct. 1, 3 pm | Tallgrass Film Center
Saturday, Oct. 1, 10 pm | Tallgrass Film Center
2022 AD ASTRA
The Toxic Avenger
Director: Lloyd Kaufman | 94 min. | Rated: Mature
Saturday, Oct. 1, 5:30 pm | Orpheum Theatre
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.
Poultrygeist: Night of the Living Dead
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
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
Rated: Mature | Available At Home Globally.
Available At Home Globally.
25
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.
Directors: Samantha Soule & Daniel Talbott | 88 min. Rated: Mature | Midwest Premiere. Available At Home In InKansas.thiscinematic
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. 26
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.
Shall I Compare You To A Summer's Day
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 10 pm | Tallgrass Film Center
NARRATIVE FEATURE COMPETITION
Director: Mohammad Shawky Hassan | 66 min.
Rated: Mature | Arabic & English | Kansas Premiere. 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.
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.
Midday Black Midnight Blue Saturday, Oct. 1, 3 pm | Regal Old Town
NARRATIVE FEATURE COMPETITION
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: Parker Seaman | 78 min. | Rated: Mature Midwest Premiere. Available At Home In Kansas.
Wes Schlagenhauf Is Dying sponsored by Lava & Saturday,TonicOct. 1, 4:30 pm | Regal Old Town
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. 27
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 5 min. | World Premiere. 28 COME GET YOUR MERCH SEPT. 28-OCT. 2 IN THE LUX 120 E. 1ST. ST. N.
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.
MURMURATIONS COMPETITION
Rated: All Ages | US Premiere. Available At Home AGlobally.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.
Director: Horacio Alcalà | 92 min. | Rated: Mature Kansas Premiere. Available At Home In the US.
Finlandia Sponsored by WSU Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and Ulrich Museum of Art
Sept. 29, 5:30 pm | CAC Theatre
Thursday, Sept. 29, 8 pm | CAC Theatre
Directors: Pablo Aragüés, Marta Cabrera | 75 min.
Home Owners Sponsored by Crain Company, WSU Office of Diversity and Inclusion, and Ulrich Museum of Thursday,Art
SHORTS COMPETITION 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 29 Save the date! October 5-8, 2023
Friday, Sept. 30, 10 am
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
Weird, strange,
pm | Tallgrass Film Center | 105 min. | Rated: Mature
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
Dog Lover, In The Waking Dust, Julian, Le Censeur Des Rêves (Censor Of Dreams), Milk Snake, The Diamond, The Nipple Whisperer, and Twitching 30
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
Sunday, Oct. 2, 11
These
| 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
shorts give you everything but the kitchen sink! We cannot guarantee that there are no kitchen sinks in these shorts.
Friday, Sept. 30, 7:30
Get Weird Short Films
Let’s
peculiar, eccentric, funky: this program is a cosmic gumbo of interesting shorts. Content Warning: assault, mentions of suicide, and strong language
Block includes:
Award Sponsored by City Arts All
| Orpheum Theatre | 101
|
7LBS 8OZ, Among the People, Assaman, Empire
(Temple Live) | 105
Crow Flies, Goodnight Mr.
and experimental films. Content Warning: sexual
My
| 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
Block
program are made by Kansans or former Kansans. Content Warning: sexual assault, self-harm, suicide, and strong language
My Melodious Mind, Everybody
Sunday, Oct. 2, 5 pm Rite min. Lonely The Man of Dreams,
Friday, Sept. 30, 12 pm Place min. Rated: Mature
category!
not just romance in this film block; we’ve got families and friendships because the world needs plenty of love. Content Warning: strong language
Saturday, Oct. 1, 10 am min. Rated: Mature includes: As the Vincent Van Gogh, Grand Nationals The It’s to not be Fear, newest This one is about animation assault, some
OK, Searching for La Yarda, Shaky Hands, Something to
Dome | 108
|
| Scottish
mild strobe effects
OK
The Marigolds Listen, and Wild Card Timothy Gruver Spotlight on Kansas Short Films
all
SHORTS COMPETITION 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
It’s
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Store,
Competition short this
The Cycle, The Den, Vegan Apocalypse Vortex Short Films Our
violence, some strong language, and
Friday, Sept. 30, 3 pm
| Exploration
films in
Block includes: (Cathedral), of Goes to
| Rated: 13+ Block includes: Anniversary, Dead Bird Hearts, OMI, Ramen, The
the Hospital, land and flower, May We Know Our Own Strength, Omnipotent Glow, Phainesthai, We Are Here, and Where are the Files? 31
Director: Teemu Nikki | 82 min. | Finnish | Rated: Mature | Available at home in the JaakkoUS.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.
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.
Friday, Sept. 30, 11 am | Advanced Learning Library
Friday, Sept. 30, 4:30 pm | Kansas Leadership Center | Industry Mixer Friday, Sept. 30, 5:30 pm | Kansas Leadership Center | 94 min. | Rated: 13+
Joel Fein Spotlight on Emerging Filmmakers Short Films
Sponsored by Wichita State University School of Digital Arts
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. Friday Sponsored by 32
The Art of Rebellion
Sponsored by Eva Henry, M.D./Neurologist
FREE FRIDAY FILMS
The Blind Man Who Did Not Want to See Titanic
Sponsored by Eva Henry, M.D./Neurologist
Warning:
effects. Saturday,
addiction, and
new
Warning:
Mamma, Matka/Polka, My Duduś, Placenta
Mothers to be, working mothers, struggling mothers, mothers, mothers with grown children, mothers with unconventional children, and people who choose not be mothers. includes: Holding Moses, Mama Retreat, Pâté, The Girl at the up
fans.
Motor Hotel, and Unbound Saturday Sponsored by 33 Keep
|
Journey, Dance or Drive, Deep Fears, Frank & Emmet, Hermie, Homebird, My
action films that
Block
language. Saturday,
am | Advanced
111 min. | Rated: All Ages The
FREE SATURDAY FILMS
| Rated: 13+
Block
with the conversation online using #Tallgrass20th @tallgrass | @tallgrassfilm
Vacation, Persimmon Branch, Shakespeare for all
all
our
Will Run, The Messenger, The Perfect Fit, and Turning the World
Smallgrass Short Films sponsored by Wichita Mom Content some mild strobe Oct. 1, 11 Learning Library perfect program for younger film A mix of animation and livewill appeal to ages, especially those under 18. includes: Cloud Boy: An Autistic Summer Ages, The Devil Motherhood Short Films sponsored by Wichita Mom Content sexual assault and abortion, strong Oct 1, 2 pm Advanced Learning Library 110 min.
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?
Thursday, September 29, 10 am - 11 am
Conversation with Lloyd Kaufman
Your Story, Your Screen: Storytelling From Within Your Community
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?
Friday, September 30, 10 am - 11 am
Marketing Your Film, or The Only Thing You Can Control is Your Poster
EDUCATION
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?
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.
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?
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?
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.
34
Feature Film Distribution: What Filmmakers Need to Know
Friday, September 30, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Saturday, October 1, 9 am - 11 am
Filmmaker Networking Lunch with Film Festival Alliance
Sunday, October 2, 10 am - 11 am
35 Festival Strategy: How to Get the Most Out of Your Film Festival
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
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!
Meet the Filmmakers and Media Roundtable
Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1, 11:30 am - 1:30 pm
Experience
EDUCATION
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!
TALLPASS HOLDERS ONLY
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.
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!
Sunday, October 2, 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
TALLGRASS FILM JURY
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.
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.
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. 36
Robert Daniels
Victoria Gayer
37
TALLGRASS FILM JURY
Gordon Parks JuryTamara
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.
Mariam Dawit
Victoria Gayer is a Wichita-based actress and producer, known for Ghostwriter, Wish You Were Here, and Mack.
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 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.
TALLGRASS FILM JURY
Gordon Parks JurySeancont.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 HarmonJury 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. 38
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
Narrative ShortsDianeJury Becker
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.
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
TALLGRASS FILM JURY
Allyson Morgan is founder of award-winning film and theatre collective F*It Club. Her short film, Sitting, won Outstanding Narrative Short at Tall grass 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.
39 Tallgrass Art Fair & Food Trucks
.
Allyson Morgan
Where: Outside the Orpheum
Murmurations and Documentary Shorts
Emerging Filmmaker Jury Geib Lusenaka
40
TALLGRASS FILM JURY
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.
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.
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.
Enrique Navarro Associate Professor of Spanish, Wichita State JenniferUniversity.Merin
41
TALLGRASS FILM JURY
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.
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.
EDA Jury
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.
SPONSORS 42 PRESENTING SPONSOR OFFICIAL BEVERAGE SPONSOR PRODUCING SPONSORS PREMIER SUPPORTINGSPONSORSSPONSORS
SPONSORS 43 SPOTLIGHT SPONSORS GRANT SPONSORS MEDIA SPONSORS
SPONSORS 44 VENUE CINEPHILESPONSORSSPONSORS Anthony & Lynda Addington Arts Council/City Arts Berkshire Hathaway PenFed Realty Robert & Linda ChickenDaveBungalowNugent26andDJBurkPoopLip Junk Cognitive Performance & ConleeHealth Schmidt & Emerson Bree & Jason Cox Crain DockingDesign,EmilyCrownCompanyUptownDeanEtc.Family Foundation Eva Henry, M.D./Neurologist Flamingo Ink Foulston Seifkin, LLP Furniture Options GLMV Architecture Adam Gunnels Anna DepartmentKansasJaneInsiteHeustisRealEstateSchlappUniversityofPsychiatry & Behavioral Sciences KC Film Office Ann LarkspurKirby’sKeeferBistro & Bar Lava & LuxLucky’sTonicBallroom SecondAliciaProludioPizzaStevOldNuWayEquipmentMaximumMargarita'sOutdoorMillTastyShopOverstreetRanchSanchezWednesday Book StarClub Lumber Charitable TexasTrust ZipSipWorkroomTourbox,RoadhouseLLC COME GET YOUR MERCH SEPT. 28-OCT. 2 IN THE LUX 120 E. 1ST. ST. N.
SPONSORS 45 PATRON SPONSORS TALLGRASS FILM CENTER SUPPORTERS 20TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 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 HoppingHatmanFloydFioritoConstruction&KayeGruverJacksGnomeBrewing KansasCompanyUnderground Salt Museum - Strataca La LyndaLocalGaletteRoastersL&Mark CarrierProPlanetMolino'sMetzHairKansas Recycling Rain Cafe & Lounge Reverie Coffee Fritz and Jennifer Robinson Ron & Lee Starkel Specs RMIDROBDarkComingKevinGentryOIIIYokahomaVortexVanTheatricalTheT-MobileEyewearHealthConnectionServicesInc.ChaseStudiosSouvenirRamenJointPhamTogetherforaCureThreadVideoFitness Melanie Addington & Josh ClayWilliams&Kate Bastian Art Busch & Jo Anne Lofland Lori HollyDiscordThaneCallahanChastainIllusionsDyer&Gary Owens Jim & Ruthie Gillespie Cassandra & Damon Heart Eva Henry, M.D. Arta SusanJamilSarahMartySheriBranningMarkMadelineJamesJanzenJanzen&JessicaKaufman-MarshLangLeslieMalone&LeonMoeder Julian JeffKathyFritzJenniferBobLynetteWilliamMontesMorris&DanMurphy&LindaNugentRay&JenniferRobinson&James(Jim)Siebert&JaniceVanSickle Mario JeffStephanieKyleHenryLisaJeanetteClubMilanB.AspenArby'sAbasolaBoutiqueYoungSalonChakrabortyCarWashClementCrenshawEshelman&TomFutoGoddardKennedy&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 MusicMillerTheatre of Wichita Joel Nollette/Get Reel MargaretMaureenProductionsO’BrienOchs Angie Paul Greg WichitaWoodyVikkiBrittneyMelissaTonyDeniseNaomiMarciaRinckerScurfieldShapiroShermanShockSimpsonSquireJoStewartSwainFenceCo Inc Wichita Star
A-Z INDEX 46 "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 DỌLÁPỌ 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 47 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 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
A-Z INDEX 48 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 49 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 Three Points of Suspension 30 Time Cop: Justice Has a 24 New TransportationName 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 Check online for schedule for updates and extended film information, trailers, and your virtual box office. Learn more at:
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