17th Annual Tallgrass Film Festival - 2019

Page 1


Welcome to the 2019 Tallgrass Film Festival Welcome to the 17th Annual Tallgrass Film Festival! On behalf of our Board of Directors, our staff, and our volunteers, I want to thank you for your patronage. Some of you have come a long way to be with us and we’re excited to welcome you to Wichita. No matter where you’re coming from, we are thrilled to have you here. Something special about Tallgrass is our devotion to the communal aspect of getting together to enjoy films. Festivals are unique opportunities to experience and celebrate this exceptional art form with other people. You are surrounded by people who love and appreciate many of the same things that you do. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or simply someone who appreciates a great movie, you’re going to find yourself in good company at Tallgrass. We have a particularly strong line-up of films this year. I think that you’re going to be amazed by what you see. We’ll also have some terrific roundtables, Q&A sessions and many opportunities to interact with filmmakers. Don’t forget to save some energy for the late night parties. You won’t want to miss any of them this year. This year, we’re excited to invite you to a new event happening the weekend after the festival, Tallgrass: Best of the Fest. We’re going to re-screen a handful of the most popular films from the festival on Sunday, October 27that Roxy’s Downtown. Look to our website for information about specific films, times and location after the close of the festival. Thanks so much for being part of the Tallgrass community. I hope that you have a great time while you’re with us.

Paul Melroy, Executive Director


Ways to Experience Tallgrass TALLPass | $225 FILMPass | $100 Weekday film pass | $50 Weekend Platinum | $120 Weekend FILMPass | $75 Single film pass | $10 Matinee (Thursday & Friday only) | $7 Military, Police, first responders, students & teachers | $8 with valid I.D. Gala Presentations | $15 film-only

Download the festival app for a breakdown of pass rules and restrictions.

Available now on


BOX OFFICE BOX OFFICE MAIN BOX OFFICE | Intermission Lounge (125 N. Market St) Hours: Monday (10/14) and Tuesday (10/15) 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Wednesday (10/17) 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM Thursday (10/18), Friday (10/19), Saturday (10/20), 9:00 AM 8:00 PM Sunday (10/21) 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM The main box office is where you can: Pick up any purchase made online Exchange vouchers or confirmation letters for TALLPasses and admission to film/galas Purchase admission for all shows at all venues BOX OFFICE ONLINE | tallgrassfilmfest.com You may purchase TALLPasses, DayPasses and admission to all films/galas online up to one hour before each screening begins. ADDITIONAL BOX OFFICES DURING THE FESTIVAL | Additional Box Offices will be located at the Ruffin, Wilke Family Center, Scottish Rite, Orpheum Theatre and the Wichita Art Museum. You may exchange GA vouchers at these locations for admission to screenings on-site. All screenings at the Kansas Leadership Center are free of charge. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis. FREE EDUCATION EVENTS | Filmmaker Roundtables and Educational sessions are free to the public. Seating is available on a first come, first served basis at the Classroom at the Lux. FINE PRINT | Once purchased, admission passes are nonrefundable and non-exchangeable. Many films have not been rated by the MPAA - parental discretion advised. No babes in arms. Program running times may or may not include introductions, shorts, and Q&As. Seating is first come, first served. We strongly encourage you to be at the theater and in your seat 15 minutes prior to showtime. Please check kiosks and tallgrassfilmfest.com for last minute changes.


General Information PLEASE NOTE: All film titles, times, and scheduled guests were accurate at the time of printing. Film descriptions included in this program are intended to give the audience a brief overview. For a more in-depth, up-to-the-minute look please download our mobile app, Tallgrass ’19 in the iTunes App Store or through Google Play. INTERMISSION LOUNGE | Located in 125 N. Market, Intermission Lounge is a public lounge where guests can enjoy a cup of coffee, browse merchandise, and relax between screenings. This is where you will find the festival lost & found, read about programmer’s picks, and more. Sponsored by Visit Wichita. FILM FESTIVAL HOTLINE | Brought to you by Answer Advantage. Questions? Call us at any time during the festival at 844-ICT-FILM. PARKING | Metered parking is available downtown, and is free after 5:00 PM and on weekends. Free weekday parking is available at First United Methodist Church. Paid weekday parking is available at Venue 332 at Wichita Scottish Rite Center for $3/day or $10/5 days. Please note there is very limited guest parking in the Orpheum Theatre lot during business hours Wednesday – Friday. Violators will be towed at the owner’s expense. SUPPORT TFA YEAR ROUND | You shop, Amazon gives! Visit smile.amazon.com and select Tallgrass Film Association as an organization you support. When you shop on smile.amazon. com .5% of your Amazon purchases are donated to the Tallgrass Film Association.

Download the festival app for the the most up-to-date information. Available now on


VENUES THEATRE AND EDUCATION VENUES Classroom at the Lux | 120 E 1st St N Kansas Leadership Center (KLC) | 325 E. Douglas The Orpheum Theatre (ORPHEUM) | 200 N. Broadway Ruffin Building Theater (RUFFIN 1 & 2) | 123 N. Broadway Wichita Scottish Rite Center (SCOTTISH) | 332 E. First Street Wichita Art Museum (WAM) | 1400 W. Museum Blvd. Wilke Family Life Center @First United Methodist Church (WILKE) | 330 N. Broadway GALA PARTY VENUES WEDNESDAY, OCT. 16 | Union Station | 701 E Douglas Ave, Wichita, KS 67202 FRIDAY, OCT. 18 | Greyhound Station | 214 S Topeka St. SATURDAY, OCT. 19 | WAVE | 650 E 2nd St N. SUNDAY, OCT. 20 | Wichita Art Museum (WAM) | 1400 W. Museum Blvd THURSDAY OCT.17 | TALLGRASS SECRET SOIREE | Mystery Location - clues located in VIP lounge | Sponsored by Land Rover VOLUNTEER LOUNGE | 125 N. Market VOLUNTEER WITH TALLGRASS | Volunteers help our Tallgrass grow! Year-round opportunities include festival programming, staffing events and more. Email jenni@tallgrassfilm.org to get involved today. CONCESSIONS Scottish Rite | Evenings, Bar on Demand The Orpheum | Daily Friday, Saturday and Sunday Evening Wilke Family Life Center | Daily Q- LINE | Many of our venues are located on the Q-line route - a free trolley that gets you where you need to go throughout Downtown Wichita. Look for the Q emblem on the sidewalk and take a free ride down Douglas. Details on route and schedule available at wichitatransit.org


VIP OFFERINGS TALLPass, Filmmaker Pass, and Sponsor Pass holders have exclusive access to the following off-screen events FIDELITY BANK VIP LOUNGE | Candela at The Lux | 120 E. First Street Sponsored by Fidelity Bank Relax and recharge in the VIP Lounge between films with food, drink, and amenities from local purveyors. Mingle with visiting filmmakers and local tastemakers. Download our festival app or visit our website at tallgrassfilmfest.com for a list of daily lounge activities. Open Thursday - Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM. Sunday, 11:00 AM - 5:30 PM. THURSDAY, OCT. 17 SAG-INDIE VIP RECEPTION | ReNew Wichita | 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM | 200 E. Douglas Sponsored by SAG-INDIE. SAG-INDIE invites filmmakers and VIPs for a Thursday afternoon happy hour with drinks, mingling, and light hors d’oeuvres. THURSDAY, OCT. 17 | Departs from VIP lounge at 1:30 PM SUNDAY, OCT. 20 | Departs from VIP Brunch at 1:00 PM Notorious ICT | Tour of Wichita Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind tour of Wichita’s best-kept secrets. Experience the city like a local as you wet your whistle at offbeat bars, pursue unique shops and learn about Wichita’s fascinating history and local lore while visiting iconic locations. Tour led by ICT aficionado and TFA board member Ann Keefer. Thursday tour ends at 4:30 PM at the SAG-INDIE Reception. Sunday tour ends at 4:30 PM at the VIP Lounge. Sponsored by The Workroom. SUNDAY, OCT. 20 VIP BRUNCH | 11 AM | Hotel at Oldtown | 830 E 1st St N Join VIPs and filmmakers for a Sunday morning brunch provided by La Tour.


OPENING AND CLOSING NIGHT GALAS OPENING NIGHT GALA SPONSORED BY STEVE ANDERSON

Straight Up Director: James Sweeney USA 2019 | 1h 35m WED OCT 16 | 7:00PM | SCOTTISH

Todd and Rory are intellectual soul mates. He might be gay. She might not care. A romantic-comedy drama with a twist; a love story without the thrill of copulation. * Writer/Director/Actor James Sweeney & Composer Logan Nelson scheduled to attend Preceded by Sammy the Salmon | d. Jake Shannon | Australia | 7m Opening Night Gala Party immediately following Q&A | Union Station | 701 E Douglas Ave | Join Tallgrass to celebrate the beginning of the 17th Annual Tallgrass Film Festival with a party + live music by The Cavves.

CLOSING NIGHT GALA AND AWARDS CEREMONY SPONSORED BY MOEDER & ASSOCIATES Give Me Liberty Director: Kirill Mikhanovsky Narrative | USA | 2018 1 hr 59 min

SUN OCT 20 | 6:30 PM | ORPHEUM

When a riot breaks out in Milwaukee, medical transport driver Vic is torn between his promise to get his relatives, a group of elderly Russians, to a funeral and his desire to help Tracy, a headstrong young black woman in a wheelchair. * Director/Co-writer Kirill Mikhanovsky scheduled to attend Closing Night Party immediately following Q&A | Wichita Art Museum | The grand finale of a wild week of films, parties, panels and more. Say farewell to the festival in style as we celebrate closing night at the WAM.


AD ASTRA AWARD Tallgrass Film Association is honored to present the 2019 Ad Astra award to comedian, actor, writer and director Bobcat Goldthwait. Director of Programming Nick Pope on Bobcat Goldthwait “With an unmatched blend of heart and dark humor - often featuring characters trying to do their best in bleak circumstances - Bobcat’s films are undeniably unique. Uncompromising, provocative and funny as hell, his eclectic career is proof of a writer and director always evolving and thinking outside the storytelling box. After sharing four of his films with Wichita audiences over the last decade, it’s well past time to honor a truly distinct voice as both an independent filmmaker and comedic force for nearly 40 years.” Bobcat Goldthwait is a well known stand up comedian and actor who also has a thriving career behind the camera as a writer and director. Bobcat has directed TV, feature films, documentaries, and stand up comedy specials. As a director, in the past Bobcat has helmed Jimmy Kimmel Live for three years and was also a director on Chappelle’s Show. He has directed standup comedy specials for Patton Oswalt, Ron Funches, Marc Maron and Iliza Shleshinger, among others. World’s Greatest Dad (starring Robin Williams), Godbless America (starring Tara Lynne Barr and Joel Murray), and Willow Creek (starring Bryce Johnson and Alexie Gilmore) are a few of his films that display his dark sense of humor while maintaining the heart that is integral to his work. Currently, Bobcat is working with Judd Apatow on a narrative version of his critically acclaimed documentary Call Me Lucky, which features the life of comedian Barry Crimmins. Bobcat Goldthwait is the seventh most popular person from Syracuse, New York.


AD ASTRA AWARD Ad Astra Award Ceremony Sponsored by Rick & Monica Nutt

Award presentation begins at 7:45 PM at the Orpheum Theatre. Including: A Conversation on Film with Bobcat Goldthwait and Director of Programming, Nick Pope. Followed by World’s Greatest Dad | d. Bobcat Goldthwait | 2009| 1h 39 m

Keep the celebration rolling at a late-night screening of SHAKES THE CLOWN, with introduction by Bobcat Goldthwait. Saturday night at the Scottish Rite beginning at 11:30 PM. Ad Astra after party sponsored by Rick & Monica Nutt hosted at WAVE. Live music from the Sugar Hill Gang w/ Grandmaster Melle Mel & Scorpio from Furious 5! Ticket details at tallgrassfilmfest.com World’s Greatest Dad Director: Bobcat Goldthwait Narrative | USA | 2009 1 hr 39 min SAT OCT 19 | 7:45PM | ORPHEUM

10th anniversary screening. When his son’s body is found in a humiliating accident, a lonely high school teacher inadvertently attracts an overwhelming amount of community and media attention after covering up the truth with a phony suicide note. Shakes The Clown Director: Bobcat Goldthwait Narrative | USA | 1991 1 hr 27 min SAT OCT 19 | 11:30PM | SCOTTISH

Shakes plods about his duties as party clown, and uses all of his free time getting seriously drunk. Binky, another clown, wins the spot on a local kiddie show, which depresses Shakes even more, and his boss threatens him with unemployment if he can’t get his act under control. When someone murders Shakes’ boss and makes it look like Shakes did it, he goes undercover, posing as a hated mime, and tries to find information that will clear his name.


Stubbornly Independent Since 2003 Jake Euker Stubbornly Independent Award

Four official selections competed for this year’s Stubbornly Independent Gala Screening/Party and additional prizes including: $5,000 cash prize sponsored by Barry and Paula Downing; and a one-of-a-kind Stubbornly Independent Tap Handle Award from Van Chase Studios. Those selections were: Emily Ting’s GO BACK TO CHINA, Haroula Rose’s ONCE UPON A RIVER, Lara Gallagher’s CLEMENTINE, and Amber McGinnis’ INTERNATIONAL FALLS. This is the eighth year of the Jake Euker Stubbornly Independent competition. Eligible films must be domestic narrative feature films made for $500,000 or less without traditional, theatrical, domestic distribution at the time of the festival screening. Previous winners have all gone on to secure distribution following their appearance at the Tallgrass Film Festival. The winning film, Haroula Rose’s ONCE UPON A RIVER was selected by a jury of industry professionals.


Stubbornly Independent Since 2003 Juror Statement: “ONCE UPON A RIVER artfully weaves together a story about Margo, a young woman finding her own place in a life filled with many challenges, and the diverse array of characters she meets along the way. While unique in its telling, Margo’s journey of self-discovery, friendship, and perseverance is a relatable tale. The balance of strength and vulnerability in Kenadi DelaCerna’s portrayal of her is particularly noteworthy. This is independent filmmaking at its finest – thought-provoking story, multi-layered characters, gorgeous imagery, and a beautiful score.” 2019 Jurors: Sara Radle - 2018 SI winner, Writer/Director/Actor, Eleven Hundred to Lubbock Mette Norkjaer, Creative Executive, BOOM! Studios Fletcher Powell, KMUW Wichita Public Radio Stubbornly Independent Spotlight and Award Ceremony presented by Kansas Strong. Once Upon a River Director: Haroula Rose Narrative | USA | 2019 1 hr 30 min FRI. OCT. 18 | 8 PM | SCOTTISH

It’s 1978 and Margo Crane, a 15 year old part Native teen, must take to the Stark River on an odyssey. Akin to Huck Finn, this is a heroine like no other. Based on the best selling novel ONCE UPON A RIVER by Bonnie Jo Campbell. * Producer Grace Hahn and other guests scheduled to attend Preceded by Guy D’Artiste | d. Todd Ramsey | Wichita, KS | 5m Stubbornly Independent Gala Party immediately following Q&A | Greyhound Bus Depot | Join us following the Q&A for a stubbornly independent celebration with live music, light appetizers and drinks!


DOXX SPOTLIGHT COMPETITION

In 2017, Tallgrass Film Association (TFA) created the DOXX Spotlight to showcase the incredible real-life stories being told by women documentary filmmakers. The DOXX Spotlight is presented by Greteman Group.

Four finalists (Always in Season, Building the American Dream, Fly Like a Girl, and Nothing Fancy: Diana Kennedy) were chosen and the 2019 winning film, FLY LIKE A GIRL was selected by an all-female industry jury. Fly Like a Girl shares first-hand stories from girls and women who dared to aim higher. From a lego-loving young girl who includes female pilots in her toy airplanes, to a courageous woman who helped lead shuttle missions to space, Fly Like A Girl shows us that women are in charge of their own destiny.


DOXX SPOTLIGHT COMPETITION Eligible DOXX films were women-directed, feature-length documentaries, not bound by budget or country, with no traditional distribution at the time of the film festival. Congratulation to all the nominees! Juror Statement: “This film goes beyond the usual call for women’s empowerment. Diverse and compelling interviews coupled with firsthand accounts of women aviators inspire other women to take to the skies. Their courageous achievements made us burn with pride. Fly Like a Girl is more than a film. It’s a rally to join an industry desperately in need of pilots and highly skilled personnel. From the daredevil aerobatics champion Patty Wagstaff to a Black Hawk helicopter pilot saving soldiers in Iraq, these heroines tenaciously pursue their flight-fueled destinies. And encourage us to do the same. The Air Capital will embrace this message.” 2019 Jurors Sonia Greteman, Greteman Group Lonita Cook, Film Critic Skye Borgman, Director Abducted in Plain Sight 2019 DOXX Spotlight and Award Ceremony presented by Greteman Group Fly Like A Girl Director: Katie McEntire Wiatt Documentary | USA | 2018 1 hr 25 min SUN. OCT 20 | 4:15 PM | SCOTTISH

Fly Like A Girl is more than just a film. It’s a movement of young girls and women relentlessly pursuing their passion for aviation, a field currently dominated by men. * Director/Producer Katie Wiatt & Executive Producer/Co-editor Matt Wiatt scheduled to attend Preceded by Rocket Boy | d. Simon Sorted | UK | 6m


NARRATIVE Burning Cane Director: Phillip Youmans Narrative | USA | 2019 1 hr 28 min FRI. OCT 18 | 3:45 PM | RUFFIN 2 SAT. OCT 19 | 12:00 PM | RUFFIN 2

A worried mother caring for her mange-ridden family dog; her unemployed, alcoholic son and the wife who supports him; and a preacher whose wife’s recent death has pushed him toward the bottle are a few of the characters who make up the beautifully rich world of Southeastern Louisiana. Preceded by Grace | d. Alexia Oldini & Steven Gray | USA | 6m Clementine Director: Lara Jean Gallagher Narrative | USA | 2019 1 hr 33 min SAT. OCT 19 | 4:00 PM | SCOTTISH

2019 Stubbornly Independent Selection. Reeling from a onesided breakup, heartbroken Karen breaks into her ex’s lake house. There, she strikes up a complicated relationship with provocative younger woman Lana. * Producer Aimee Lynn Barneburg & guests scheduled to attend Come As You Are Director: Richard Wong Narrative | USA | 2019 1 hr 46 min THU. OCT 17 | 6:30 PM | SCOTTISH SAT. OCT 19 | 4:45 PM | ORPHEUM

Inspired by a true story - three young men with disabilities flee their overbearing parents for a road trip to a brothel in Montreal that caters to people with special needs, in order to lose their virginity and embrace their independence. * Director Richard Wong scheduled to attend Thursday screening


NARRATIVE First Love Director: Takashi Miike Narrative | Japan | 2019 1 hr 48 min FRI. OCT 18 | 10:15 PM | ORPHEUM SUN. OCT 20 | 10:15 AM | RUFFIN 2

One night in Tokyo, a self-confident young boxer and a prostitute get caught up in a drug-smuggling plot involving organized crime, corrupt cops and a female assassin. * Japanese w/ English Subtitles Preceded by Five Families | d. Adam Cushman | USA | 11m Give Me Liberty Director: Kirill Mikhanovsky Narrative | USA | 2018 1 hr 59 min SUN. OCT 20 | 6:30 PM | ORPHEUM

Closing Night Gala. When a riot breaks out in Milwaukee, medical transport driver Vic is torn between his promise to get his relatives, a group of elderly Russians, to a funeral and his desire to help Tracy, a headstrong young black woman in a wheelchair. *Director/Co-writer Kirill Mikhanovsky scheduled to attend Go Back To China Director: Emily Ting Narrative | USA/China | 2019 1 hr 35 min FRI. OCT 18 | 6:00 PM | ORPHEUM

Stubbornly Independent Selection. After spoiled rich girl Sasha Li blows through half of her trust fund, she is cut off by her father and forced to go back to China and work for the family toy business. * Producer Frederick Thornton scheduled to attend


NARRATIVE Hudson Director: Sean Cunningham Narrative | USA | 2018 1 hr 15 min SAT. OCT 19 | 2:15 PM | ORPHEUM SUN. OCT 20 | 1:00 PM | ORPHEUM

A man embarks on a trip with his estranged cousin Hudson to spread his late mother’s ashes. They meet an unusual woman along the way and their simple road trip turns into a dysfunctional adventure. * Producer/Actor Mary Catherine Greenawalt & Director/Co-writer Sean D. Cunningham scheduled to attend Preceded by Ten Hours | d. Trevor Morgan | USA | 17m In Fabric Director: Peter Strickland Narrative | UK | 2018 1 hr 58 min THU. OCT 17 | 9:30 PM | SCOTTISH SAT. OCT 19 | 3:30 PM | WAM

A lonely woman (Marianne Jean-Baptiste), recently separated from her husband, visits a bewitching London department store in search of a dress that will transform her life. She’s fitted with a perfectly flattering, artery-red gown—which, in time, will come to unleash a malevolent curse and unstoppable evil, threatening everyone who comes into its path. International Falls Director: Amber McGinnis Narrative | USA | 2019 1 hr 32 min SUN. OCT 20 | 3:30 PM | ORPHEUM

Stubbornly Independent Selection. A woman stuck in a small, snowbound border town has dreams of doing comedy when she meets a washed up, burned out comedian with dreams of doing anything else. * Director/Producer Amber McGinnis scheduled to attend Preceded by Deadpan | d. Edward Hicks | UK | 9m


NARRATIVE Ms. Purple Director: Justin Chon Narrative | USA | 2019 1 hr 27 min THU. OCT 17 | 6:15 PM | RUFFIN 1 SUN. OCT 20 | 2:30 PM | WAM

Abandoned by their mother and brought up by their father, a pair of estranged siblings continue to struggle with profound emotional wounds from the difficulty of the parental dynamic. Now, with their father on his death bed, Carey comes home to help Kasie care for him. A vibrant, deeply affecting portrait of Asian American siblinghood in Los Angeles. Once Upon A River Director: Haroula Rose Narrative | USA | 2019 1 hr 30 min FRI. OCT 18 | 8:00 PM | SCOTTISH

2019 Stubbornly Independent Award Winner. It’s 1978 and Margo Crane, a 15 year old part Native teen, must take to the Stark River on an odyssey. Akin to Huck Finn, this is a heroine like no other. Based on the best selling novel ONCE UPON A RIVER by Bonnie Jo Campbell. * Producer Grace Hahn and other guests scheduled to attend Preceded by Guy D’Artiste | d. Todd Ramsey | Wichita, KS | 5m Parasite Director: Bong Joon-Ho Narrative | South Korea | 2019 2 hr 12 min SAT. OCT 19 | 1:00 PM | WAM SUN. OCT 20 | 12:30 PM | RUFFIN 1

All unemployed, Ki-taek’s family takes a peculiar interest in the wealthy and glamorous Parks for their livelihood until they get entangled in an unexpected incident. * Korean w/ English Subtitles


NARRATIVE Saint Frances Director: Alex Thompson Narrative | USA | 2019 1 hr 38 min THU. OCT 17 | 5:15 PM | ORPHEUM FRI. OCT 18 | 3:15 PM | ORPHEUM

At the start of the summer, Bridget has an abortion just as she lands a much-needed job in an affluent Chicago suburb nannying a six-year old. * Writer/Actor Kelly O’Sullivan & guests scheduled to attend Shakes The Clown Director: Bobcat Goldthwait Narrative | USA | 1991 1 hr 27 min SAT. OCT 19 | 11:30 PM | SCOTTISH

Shakes plods about his duties as party clown, and uses all of his free time getting seriously drunk. Binky, another clown, wins the spot on a local kiddie show, which depresses Shakes even more, and his boss threatens him with unemployment if he can’t get his act under control. When someone murders Shakes’ boss and makes it look like Shakes did it, he goes undercover, posing as a hated mime, and tries to find information that will clear his name. Stars By The Pound Director: Marie-Sophie Chambon Narrative | France | 2018 1 hr 28 min FRI. OCT 18 | 1:00 PM | ORPHEUM SAT. OCT 19 | 7:00 PM | RUFFIN 2

Lois has a dream: to be an astronaut. The adults in her life cannot see beyond her weight and encourage her to seek a career closer to terra firma. When Lois takes drastic measures in an attempt to become someone she’s not, she meets three girls who also struggle with accepting themselves. * French w/ English Subtitles Preceded by Space to Explore | d. Katherine DuBois | USA | 14m


NARRATIVE Straight Up Director: James Sweeney Narrative | USA | 2019 1 hr 35 min WED. OCT 16 | 7 PM | SCOTTISH

Opening Night Gala. Todd and Rory are intellectual soul mates. He might be gay. She might not care. A romantic-comedy drama with a twist; a love story without the thrill of copulation. * Writer/Director/Actor James Sweeney & Composer Logan Nelson scheduled to attend Preceded by Sammy the Salmon | d. Jake Shannon | Australia | 7m World’s Greatest Dad Director: Bobcat Goldthwait Narrative | USA | 2009 1 hr 39 min SAT. OCT 19 | 7:45 PM | ORPHEUM

Ad Astra presentation ceremony and conversation with Bobcat Goldthwait to precede the film. When his son’s body is found in a humiliating accident, a lonely high school teacher inadvertently attracts an overwhelming amount of community and media attention after covering up the truth with a phony suicide note. The Wall of Mexico Director: Zachary Cotler & Magdalena Zyzak Narrative | USA/Mexico | 2019 1 hr 51 min

FRI OCT 18 | 12:30PM | SCOTTISH SAT OCT 19 | 1:30PM | SCOTTISH

A wealthy Mexican family decides to build a wall around their ranch to stop townspeople from stealing their well water. * English and Spanish w/ English Subtitles


DOCUMENTARY 17 Blocks Director: Davy Rothbart Documentary | USA | 2019 1 hr 36 min THURS. OCT 17 | 2:30 PM | ORPHEUM FRI. OCT 18 | 1:15 PM | RUFFIN 1

Using two decades of intimate home video, the story of the Sanford family, whose struggles with addiction and gun violence eventually lead to a journey of love, loss, and acceptance. Preceded by 40th & State | d. Micah Ariel Watson | Wichita, KS | 14m Always In Season Director: Jacqueline Olive Documentary | USA | 2018 1 hr 28 min SUN. OCT 20 | 3:00 PM | WILKE

2019 DOXX Selection. When 17-year-old Lennon Lacy is found hanging from a swing set in rural North Carolina in 2014, his mother’s search for justice and reconciliation begins while the trauma of more than a century of lynching African Americans bleeds into the present. * Guests scheduled to attend Preceded by STOP | d. Steven DeGennaro | USA | 12m Building The American Dream Director: Chelsea Hernandez Documentary | USA | 2019 1 hr 13 min SUN. OCT 20 | 1:30 PM | SCOTTISH

2019 DOXX Selection. Across Texas an unstoppable construction boom drives urban sprawl and luxury high-rises. Its dirty secret: abuse of immigrant labor. * Director of Photography Erik Mauck scheduled to attend Preceded by Illegal Rose | d. Deborah Riley Draper | USA | 15m


DOCUMENTARY Catnip Nation Director: Tina Traster Documentary | USA | 2019 1 hr 15 min FRI. OCT 18 | 3:45 PM | WILKE SAT. OCT 19 | 1:00 PM | WILKE

Catnip Nation explores the dichotomy between our beloved, cherished pet cats, and the equal number who live on the streets. * Director/Producer Tina Traster, Editor/Producer Lennon Neresian & other guests scheduled to attend Fly Like A Girl Director: Katie McEntire Wiatt Documentary | USA | 2018 1 hr 25 min SUN. OCT 20 | 4:15 PM | SCOTTISH

2019 DOXX Award Winner. Fly Like A Girl is more than just a film. It’s a movement of young girls and women relentlessly pursuing their passion for aviation, a field currently dominated by men. Film preceded by award presentation. * Director/Producer Katie Wiatt & Executive Producer/Co-editor Matt Wiatt scheduled to attend Preceded by Rocket Boy | d. Simon Sorted | UK | 6m I Am Human Director: Taryn Southern & Elena Gaby Documentary | USA | 2019 1 hr 30 min

FRI. OCT 18 | 5:15 PM | SCOTTISH SAT. OCT 19 | 10:30 AM | WILKE

Meet the world’s first ‘cyborgs’ - a quadriplegic, a blind man, an amputee, a bio-hacker, and a woman with Parkinson’s - the scientists who help them, and one entrepreneur who will stop at nothing on his quest to unlock the brain. * Co-Director Taryn Southern scheduled to attend


DOCUMENTARY Inmate #1 The Rise Of Danny Trejo Director: Brett Harvey Documentary | Canada | 2019 1 hr 48 min

THU. OCT 17 | 8:00 PM | ORPHEUM SAT. OCT 19 | 11:00 AM | SCOTTISH

74 years in the making, “Inmate #1: The Rise Of Danny Trejo” is the feature documentary experience revealing the extraordinary life journey of Hollywood’s most unlikely hero, Danny Trejo. * English and Spanish w/ English Subtitles * Writer Scott Dodds scheduled to attend King Bibi Director: Dan Shadur Documentary | Israel/USA | 2018 | 1 hr 27 min THU. OCT 17 | 4:30 PM | WILKE SUN. OCT 20 | 3:15 PM | RUFFIN 2

The remarkable and controversial story of Benjamin Netanyahu’s rise to power, reflected through four decades of public appearances that changed Israel forever. * English and Hebrew w/ English Subtitles

Midnight Family Director: Luke Lorentzen Documentary | Mexico | 2019 1 hr 30 min FRI. OCT 18 | 3:00 PM | KLC SAT. OCT 19 | 3:45 PM | RUFFIN 1

In Mexico City’s wealthiest neighborhoods, the Ochoa family runs a private ambulance, competing with other for-profit EMTs for patients in need of urgent help. *Spanish w/ English subtitles Preceded by Dios Nunca Muere (God Never Dies) | d. Barbara Cigarroa | USA | 15m


DOCUMENTARY Midnight Traveler Director: Hassan Fazili Documentary | Qatar/USA/ UK/Canada | 2018 1 hr 27 min

THU. OCT 17 | 2:00 PM | WILKE FRI. OCT 18 | 6:15 PM | WILKE

When the Taliban puts a bounty on Afghan director Hassan Fazili’s head, he is forced to flee with his wife and two young daughters. Capturing their uncertain journey, Fazili shows firsthand the dangers facing refugees seeking asylum and the love shared between a family on the run. *English, Arabic, Turkish and Bulgarian w/ English subtitles Preceded by Open My Eyes | d. Negin Allamehzadeh | USA | 17m Miles Davis: Birth Of The Cool Director: Stanley Nelson Documentary | USA/UK | 2019 1 hr 55 min FRI. OCT 18 | 6:15 PM | RUFFIN 1 SUN. OCT 20 | 11:00 AM | SCOTTISH

Using words from Miles Davis’s autobiography, Miles Davis: Birth of the Cool offers an incisive insight into our understanding of the legendary musician.

Nothing Fancy: Diana Kennedy Director: Elizabeth Carroll Documentary | USA/Mexico 2019 | 1 hr 21 min SAT. OCT 19 | 6:30 PM | SCOTTISH 2019 DOXX Selection. Award-winning cookbook author, environmentalist and feisty nonagenarian Diana Kennedy reflects on a life spent mastering the cuisines of Mexico. *Director Elizabeth Carroll scheduled to attend


DOCUMENTARY Recorder: The Marion Stokes Project Director: Matt Wolf Documentary | USA | 2019 1 hr 28 min FRI. OCT 18 | 3:00 PM | SCOTTISH SAT. OCT 19 | 3:30 PM | WILKE Marion Stokes secretly recorded television 24 hours a day for 30 years from 1975 until her death in 2012. For Marion taping was a form of activism to seek the truth, and she believed that a comprehensive archive of the media would be invaluable for future generations. Red, White and Wasted Director: Sam B. Jones & Andrei Bowden-Schwartz Documentary | USA | 2019 1 hr 29 min

THU. OCT 17 | 4:00 PM | SCOTTISH SAT. OCT 19 | 6:30 PM | SCOTTISH

An unapologetic immersion into Florida’s redneck mudding culture. Video Pat is a mudding enthusiast who must question his passion, and maybe his entire way of life, when the last mudhole in Orlando is shut down. * Director Sam Jones & Producer Noah Lang scheduled to attend Preceded by 8:08 How We Respond | d. Ian Bell | USA | 7m The Cave Director: Feras Fayyad Documentary | Syria/Denmark/ Germany/USA/Qatar | 2019 1 hr 35 min FRI. OCT 18 | 12:45 PM | KLC SUN. OCT 20 | 12:45 PM | RUFFIN 2

The daily life of female Syrian doctors during Syrian war.


DOCUMENTARY Trixie Mattel: Moving Parts Director: Nick Zeig-Owens Documentary | USA | 2019 1 hr 32 min FRI. OCT 18 | 1:30 PM | RUFFIN 2 SAT. OCT 19 | 1:30 PM | RUFFIN 1

Trixie charmed audiences and judges as winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. But the grind of performing and the pressure of the title proves that heavy is the head that wears the tiara. Preceded by PEPITAS | d. Alessandro Sampaoli | Italy | 9m What She Said: The Art Of Pauline Kael Director: Rob Garver Documentary | USA | 2018 1 hr 35 min

SAT. OCT 19 | 11:45 AM | ORPHEUM SUN. OCT 20 | 12:00 PM | WAM

The portrait of the work of controversial film critic Pauline Kael and her influence on the male-dominated worlds of cinema and film criticism. * Writer/Director Rob Garver scheduled to attend

Download the festival app for updated times and ticket giveaways! Available now on



SHORTS PROGRAMS All screenings include filmmaker Q&As

Order of shorts program may differ from order listed below. Please check out an updated listing on our mobile app or at tallgrassfilm.org. Joel Fein Spotlight on Emerging Filmmakers Program SAT. OCT. 19 | 2:00 PM | RUFFIN 2 Growth | d. Nina Rafique | Canada | 2m Midwest | d. Robbie Gonyea | Bloomington, IN | 20m Eztli | d. Sam Smith | New York | 3m Hindsight | d. Oisín-Tomás Ó Raghallaigh | UK | 11m Lunch Break | d. Thamanna Sol | India | 4m Life is NOT a Journey | d. Oliver Marsden | Australia | 4m This is a Teenage Love Letter | d. Tessa Hill | Canada | 7m Serok | d. Zhivar Farajzadeh | Iran | 5m Merciful Decadence: An Ode To The Color Fulvous and its Evocative Complexion | d. Ben Carter | Carrboro, NC | 8m Margot | d. Logan Polish | Los Angeles, CA | 12m Mastorah | d. Ahmad Al-Zu’bi | Jordan | 6m Retrogress | d. Archie Dunham | Wales | 2m Detour | d. Grant Kaufman | Colorado | 6m Hibakusha | d. Adler Moss & John Schaefer | Wichita, KS | 11m Timothy Gruver Spotlight on Kansas Filmmakers Program SUN. OCT. 20 | 3:00 PM | RUFFIN 1 Squashland | d. Jeff Brown | Wichita, KS | 8m Into the Trees | d. Ellen Crispin | Wichita, KS | 7m Bison Trail | d. Matthew Dorzweiler | Hutchinson, KS | 1m My mother is a fish. | d. Jeff Rutherford | Leawood, KS/New York, NY | 14m The Incredible Brown NDN | d. Rodrick Pocowatchit | Wichita, KS | 10m A New Deal for Public Art in the Free State | d. Graham Carroll & Kara Heitz | Mission Hills, KS | 22m Age of Bryce | d. David Feagan & Brian Elliott | Leawood, KS/ Waco, TX | 10m Have You Seen Him | d. Cole Campbell & Cameron Lawrence | Wichita, KS | 3m The Jog | d. Joseph Lee Anderson | Kansas City, KS | 7m Combined | d. Mark Honer | Larned, KS/Los Angeles, CA | 19m Too Late | d. Clayton Dean Smith | Leawood, KS/New York, NY | 4m


SHORTS PROGRAMS All screenings include filmmaker Q&As

Girl Flu: Period Stories First times, fighting back, and destroying the stigma. FRI, OCT. 18 | 6:00 PM | RUFFIN 2 SAT, OCT. 19 | 9:15 PM | SCOTTISH RITE Laugh Out Loud: Comedic Stories The hilarious, the goofy, and the delightful. THURS, OCT. 17 | 1:15 PM | SCOTTISH RITE SAT, OCT. 19 | 10:45 AM | RUFFIN 1 Let’s Get Weird: Twisted Shorts The fun, the interesting, and the just plain strange. SAT, OCT. 19 | 4:30 PM | RUFFIN 2 Live Your Truth: Documentaries True stories, real people, real life. THURSDAY, OCT. 17 | 6:30 PM | WILKE Scream it Out: Horror & Bloody Stories The scary, the bloody, the gory. FRIDAY, OCT. 18 | 8:30 PM | RUFFIN 2 The State of Kansas: Past, Present, and Future Our history, our now and the future of Kansas filmmakers. FRIDAY, OCT. 18 | 10:15 AM | KANSAS LEADERSHIP CENTER SUNDAY, OCT. 20 | 12:15 PM | WILKE Who Am I?: Identity Stories Finding yourself and exploring family relationships. FRIDAY, OCT. 18 | 1:15 PM | WILKE SAT, OCT. 19 | 6:00 PM | WILKE Feel the Pride: LGBTQ+ Stories The beautiful, the emotional, and the powerful. FRIDAY, OCT. 18 | 4:00 PM | Ruffin 1 Find the Love: Relationship Stories Getting together, staying together, and splitting up. THURSDAY, OCT. 17 | 3:45 PM | Ruffin 1 Color Your World: Artistic Stories Art, artists, and animation. SAT, OCT. 19 | 10:30 AM | WAM Embrace the Emotion: Dramatic Stories The poignant, the moving, the breathtaking. SUN, OCT 20 | 10 AM | Ruffin 1


EDUCATION Every year, TFA gathers a group of alumni filmmakers from the previous year’s festival to join the Filmmaker Advisory Board (FAB). This group of individuals possesses years of professional experience in the film industry, insight into the craft of filmmaking and all made very impactful visits to Wichita with their films. Our festival education programs are hosted by our 2019 Film Advisory Board Members - all Tallgrass alumni filmmakers. Meet this year’s team: Kendall Goldberg, H.P. Mendoza, Lis Bartlett, Emily Kincaid, Kyle Solomon, Natalie Cordray, David Phillips, and Yasmin Mistry. All education programs will take place at the Classroom at the Lux. Meet the Filmmakers hosted by the 2019 Film Advisory Board. FRIDAY, OCT. 18 | 3 PM Making Your Passion Project a Reality presented by Lis Bartlett, Natalie Cordray & Kyle Solomon FRIDAY, OCT. 18 | 6 PM PANEL DISCUSSON: Diversity & Inclusion presented by H.P. Mendoza, Kyle Solomon and guests. SATURDAY, OCT. 19 | 11 AM Using Animation as a Tool to Tell Stories presented by Yasmin Mistry SATURDAY, OCT. 19 | 1 PM Making Your First Feature 101 presented by Kendall Goldberg SATURDAY, OCT. 19 | 4:45 PM Clearing Smoke & Breaking Mirrors: Producing Films Without being Naive presented by David Phillips. SUNDAY, OCT. 20 | 1 PM Find a full description of these classes and panels at tallgrassfilmfest.com, or by visiting the education section of our mobile app.


SPONSORS PRESENTED BY CONSOLIDATED EQUITIES TRUST THE 2019 TALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL IS PROUD TO BE SUPPORTED BY THE FOLLOWING:


SPONSORS


SPONSORS Rick & Monica

Ambiance Events by April Adam Gunnels Ann Keefer Apples & Arrows Arctic Glacier Premium Ice Art Busch & Jo Anne Lofland At the Radio Shop Beautiful Day Cafe Becky Turner Black Tie Celebrations Bob & Martha Buford Bonavia Properties Bree and Jason Cox Bruce Rowley Bud & Toni Gates Buffalo WIld Wings Cat Hospital of Wichita Cero’s Candies Cindy Hand Cindy Howard Clay & Kate Bastian Cocoa Dolce Artisan Chocolates Conlee, Schmidt, & Emerson, LLP& Emerson, LLP Culinary Caterers Don Wright Downing Foundation Eric Engstrom & Robert Bell Feline Groovy Floyd & Kay Gruver Foulston Siefkin LLP

Gavin Peters Photography Garvey Kansas Foundation Grae & April Johnson Harrison Steele Headshots Bar & Grill Henry Helgerson Company Hinkle Law Firm LLC. Holly Dyer Jamil Malone J. Andrew Jeff & Janice Van Sickle Jennifer Ray Jim & Kathy Siebert Jim & Ruthie Gillespie Joe Roberston Justin Rorabaugh Kathy Schaack Kent AV Kernels Popcorn Express Knolla’s Pizza East Kocktail Kupcakes Krispy Kreme Kyle & Tom Futo Lacey Cruse Lamphouse Photo Co. Larkspur Bistro & Bar Le Luci Event Lighting Leslie Horigan Liv+Work Living Sound Major Hair Company Melody Matelewic Metro Courier, Inc. Mike & Linda Boyd Nicole Howerton

Nutt

Niki Moddlemog & Susan Mayo O2 Bar 2 Go Oak & Pie Old Mill Tasty Shop Paul & Michelle Witte Pepsi Beverages Co. Planet Hair Positive Directions Public at the Brickyard Pumphouse Roche-Mère Wine Rock Construction Ruffin Properties Security 1st Title Shocker Studios Stearman Airfield Bar & Grill Steve Anderson Steve Howard Swept Away Massage Tanya’s Soup Kitchen The Arts Council The Health Connection The Workroom Todd & Erin Farha Tom Kennalley & Lisa Peters Truffles Catering Twotrees Technologies, LLC VanChase Studios Versato LLC Wichita Wurlitzer


TALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL CREDITS The Tallgrass Film Festival was founded by Timothy O. Gruver in 2003. Staff Paul Melroy | Executive Director Nick Pope | Director of Programming Gray Brand | Director of Marketing Larry Knott | Staff Accountant Programming Team Hannah Bothner | Programming Coordinator, Shorts Andre Seward | Programming Coordinator, Shorts Ryan Johnson | Programming Assistant Creative, Marketing & Publicity Erin Patten | Creative Manager Ashley Lundblade | Press Coordinator Megan St. Clair | Marketing Assistant/ Program Master Javan Gonzalez | Merchandise Coordinator Delilah Reed | Social Media Assistant Volunteer Jenni Alonso | Volunteer Manager Lauren Machian | Volunteer Assistant Hospitality Arietta Austin | Hospitality Manager Blaire Birdsong | Hospitality Coordinator Maria Garcia | Transportation Coordinator Box Office Hugo Phan | Box Office Manager Doanna Ayon | Box Office Manager Shawna Glasscock | Box Office Coordinator Tech Taylor Dietterich | Technical Manager Education Thane Chastain | Education Manager


TALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL CREDITS Festival Logistics Tom Mittlestadt | Experience and Logistics Manager Jessica Brazil | Events & Decor Assistant Brian Gray | Beverage Coordinator Shannon Boone | VIP Food Coordinator Projectionists: Blaise Webster Chris Locke Caitlyn Cody Maggie Allen Chad Willis Peter Porcaro Senior Projectionists: Tom Wren Chris Wren Naythan Smith Kurt Goenner Joel Bowers John Willome Tim Buller Ted Davis Jake Treat Jim Davis Fletcher Powell Programmers Blaise Webster Shannon Fitts Jeremy Bennett Charity Hicks Caitlyn Cody Tina Waltersheid Dee Turner Tyler Powell Steve Gardner Shannon Fitts Novelene Ross Charity Hicks Larry Salvato Tina Waltersheid Greg Cooper Art Kenyon Debra Riley-Williams Susan Moeder Tyler Powell Margie Beeler


TALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL CREDITS Board of Directors Jamil Malone | President April Johnson | Past-President Paul Witte | Vice President Tom Kennalley | Treasurer Holly Dyer | Secretary Kate Simpson Bastian | Board Member Art Busch | Board Member Ruthie Gillespie | Board Member Adam Gunnels | Board Member Steve Howard | Board Member Nicole Howerton | Board Member Melody Matulewic | Board Member Gavin Peters | Board Member Jennifer Ray | Board Member Joe Robertson | Board Member Justin Rorabaugh | Board Member Jim Siebert | Board Member Kathy Siebert | Board Member Janice Van Sickle | Board Member Don Wright | Board Member Emily Bonavia | Board Member Emeritus Floyd Gruver | Board Member Emeritus Ann Keefer | Board Member Emeritus Scholfield Emerging Programming Apprentices Amy Baber Madelene McVey Madeleine Coleman Adler Moss Peter Daood Kent Myrtle Ryan Edwards Gabe O’Malley Ian Foster Silas Stamps Benjamin Gering Zayden Tomson Cahill Jones Lauren Zoller 2019 Filmmaker Advisory Board Kendall Goldberg Natalie Cordray Yasmin Mistry Elisabeth Bartlett David Phillips Kyle Solomon H.P. Mendoza Emily Kincaid


TALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL CREDITS Entertainment Committee Tom Mittlestadt Jessica Brazil Byron J. Love Ellie Keppy Jedd Beaudoin Alicia Dale Executive Decor Committee Suellen Petrillo Cyndie Ponder Tanya Merritt Anita Raghaven Tavrick Lawless Will Pyles Jovana Johnson Amy Chisman Ann Spikes Wyatt Sheeder Maryann Hollander Venue Managers Jack Silvers Janet Davis Bryan Clark Alan Dsouza Linda Kersting Ben Ropp Marti Secondine Lisa Johnston Debbie Riley-Williams Dave Johnston Special Thanks Mosley Street Melodrama Wichita Habitat for Humanity ReStore Ann Spikes Kacy Meinecke Gay Quisenberry Tony Nelzen Barney Byard Diana Gordon Michael Ramsey Barney Byard Leslie Coates


TALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL CREDITS Mark Rodriguez Heath Balderston Alex Schneider Eron Rawson Robin Melroy Pocket St.Clair Kansas Leadership Center 2019 Festival Artwork and Tallgrass Film Festival logo designed by Howerton + White. 2019 Festival Trailer created by Intake Studios. Thank you to our Community Partners: Butler Community College Culinary Program Country Cats, Inc. Feline Groovy Fletcher Powell, KMUW Film Critic Medical Loan Closet Mission Committee at First Presbyterian Church Positive Directions Wichita Big Screen Wichita Comedy Wichita Cat Hospital Wichita Jazz Festival Wichita Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Office of Diversity and Inclusion, Wichita State University Save the Date: The 18th Annual Tallgrass Film Festival October 14th - 18th in Downtown Wichita BEST OF FEST 2019 | SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27TH Join Tallgrass Film Association for BEST OF FEST, hosted at Roxy’s Downtown and presented by Conco Construction. Catch a selection of films you may have missed at #Tallgrass17 at this second day of viewing. Full details and line up will be announced on Wednesday, October 23rd at tallgrassfilmfest.com.


Keep up with the conversation online using #Tallgrass17

@tallgrass |

@tallgrassfilm

Download the festival app for the best way to experience Tallgrass! Available now on

This organization received funding for general operational support from the City of Wichita.