2020 Atlanta Film Festival + Creative Conference Drive-In Screening Schedule Announced

ATLANTA, GA (September 4, 2020) — The Atlanta Film Festival + Creative Conference (ATLFF), presented by WarnerMedia, is pleased to announce the schedule of selected drive-in screenings that will take place during the 44th annual event from Thursday, September 17 – Sunday, September 27, 2020. The schedule revealed today represents a portion of the total 148 selected works that were chosen from a record-breaking 8,500+ submissions. In addition to the drive-in screenings, ATLFF will host virtual screenings and educational events throughout the 11-day festival.

There are 15 narrative and 10 documentary features, and 12 short film and creative media blocks that will screen at drive-in events. Among the announced drive-in screenings are films including THE OUTSIDE STORY, a comedy starring Brian Tyree Henry and Sonequa Martin-Green; IN THE COLD DARK NIGHT, a true-crime documentary feature set in Griffin, Georgia from filmmakers behind AMANDA KNOX and THE TED BUNDY TAPES; and the festival premiere of FANDANGO AT THE WALL, a documentary feature executive produced by Carlos Santana, Quincy Jones, and Andrew Young.

As an Academy Award®-qualifying film festival in the Animated, Narrative and Documentary short categories, ATLFF’s short film blocks represent some of most competitive juried categories at the festival. Notable shorts selections that will be shown at drive-in screenings include STUCCO, directed by Janina Gavankar and Russo Schelling in the “Late Night, Great Night” block; WHITE ECHO directed by Chloe Sevigny in the “Outta This World” block; and NIMIC from director Yorgos Lanthimos in the “Eat the Rich” block.

The screenings will feature works from ATLFF’s New Mavericks, ¡CineMás!, Noire, and Pink Peach specialty programming tracks—celebrating women, Latinx, Black and LGBTQ filmmakers and stories respectively. Approximately half of all of ATLFF’s selected works were directed by people of color and 20 percent of selected works have ties to Georgia.

The 2020 festival previously announced the shift to exclusively drive-in and virtual screenings and events to enable audiences in Atlanta and beyond to safely enjoy works from a diverse slate of more than 140 filmmakers. In addition to the 36 drive-in screenings announced today, 127 selected works will also play at the 2020 festival virtually. Marquee screenings will also join the lineup and will be announced at a later date.

Also to be announced is the full lineup of the 10th anniversary Creative Conference, the festival’s series of 20+ educational events. A key part of ATLFF’s programming, the 2020 Creative Conference will shift formats to virtual events, with a focus on Masterclass conversations and panels featuring accomplished directors, showrunners, producers, writers, actors, production designers, editors and more. The educational programming will cover a wide range of topics including virtual pitching, development, creating family friendly content, marketing, digital branding, podcasting, and sales and distribution. Industry experts participating in the Creative Conference this year have credits including “The Walking Dead”, “Greenleaf”, “All American”, “Lovecraft Country”, and LITTLE MISS SUNSHINE.

Pullman Yard (225 Rogers St NE, Atlanta, GA 30317) will join The Plaza Theatre (1049 Ponce De Leon Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306) and Dad’s Garage (569 Ezzard St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312), as the third drive-in screening venue.  

To view the schedule of films announced today, please visit https://atlantafilmfestival.com/schedule or download the all new Atlanta Film Festival app in the App Store or Google Play. ATLFF badges are now on sale on the festival’s website. Ticketing access is now open to badge holders. Individual ticket sales will open next week. Unlimited access to virtual screenings and events is available as well. 

The Atlanta Film Festival is the annual centerpiece of educational and enriching film programming that is provided year-round by its parent organization, the Atlanta Film Society (ATLFS). The festival was originally scheduled to take place in the spring but was postponed due to precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The 2019 Atlanta Film Festival Recap

An entire month’s passed since the 43rd annual Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) brought together nearly 30,000 passionate filmmakers and cinephiles for 11 days of cultural discovery, artistic growth and opportunity. We gathered everywhere from the beautiful, sunlit fields of the BeltLine to the familiar comfort of the historic Plaza Theatre and enjoyed everything from creative films and shorts to groundbreaking experimental media, music videos and insightful discussions led by filmmakers from all over the world. The sheer number of things happening at any given moment forced attendees to pick and choose which events to attend at the cost of missing others.

For those who want to relive the festival or simply missed out, here are some ATLFF ‘19 highlights.

It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

The Plaza Theatre celebrates Georgian filmmakers.

Georgia’s tax incentive may bring big-name, big-budget productions to our burgeoning Peach State, but our indigenous filmmaking community continues to create films worthy of acclaim. Of the record-setting 8,000+ films and screenplays submitted to this year’s festival, works created by Georgia filmmakers ranked among the finest. We were thrilled to showcase them during ‘It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,’ a block comprised entirely of short films created by Georgian filmmakers.

Filled with narrative, documentary, and animated films that left the entire Plaza Theatre enraptured, engaged, and inspired, the shorts were so great we watched them twice!

Opening Night Presentation: THE FAREWELL

Lulu Wang (left) and Nora “Awkafina“ Lum (right) walk the red carpet.

If local filmmakers kicked off the festival, then writer/director Lulu Wang shifted the event into high gear. Anticipation for the opening night screening of THE FAREWELL built steadily as both Wang and lead actress Awkwafina made red carpet appearances.

Wang and Awkwafina introduce The Farewell.

Lulu Wang and Awkwafina jump onstage afterwards for a Q&A.

After the iconic duo excitingly introduced the movie, THE FAREWELL immediately grasped the entire audience with its beautiful cinematography. However, the narrative was what truly kept us engrossed in the film throughout its 98 minute runtime. By juggling relatable themes of identity and cultural heritage with humor and wit, the film provided an authentic glimpse into a Chinese family's unique struggle to cope with the impending loss of a beloved family member.

Wang and Awkwafina returned to the stage after the film’s conclusion for an insightful Q&A; Wang divulged how her family inspired the film, and Awkwafina shared her on set experience with the crowd.

Georgia Film Award Winning Film: RECKONING

It was only the third day of the festival and the streets of Ponce and Highland came to halt when filmmakers Ruckus and Lane Skye graced the Plaza Theatre with their feature film, RECKONING. The line wrapped around the building with audience members lining up for the film hours before the start of the film. Ruckus and Lane along with the cast of the film arrived smoothly, just in time for some red carpet photos and interviews. Georgia is definitely proud to be the home of such talented and humble filmmakers.

Lane and Ruckus Skye bring the cast of RECKONING to ATLFF.

Joe Berlinger Wins Inaugural Originator Award

Joe Berlinger visits the red carpet.

Following up immediately after RECKONING, Joe Berlinger dropped in for an appearance. Before screening his new film, EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL AND VILE, ATLFF presented its first ever Originator Award to director Joe Berlinger. With an illustrious filmography including the lauded and catalytic PARADISE LOST, the award celebrates Berlinger’s career in the spirit of originators like Burt Reynolds, Jermaine Dupri, and Tyler Perry--those who set out to do things unlike anything anyone’s ever done before. Humbly accepting the award, Berlinger unveiled his love for Atlanta and eventually dedicated the award to the late Bruce Sinofsky, with whom he managed to change the face of documentary filmmaking.

You can stream EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL, AND VILE on Netflix here.

Creative Conference

Jen West (left most) talks directing with documentarians (left to right) Tim O’Donnell, Kristian Melom, Giovanna Giovanini, and James Martin.

Because there are so many factors and moving parts within the filmmaking process, there is always something new to learn. Creative Conference kicked off bright and early, Monday morning. Individuals looking to hone their craft at ATLFF ‘19 looked no further than the Creative Conference. Comprised of 40 educational events designed to disperse knowledge from the industry’s professionals to the aspiring filmmaker throughout the week, the conference covered nearly every stage of the process.

Linda Burns (left) and Tom Luse (right) share a conversation.

Through free-flowing conversations with actors, directors, and producers who’ve found success and panels supplying professional insight, we improved everything from our projects’ initial stories and pitches to their eventual licensing and distribution. The week was filled with gems from local filmmakers to Oscar and Emmy award winning producers.

The Satanic Temple Visits ATLFF

It’s not everyday you’re presented the opportunity to learn about the Satanic Temple from Satanists themselves, but this Wednesday was the day! HAIL SATAN?!, a delightfully off-kilter documentary feature by acclaimed documentarian Penny Lane, explores one of, if not the most controversial religious movements in American history. In chronicling the rise of the widely misunderstood Satanic Temple, the film sheds light on the religion’s true cause and noble intentions. Lane characterizes the Temple by characterizing its members, specifically Lucien Greaves. Greaves’ made-for-camera personality and Lane’s emphasis of irony inject the film with a humor that left the entire audience with split sides. However, the night didn’t end when the film did; once the credits rolled, members of the front row introduced themselves as part of the Atlanta Chapter of The Satanic Temple! Three stepped onto the Dad’s Garage stage to take questions from the audience, revealing a deeper, self-reflexive view of the Temple.

SOUND+VISION

WHOAA treat SOUND+VISION to an unforgettable performance.

Jacob Velcoff leaves his mark on ATLFF’ 19.

Having missed it during ATLFF ‘18, this year’s festival saw the mid-week event return with something for everyone. Complete with live performances from WHOAA and Jacob Velcoff, SOUND+VISION brought together virtual reality films, music videos, and food providing a near sensory overload. ATLFF took over! Free and open to the public along the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine and the Historic Fourth Ward Park, the event provided an opportunity for families and friends to celebrate a wonderful evening with beautiful art and delicious food.

Awards Brunch Recap

Filmmakers from all over the globe gathered to receive awards and recognition for their tremendous films.

Jocelyn DeBoer and Dawn Luebbe snatch Best Narrative Feature.

Tomer Heymann takes home Special Jury Award.

Best Narrative Feature – GREENER GRASS

Best Documentary Feature – THE FOURTH KINGDOM (EL CUARTO REINO)

Best Narrative Short - SIRENE

Best Documentary Short – KAMALI

Best Animated Short – HENRIETTA BULKOWSKI

Georgia Film Award – RECKONING

*For full list of awards click here.

Closing Night Presentation: THEM THAT FOLLOW

All good things must come to an end, and when they do, it’s usually depressing. Yet, the end of ATLFF ‘19 was more joyous than sad, because it brought with it the festival’s trademark closing night festivities. The 43rd annual Atlanta Film Festival concluded with a showing of THEM THAT FOLLOW. As the first feature film from writer/directors Britt Poulton and Dan Madison Savage, the star-studded film memorably closed out the already unforgettable festival.

43rd Annual Atlanta Film Festival Announces Complete Lineup

ATLANTA, GA  — The 2019 Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) is pleased to reveal the lineup of feature length, short films, creative media and special presentations for the 43rd annual celebration, taking place from Thursday, April 4 – Sunday, April 14, 2019.

The lineup of films announced today was selected from a record-breaking 8,414 submissions, almost 1,000 more from the 2018 festival. Over 11 days, the festival will present 180+ feature films, short films, special presentations and creative media, including an array of music videos, virtual reality and episodic pilots. Among these selected films, 20 percent were born and bred through production or filmmaker(s) from Georgia.

“In our 43 years, we have made enormous strides in providing not only top-notch film programming, but also hosting special presentations and educational events that enrich Atlanta’s film and arts community,” said Christopher Escobar, Executive Director of the ATLFF. “Year after year, we are even more thrilled to showcase our remarkable slate of films and welcome exceptional filmmakers into Atlanta’s booming film industry, which has no doubt grown each year in tandem with the festival.”

The Atlanta Film Festival prides itself on continually supporting and expanding diversity in programming, and this year is no different with feature and short films hailing from over 45 countries across the globe. ATLFF is also proud to announce that an astounding 50 percent of the selected films are directed by a female, and 40 percent are directed by a person of color.

On Friday, April 5, the festival will host the Opening Night Presentation of THE FAREWELL from A24 Films. Writer-director Lulu Wang, who penned the screenplay based on her real-life experience, will attend the red carpet screening and celebration. Starring Awkwafina (CRAZY RICH ASIANS, OCEAN’S 8), THE FAREWELL follows a Chinese family who decides to spare their grandmother the facts of her terminal diagnosis and instead plan an impromptu wedding as a way to gather and say their goodbyes.

To conclude this year’s festivities, THEM THAT FOLLOW (starring 2019 Academy Award® -winning actress Olivia Colman and Georgia native Walton Goggins) will mark the Closing Night Presentation on Saturday, April 13. The film takes a stirring look at the members of a misunderstood community tucked away in Appalachia, who risk their lives handling poisonous snakes to prove themselves before God. Co-director Dan Madison Savage is scheduled to attend the Closing Night red carpet screening and gala.

Additionally, Academy Award®-nominated director Joe Berlinger will attend to showcase his forthcoming feature film from Netflix, EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL, AND VILE, a chronicle of the life and crimes of the infamous Ted Bundy, as a Marquee screening on Sunday, April 7. Berlinger will be presented with the inaugural ATLFF Originator Award prior to the film presentation.

ATLFF will entertain festivalgoers with additional Marquee films from a variety of genres and major and independent studios such as Netflix, A24, Neon, The Orchard, and Bleecker Street. The array of Marquee screenings includes: LITTLE WOODS (starring Tessa Thompson and Lily James), TEEN SPIRIT (starring Elle Fanning), IN FABRIC (starring Marianne Jean-Baptiste) and THE TOMORROW MAN (starring John Lithgow and Blythe Danner), plus documentary features including MILES DAVIS: BIRTH OF THE COOL, profiling the beloved and iconic musician.

The festival is also proud to welcome the World Premiere of six feature films, 23 short films and eight creative media presentations to Atlanta’s stage. Among the World Premieres is a Marquee screening of the Georgia-made film SUMMER NIGHT, the directorial debut from actor Joseph Cross of HBO’s “Big Little Lies”, LINCOLN and MILK, who will be in attendance on Saturday, April 6. The coming-of-age story stars Justin Chatwin, Analeigh Tipton, Victoria Justice, Lana Condor, Ellar Coltrane and Ian Nelson.

In addition to a spectacular lineup of film programming, this year’s Special Presentations include a live screening of the highly-anticipated premiere of the final season of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” on the big screen on Sunday, April 14 at the Plaza Theatre. The ever-popular annual Food on Film event will pair the documentary THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM, about two determined farmers outside of Los Angeles, with a farm-to-table after-party at the Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge. The festival is also pleased to bring back the popular SOUND+VISION event, celebrating the combination of music and visuals. Further details are forthcoming.

ATLFF’s educational programming track, the five-day Creative Conference, rounds out the 2019 schedule of key programming. Offering approximately 40 panels, workshops, Q&As and more, festivalgoers will be immersed in topics such as screenwriting, acting, producing, funding and distribution. Panelists and a full schedule are forthcoming.

Before all of the festivities are underway, the IMAGE Awards Gala will return this year after a 10-year hiatus on Wednesday, April 3 at the Fox Theatre's Egyptian Ballroom. The evening will recognize leaders who have made outstanding contributions to building the state's film industry and community.

Festivalgoers will enjoy screenings and events at returning official venues including the Plaza Theatre, Dad’s Garage and the Hilan Theatre, plus the addition of 7 Stages Black Box Theater as a new venue this year.

The Atlanta Film Festival is the annual centerpiece of educational and enriching film programming that is provided year-round by parent organization, the Atlanta Film Society.

Festival badges are available now! Individual tickets will go on sale on Friday, March 22.

OPENING NIGHT

THE FAREWELL
Directed by Lulu Wang
USA/China, 2019, English/Mandarin, 98 minutes, A24 Films
Friday, April 5, 2018, 7:00 PM — Plaza Theatre
After learning their beloved matriarch has terminal lung cancer, a family opts not to tell her about the diagnosis, instead scheduling an impromptu wedding-reunion back in China. Headstrong and emotional writer Billi rebels against her parents’ directive to stay in New York and joins the family as they awkwardly attempt to rekindle old bonds, throw together a wedding that only grandma is actually looking forward to, and surreptitiously say their goodbyes.

A heartfelt celebration of both the way we perform family and the way we live it, THE FAREWELL masterfully interweaves a gently humorous depiction of the good lie in action with a thoughtful exploration of how our cultural heritage does and does not travel with us when we leave our homes. Writer/director Lulu Wang imbues THE FAREWELL with warmth and knowing wit, while the uniformly excellent ensemble cast (anchored by a breakout performance by Awkwafina) invites us to share this extended clan’s joy and sorrow—and to feel, for the length of this remarkable film, like a part of their family.
[New Mavericks]

Writer-Director Lulu Wang scheduled to attend.
Opening Night Film & Party Sponsored by Moonshine Post Production

CLOSING NIGHT

THEM THAT FOLLOW
Directed by Britt Poulton & Dan Madison Savage
USA, 2019, English, 98 minutes, The Orchard
Saturday, April 13, 2019, 7:30 PM — Plaza Theatre
In the rugged wilderness of Appalachia, the members of an isolated community of Pentecostal snake handlers led by Pastor Lemuel (Walton Goggins) risk their lives to attest themselves before God. Lemuel’s daughter Mara (Alice Englert) prepares for her upcoming wedding to the young believer her father has singled out for her under the watchful eye of Hope (Olivia Colman), while scrambling to hide a secret that has the potential to drive her father’s church to ruin.

For their feature debut, writer-directors Britt Poulton and Dan Madison Savage have crafted a thrilling, poignant look at a misunderstood community. An all-star cast brings this distinctive story to life, catapulting audiences into a world where morality and belief are not always aligned, and where the consequences can be devastating when faith is stretched to a breaking point.

Co-director Dan Madison Savage scheduled to attend.
Closing Night Film & Party Sponsored by Crafty Apes.

NARRATIVE FEATURES

AFTERLIFE (HIERNAMAALS)
Directed by Willem Bosch
Netherlands, 2019, Dutch, 93 minutes
Saturday, April 13, 2019, 2:45 PM — Plaza Theatre
After losing her beloved mother Vera in a tragic accident, 14-year-old Sam has taken on the responsibility of looking after her father and two little brothers. One morning as she rushes to school, a speeding truck causes Sam's to meet a similar untimely end. With the help of her oddball guardian angel Martin, Sam is soon reunited with her mother in the afterlife. Though Vera is overjoyed to see her daughter again, she has no intention of allowing their reunion to be permanent. Vera is adamant that her daughter must return to the world of the living; Sam is determined to bring her mother back with her.
[Family Friendly]

THE COTTON WOOL WAR (GUERRA DE ALGODÃO)
Directed by Marília Hughes, Cláudio Marques
Brazil, 2018, Portuguese/German, 82 minutes
Sunday, April 14, 2019, 3:00 PM — 7 Stages Black Box
Dora, raised by her mother in Germany, is visiting her enigmatic Brazilian grandmother for the first time. Soon she will come to learn that this is not a vacation, but a relocation. She will not be returning to Germany, not even to say goodbye to her friends. While desperately trying to find a way home, Dora discovers the beauty of Brazil and the incredible history behind the women of her family.
[CineMás]

CRYSTAL SWAN (Хрусталь)
Directed by Darya Zhuk
Belarus/USA/Russia, 2018, Russian, 93 minutes
Saturday, April 13, 2019, 5:15 PM — Hilan Theatre
Evelina dreams of leaving behind her life in post-Soviet Minsk to become a DJ in the USA. But it is not so easy to leave Belarus in 1996; Evelina must prove that she has a permanent job in order to obtain a visa. Desperate, she purchases a fake employment letter. But when Evelina accidentally lists the wrong phone number on this letter, she must travel to a backwater village to convince the number's owner, a family in the midst planning a wedding, to lie on her behalf. The more time she spends with these strangers, the more she realizes their values are precisely what she is trying to escape from.
[New Mavericks]

THE DEATH OF DICK LONG
Directed by Daniel Scheinert
USA, 2019, English, 100 minutes, A24 Films
Monday, April 8, 2019, 10:15 PM — Plaza Theatre
Holy crap. Dick is dead. Died last night after band practice, and his bandmates, Zeke and Earl, don’t want anybody finding out how. That’s too bad though, ’cause news travels fast in small-town Alabama, and these guys suck at covering their tracks. The authorities haven’t ID’d the body just yet, but Zeke’s wife and his daughter are getting more and more suspicious.

EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL, AND VILE
Directed by Joe Berlinger
USA, 2019, English, 108 minutes, Netflix
Sunday, April 7, 2019, 9:15 PM — Plaza Theatre
1969. Ted (Zac Efron) is crazy-handsome, smart, charismatic, affectionate. And cautious single mother Liz Kloepfer (Lily Collins) ultimately cannot resist his charms. A picture of domestic bliss, the happy couple seems to have it all figured out … until, out of nowhere, their perfect life is shattered. Ted is arrested and charged with a series of increasingly grisly murders. Concern soon turns to paranoia—and, as evidence piles up, Liz is forced to consider that the man with whom she shares her life could actually be a psychopath.
Director Joe Berlinger is scheduled to attend and will be presented with the ATLFF Originator Award prior to the film presentation.

FLY BY NIGHT
Directed by Zahir Omar
Malaysia, 2018, Chinese/Bahasa/English, 101 minutes
Tuesday, April 9, 2019, 9:15 PM — Plaza Theatre
Tailo is a cab driver who runs a small and mildly profitable extortion ring. When Sailo, his wild card younger brother, decides to branch out on his own he inadvertently unleashes a trail of destruction. Suddenly Tailo's livelihood is under threat by both cops and crime lords and he must pull out all the stops to clean up Sailo's mess and protect those who matter most to him.

GREENER GRASS
Directed by Jocelyn DeBoer, Dawn Luebbe
USA, 2019, English, 101 minutes
Friday, April 12, 2019, 9:30 PM — Plaza Theatre
A deliciously twisted comedy set in a demented, timeless suburbia where every adult wears braces on their straight teeth, couples coordinate meticulously pressed outfits, and coveted family members are swapped in more ways than one in this competition for acceptance.
[New Mavericks], [Georgia]

HERE AND NOW (AQUÍ Y AHORA)
Directed by Paz Leon
USA, 2019, Spanish, 78 minutes
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 2:15 PM — 7 Stages Black Box
Lara is a modern dancer who lives for her craft but is insecure about her talent. When she is offered a scholarship to join a prestigious foreign dance company, she finds herself at an unexpected crossroads. The opportunity is everything she has ever wanted, but a budding romance and and a health scare in her family give her pause. Lara comes to realize that in order to pursue her dream she must not only leave the only home she has ever known but the people who give her home meaning.
[New Mavericks], [CineMás]

IN FABRIC
Directed by Peter Strickland
United Kingdom, 2018, English, 119 minutes, A24 Films
Thursday, April 11, 2019, 9:30 PM — Plaza Theatre
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
Directed by Amber McGinnis
USA, 2019, English, 93 minutes
Sunday, April 14, 2019, 6:30 PM — Plaza Theatre
Dee is stuck in a boring job and a broken marriage in International Falls, a snowbound border town at the end of the road. Harboring a secret dream of a stand up career, Dee encounters Tim: a burned out touring comedian who feels trapped by the very life Dee desires. As these two lost souls form an unlikely friendship, they'll be forced to face the harsh but funny truths of their lives.
[World Premiere], [New Mavericks]

JULIA AND THE FOX (JULIA Y EL ZORRO)
Directed by Inés María Barrionuevo
Argentina, 2018, Spanish, 104 minutes
Saturday, April 13, 2019, 2:45 PM — 7 Stages Black Box
Still reeling from the death of her husband, Julia travels to Argentina with her daughter Emma in tow to fix up and sell her husband's family home. Julia and Emma's grief has created a rift in their relationship as they process their loss in conflicting ways. Emma is desperate to hold onto the memory of her father, while Julia is eager to move on. When Julia runs into Gaspar, a friend from their former life, the trio attempt to overcome their loss by forming a new type of family.
[Pink Peach], [New Mavericks], [CineMás]

LITTLE WOODS
Directed by Nia DaCosta
USA, 2018, English, 105 minutes, NEON
Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 8:00 PM — Plaza Theatre
Little Woods, North Dakota, a fracking boomtown well beyond its prime. Ollie (Tessa Thompson) is trying to survive the last few days of her probation after getting caught illegally running prescription pills over the Canadian border. But when her mother dies, she is thrust back into the life of her estranged sister Deb (Lily James), who is facing her own crisis with an unplanned pregnancy and a deadbeat ex. The two find they have one week to settle the mortgage on their mother’s house or face foreclosure.
[New Mavericks]

MONOS
Directed by Alejandro Landes
Colombia/Argentina/Netherlands/Germany/Sweden/Uruguay, 2019, Spanish/English, 102 minutes, NEON
Friday, April 12, 2019, 9:30 PM — Hilan Theatre
Belonging to a rebel group called “the Organization,” a ragtag band of child soldiers, brandishing guns and war names like Rambo, Wolf, Lady, and Bigfoot, occupies a derelict ruin atop a remote mountain where they train themselves, watch over a “conscripted” milk cow, and hold hostage a kidnapped American engineer, Doctora (Julianne Nicholson). But after an attack forces them to abandon their base, playtime is over for the motley young crew.
[CIneMás]

PAGEANT MATERIAL
Directed by Jonothon Mitchell
USA, 2019, English, 74 minutes
Tuesday, April 9, 2019, 9:15 PM — Dad’s Garage Theatre
Recovering from the death of his mother, 17-year-old Rodney dreams of escaping his small southern hometown to follow in her footsteps as an award-winning pageant queen. Despite an onslaught of bullying and abuse from his family and peers, Rodney calls upon a unique cast of southern characters to help him take the crown in a teen drag pageant in Atlanta.
[World Premiere], [Pink Peach], [Georgia]

PAUSE (PAFSI)
Directed by Tonia Mishiali
Cyprus/Greece, 2018, Greek, 96 minutes
Sunday, April 7, 2019, 2:30 PM — 7 Stages Black Box
Elpida has spent her life enduring an oppressive marriage. When a doctor's visit reveals that menopause is fast approaching, Elpida finds herself forced to confront the reality of her situation. Can she break free from the only life she has ever known in order to pursue her deep desire for love and affection? Feeling both trapped and desperate to explore an untapped side of herself, Elpida begins to seek refuge in a fantasy world of vindictive violence. Soon, reality and fantasy start to blur.  
[New Mavericks]

RECKONING
Directed by Ruckus Skye & Lane Skye
USA, 2019, English, 87 minutes
April 7, Sunday, April 7, 2019, 7:00 PM — Plaza Theatre
Miles from the nearest power grid, Lemon Cassidy scratches out a humble living in an isolated Appalachian farming community. Her life is tossed into chaos when two men from the oldest family on the mountain hold her son hostage until she can settle a debt her missing husband owes to their cold-hearted matriarch.
[World Premiere], [Georgia]

SIMPLE WEDDING
Directed by Sara Zandieh
USA, 2019, English, 88 minutes
Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 7:00 PM — Dad’s Garage Theatre
Nousha continues to sabotage her relationships, much to the frustration of her parents. She is, after all, their only hope for a real Persian wedding. Under this pressure, Nousha meets Alex Talbot—a bisexual artist, activist and DJ living in an old warehouse. Their relationship progresses quickly, ultimately coming to the moment when Nousha’s parents discover that she and Alex are living together before marriage. Chaos unfolds, leading to a wedding that is anything but simple.
[Pink Peach], [New Mavericks]

SOUNDLESS DANCE
Directed by Pradeepan Raveendran
France/India/Sri Lanka, 2019, Tamil/French, 89 minutes
Sunday, April 7, 2019, 7:30 PM — 7 Stages Black Box
In the spring of 2009, Sri Lanka's decades long civil war is entering its most violent phase. Siva, a young Sri Lankan refugee living illegally in France, has lost contact with the family he was forced to leave behind. Haunted by the trauma of the war that devastated his childhood and obsessed by the flow of images on the Internet, Siva sinks into a waking dream that propels him into the heart of the battlefield.
[World Premiere]

SPEED OF LIFE
Directed by Liz Manashil
USA, 2019, English, 75 minutes
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 4:30 PM — Plaza Theatre
In 2016, David Bowie's death creates a rift in time and space. June and Edward are in the midst of an argument when Edward suddenly falls into the wormhole created by Bowie's death, vanishing without a trace. In 2040, June continues to mourn the loss of Edward while facing the dark reality of her approaching 60th birthday, when she will be locked away along with the rest of her society's senior citizens. Unwilling to disappear, June begins to plan her escape when Edward suddenly reappears in her life. June has spent 24 years without Edward, but for Edward it has been mere moments.
[New Mavericks]

SUMMER NIGHT
Directed by Joseph Cross
USA, 2019, English, 98 minutes, Samuel Goldwyn Films
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 7:00 PM — Plaza Theatre
In a small town, a young, tight-knit group of friends fall in and out of love over the course of one intoxicating, music-filled summer night. Starring Justin Chatwin, Analeigh Tipton, Victoria Justice, Lana Condor, Ellar Coltrane and Ian Nelson.
[Georgia], [World Premiere]

TEEN SPIRIT
Directed by Max Minghella
United Kingdom/USA, 2018, English, 92 minutes, Bleecker Street
Friday, April 12, 2019, 7:00 PM — Plaza Theatre
Violet (Elle Fanning) is a shy teenager who dreams of escaping her small town and pursuing her passion to sing. With the help of an unlikely mentor, she enters a local singing competition that will test her integrity, talent and ambition. Driven by a pop-fueled soundtrack, TEEN SPIRIT is a visceral and stylish spin on the Cinderella story.

TEHRAN: CITY OF LOVE
Directed by Ali Jaberansari
Iran/Netherlands/United Kingdom, 2018, Farsi, 102 minutes
Friday, April 12, 2019, 7:30 PM — Hilan Theatre
A bodybuilding champion turned personal trainer finds secret excitement in his life when he takes on a new, young client. A beauty clinic secretary who lacks confidence in her physical appearance creates a digital persona to seduce men she feels she could never have. A dispirited religious singer tries his luck performing at weddings to increase the chances of finding the love of his life. This is a bittersweet tale of three disenchanted characters yearning for love in a city that does not embrace them.

THE TOMORROW MAN
Directed by Noble Lincoln Jones
USA, 2019, English, 94 minutes, Bleecker Street
Monday, April 8, 2019, 7:45 PM — Plaza Theatre
Ed Hemsler (John Lithgow) spends his life preparing for a disaster that may never come. Ronnie Meisner (Blythe Danner) spends her life shopping for things she may never use. In a small town somewhere in America, these two people will try to find love while trying not to get lost in each other's stuff.

THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT
Directed by John Cerrito
USA, 2019, English, 85 minutes
Tuesday, April 9, 2019, 7:00 PM — Dad’s Garage Theatre
Peter, typically unlucky in love, is overjoyed when he manages to find the girl of his dreams, Ellie, on a dating app. But when their seemingly perfect date ends with Peter waking up the next morning alone, he begrudgingly turns to a new dating site that guarantees it will find his perfect match. After a series of unsuccessful dates, Peter begins to notice eerie similarities between the women from the website and Ellie (who is still very much on his mind). When Peter learns the truth behind Ellie's rejection, he'll discover that dating life in the digital era is much more complicated that he could have imagined in this unique love story with a fantasy twist.
[Pink Peach]

WORLD BEYOND MY MIND (DRAUßEN IN MEINEM KOPF)
Directed by Eibe Maleen Krebs
Germany, 2018, German, 95 minutes
Sunday, April 7, 2019, 5:00 PM — 7 Stages Black Box
Looking to fulfill a voluntary year of social service, Christoph accepts a position as personal nurse to the terminally-ill Sven. Desperate to avoid any kind of emotional connection in the face of death, Sven initially rejects Christoph's offer of friendship and support. As Sven's health begins to worsen, he begins to let Christoph in, eventually trusting him enough to share his last wishes. Christoph must overcome his own uncertainty in order to help Sven shape his fate.

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

ALWAYS IN SEASON
Directed by Jacqueline Olive
USA, 2019, English, 90 minutes
Sunday, April 7, 2019, 4:30 PM — Plaza Theatre
When 17-year-old Lennon Lacy is found hanging from a swing set in rural North Carolina, the trauma of the past bleeds into the present. Despite inconsistencies in the case, local officials quickly rule Lennon’s death a suicide, but his mother, Claudia, believes Lennon was lynched and begins a painstaking fight for justice for her son. A few hundred miles away in Monroe, Georgia, a group of reenactors, including the daughter of a former Ku Klux Klan leader, annually dramatize a 1946 lynching to memorialize the victims and to encourage the community to come forward with information that might bring the perpetrators to justice. Woven together, the stories explore the lingering impact of more than a century of lynching African Americans and connects this form of historic racial terrorism to racial violence today.
[Georgia]

AMINA
Directed by Kivilcim Akay
Turkey, 2019, French/Wolof/Turkish, 70 minutes
Saturday, April 13, 2019, 1:00 PM — Hilan Theatre
Seven years ago, Amina left her daughter behind in Senegal in search of a better life for them both. Now, working as a dress model for a textile company in Istanbul, Amina dreams of being a real model one day and of returning to her child. But as an African woman, she must overcome the daily challenges of an immigrant's life in Turkey while she attempts to reconcile the disparate world between her reality and her dreams.
[World Premiere], [New Mavericks]

THE BIGGEST LITTLE FARM
Directed by John Chester
USA, 2018, English, 91 minutes, NEON
Sunday, April 7, 2019, 12:00 PM — Plaza Theatre
When the barking of their beloved dog Todd leads to an eviction notice from their tiny LA apartment, John and Molly Chester make a choice that takes them out of the city and onto 200 acres in the foothills of Ventura County, naively endeavoring to build one of the most diverse farms of its kind in complete coexistence with nature. The land they’ve chosen, however, is utterly depleted of nutrients and suffering from a brutal drought. The film chronicles eight years of daunting work and outsize idealism as they attempt to create the utopia they seek, planting 10,000 orchard trees and over 200 different crops, and bringing in animals of every kind—including an unforgettable pig named Emma and her best friend, Greasy the rooster.

A DAY FOR SUSANA (UM DIA PARA SUSANA)
Directed by Giovanna Giovanini, Rodrigo Boecker
Brazil/Germany/Scotland, 2018, Portuguese/English, 85 minutes
Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 7:00 PM — Hilan Theatre
Diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy, a fatal brain disease, Susana is a professional Brazilian swimmer and mother of three training for a spot in the Paralympic Games. Faced with the conflicting demands of rigorous training and a complicated family life, Susana must grapple with her solitary condition and choose between her athletic aspirations and familial duties in a race for fulfillment before her time runs out.
[New Mavericks], [CineMás]

EVELYN
Directed by Orlando von Einsiedel
United Kingdom, 2018, English, 96 minutes
Friday, April 12, 2019, 7:00 PM — 7 Stages Black Box
Fourteen years after the suicide of their son and brother, Evelyn, his family decides to walk the length of the UK and try to talk about him - something they had failed to do in over a decade. In this poignant portrait or grief, Academy Award® winning director Orlando von Einsiedel turns the cameras on himself, as he and his parents and siblings embark on a journey in remembrance of Evelyn. Part quest film, part road-trip, part memoir, EVELYN seeks to address the past, in order to find some peace in the present, and look to the future.

THE FOURTH KINGDOM (EL CUARTO REINO)
Directed by Adán Aliaga, Alex Lora
Spain/USA, 2019, Spanish/English, 83 minutes
Sunday, April 14, 2019, 4:45 PM — 7 Stages Black Box
The Fourth Kingdom is the kingdom of plastics, a redemption center in NY where undocumented immigrants and underdogs struggle to claim their share of the American Dream. Reckoning with this distant promise, denizens Ana, Walter, Eugene, Pierre, and René find comfort in each other's company and otherworldy entertainment in the plastic that abounds. Dreams don't die if the journey continues, regardless of origins and destinations.
[CineMás]

GIMME A FAITH (門徒)
Directed by Zhang Hao
USA/China, 2018, English/Chinese, 83 minutes
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 4:30 PM — 7 Stages Black Box
Each August, Steve Wong welcomes new students from China as they begin their studies at North Carolina State University. He offers them a ride home and a home-cooked Chinese meal, in return they take part in a bible study. Surprised by this unexpected aspect of studying abroad, a Chinese film student turns his lens toward the Chinese Christian community that has sprung up around his new school. Weaving through the complex relationships forged between Wong, his fellow converts and their more hesitant counterparts, this film follows various new students as they balance the pressures of religion, community, and belonging.

GRIT
Directed by Cynthia Wade, Sasha Friedlander
Indonesia/USA, 2018, Indonesian, 81 minutes
Tuesday, April 9, 2019, 7:15 PM — Hilan Theatre
In 2006, international drilling company Lapindo carelessly unleashed an unstoppable toxic mudflow into East Java—burying dozens of nearby villages and displacing tens of thousands of Indonesians in the process. Galvanized by tragedy, 16-year-old survivor Dian transforms into a politically active teenager and voice for her community, organizing her neighbors as they fight for justice in the wake of one of the world’s largest man-made environment disasters. From Academy Award® winning director Cynthia Wade and Sasha Friedlander, this gripping documentary examines the perseverance of the human spirit amidst social and environmental strife.
[New Mavericks], [Pink Peach]

HAIL SATAN?
Directed by Penny Lane
USA, 2019, English, 95 minutes, Magnolia Pictures
Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 9:15 PM — Dad’s Garage
Chronicling the extraordinary rise of one of the most colorful and controversial religious movements in American history, “Hail Satan?” is an inspiring and entertaining new feature documentary from acclaimed director Penny Lane. When media-savvy members of the Satanic Temple organize a series of public actions designed to advocate for religious freedom and challenge corrupt authority, they prove that with little more than a clever idea, a mischievous sense of humor, and a few rebellious friends, you can speak truth to power in some truly profound ways.

JONATHAN AGASSI SAVED MY LIFE
Directed by Tomer Heymann
Israel/Germany, 2018, Hebrew/English, 106 minutes
Thursday, April 11, 2019, 7:00 PM — Plaza Theatre
Meet Jonathan Agassi, a gay Israeli porn star with a worldwide following. Diving into his fantastical life, this intimate documentary explores the highest highs and lowest lows of one of the world's most famous adult entertainers. Behind the veil of fame, Agassi shares a loving yet complicated bond with his mother and an estrangement from his father that boils beneath the surface. The freedom of sex, the allure of drugs, and the confines of family ultimately force Jonathan to confront the harsh realities of his extreme lifestyle.
[Pink Peach]

LIFE WITHOUT BASKETBALL
Directed by Tim O'Donnell, Jon Mercer
USA/Switzerland/United Arab Emirates, 2018, English, 89 minutes
Sunday, April 7, 2019, 2:15 PM — Plaza Theatre
Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir broke records and barriers on her way to become the first Division I athlete to play basketball while wearing hijab. When a controversial ruling ends her chances at playing professionally, she re-examines her faith and identity as a Muslim American.

MILES DAVIS: BIRTH OF THE COOL
Directed by Stanley Nelson
USA/United Kingdom, 2019, English/French, 115 minutes
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 9:15 PM — Plaza Theatre
The definition of ‘cool’ can be summed up by the name Miles Davis. The quintessential Renaissance Man known for his restless artistic aesthetic, Davis is widely regarded as one of the most innovative, influential and highly respected figures in music. Having changed the course of music five or six times, Davis remains a fashion and cultural icon, and his globally recognized artwork continues to resonate with multiple generations. In MILES DAVIS: BIRTH OF THE COOL, award-winning filmmaker Stanley Nelson delves deep into the world of a beloved musical giant.

A NEW DAWN (EEN NIEUWE MORGEN)
Directed by Kim Brand
Netherlands, 2017, Dutch, 55 minutes
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 3:00 PM — Hilan Theatre
When a nursing home has to deal with budget cuts and empty rooms, management comes up with a novel solution: lease the empty apartments to young people looking for a place to live. Some elderly residents don't like this solution at all and would prefer to be left alone, but others, longing for change, welcome their new neighbors' youthful energy. Whether they're for or against the change, things are about to liven up in this humorous and heartfelt look at the power of bringing together the young and the old.

PENGUINS
Directed by Alastair Fothergill, Jeff Wilson
USA, 2019, English, Disney
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 10:30 AM — Plaza Theatre
Disneynature’s all-new feature film PENGUINS is a coming-of-age story about an Adélie penguin named Steve who joins millions of fellow males in the icy Antarctic spring on a quest to build a suitable nest, find a life partner and start a family. None of it comes easily for him, especially considering he's targeted by everything from killer whales to leopard seals, who unapologetically threaten his happily ever after. From the filmmaking team behind BEARS and CHIMPANZEE, Disneynature’s PENGUINS opens in theaters nationwide in time for Earth Day 2019.

THE SWING (AL MARJOUHA)
Directed by Cyril Aris
Lebanon/USA, 2018, Arabic/French/Italian, 74 minutes
Sunday, April 14, 2019, 12:30 PM — 7 Stages Black Box
An ailing old man’s fragile heart must be protected at all costs, so his family decides not to tell him that his beloved daughter has suddenly died abroad. His wife, aware of the family's deceit, is left to grieve their daughter’s death for them both. What follows is a heavy, lyrical portrait that is brightened by the warming rays of loved ones’ smiles.

A THOUSAND GIRLS LIKE ME
Directed by Sahra Mani
Afghanistan/France, 2018, Farsi, 90 minutes
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 7:30 PM — Hilan Theatre
When Khatera, a 23-year-old Afghan woman, opposes the will of her family and the traditions of her country to seek justice for years of sexual abuse from her father, she sheds light on the faulty Afghan judicial system and the women it rarely protects. One woman’s obstinate battle to make her voice heard demonstrates the power of action over fear in this harrowing feature documented by a young Afghan director.
[New Mavericks]

WHEN LAMBS BECOME LIONS
Directed by Jon Kasbe
Kenya/USA, 2018, Swahili, 76 minutes
Monday, April 8, 2019, 7:30 PM — Hilan Theatre
In the Kenyan bush, a small-time elephant poacher fights to stay on top while forces mobilize to destroy the ivory trade. When he turns to his younger cousin, a conflicted wildlife ranger who hasn’t been paid in months, they both see a possible lifeline. Filmed over three years, this rare and visually arresting film places the viewer at the epicenter of the conservation divide.

YELLOW IS FORBIDDEN
Directed by Pietra Brettkelly
China/France/New Zealand, 2019, Chinese/French/English, 97 minutes
Saturday, April 13, 2019, 5:00 PM — Plaza Theatre
The world of fashion is incredibly exclusive, but no tier is more elite than that of haute couture. It's a restrictive group that can only be joined with the express permission of an official French fashion organization. If they don't approve you, you can't use their label. Chanel, Givenchy, Dior - the designers who have traditionally been recognized by the group are predominantly male and mostly white Europeans. Enter Guo Pei, a female independent designer from China. Once unheard of, Guo rocketed to stardom when Rihanna wore her infamous yellow ball gown to the 2015 Met Gala. Now Guo has been invited to present a collection in Paris and could rise the ranks to secure the coveted haute couture label her ethereal work demands. At the intersection of new visions and old ideals, one radical, but traditionally overlooked, designer is determined to forge a path on hallowed ground. If you don't know her name yet, you will soon.
[New Mavericks]

YOU ARE HERE: A COME FROM AWAY STORY
Directed by Moze Mossanen
USA/Canada, 2019, English, 84 minutes
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 12:45 PM — Hilan Theatre
Shortly after the terrorist attacks on 9/11, nearly 40 airliners carrying over 6,500 passengers were forced to land at a tiny airport in Gander, Newfoundland. With thousands stranded and nowhere to go, the small but mighty Canadian community of Gander came together to house, feed, and care for the passengers or "come from aways" who soon became more like family than strangers. Through firsthand accounts and real life footage, You Are Here documents the immense kindness, clever resourcefulness, and heartfelt humor Gander showed their unexpected guests. Witness the remarkable true story that inspired the hit Broadway musical Come From Away.

SHORT FILM BLOCKS

CHANGING SAME
Documentary Shorts
Memoirs of past burdens and future hopes collide in the present.
Thursday, April 11, 2019 7:30pm — Hilan Theatre

Valley of The Rulers (Dolina Vladara) |
 directed by Efim Graboy, Serbia/Israel, 25:38
Reconciling suffering and acceptance, residents go about their daily routine in a distant nursing home on top of a mountain in Serbia – the closest place to heaven.

Protect |
 directed by Hugues Hariche, USA, 17:25
An exploration of communities along the Georgia and South Carolina coast, where societal and environmental breakdowns are instigating valiant acts of human resistance.
[World Premiere], [Georgia]

When Pride Came To Town (Bygdehomo) |
 directed by Julia Dahr & Julie Lunde Lillesæter, Norway, 17:49
After leaving his rural hometown to escape homophobia, Bjørn-Tore returns decades later to participate in its first Pride parade.
[Pink Peach]

Edgecombe |
 directed by Crystal Kayiza, USA, 14:36
Revealing the deeply personal truths of three local residents, their collective stories examine the ways trauma repeats and reinvents itself in rural Black communities.

My Dear Kyrgyzstan |
 directed by Noam Argov & Alex Pritz, USA, 13:00
A Kyrgyz man takes it upon himself to transform his abandoned Soviet mining village into an international tourism destination.

Motomiya |
 directed by Alexandra Debricon, USA/France/Japan, 13:06
Travelling through fast paced Tokyo together, young student Raquel's explosive love for life reminds older Motomiya that joy can be found in even the smallest of tasks.
[World Premiere]

EPHEMERAL WONDERS
Experimental Shorts
Astounding and unconventional avant-garde works.
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 9:15pm — 7 Stages Black Box

Sailli – “The Light” |
 directed by Haansol Rim, USA, 3:00
The portrait of the existentialist struggle of seeking individuality (the Light) in a homogeneous world, only to be confined again in a never ending nightmare.
[World Premiere]

The Real Thing |
 directed by Julianna Villarosa, USA, 2:45
Using physical media (16mm, VHS) destroyed by Coca-Cola, this film contrasts the famous “I’d Like To Buy The World A Coke” ad with The Coca-Cola Company’s most recent scandal: unconscionable water privatization in Chiapas, Mexico.
[World Premiere], [Georgia]

Winners Bitch |
 directed by Sam Gurry, USA, 6:57
It takes a lot to be a woman of distinction; Virginia Hampton was an all breed American Kennel Club judge from 1963-2002. She was a doting mother, breeder of Collies, and proponent of the Akita. Two of those things are lies.

Boys Beware |
 directed by Callahan Bracken, Canada, 1:05
Repurposed archival footage that explores the lasting impacts of a heteronormativity society on young queer people.
[Pink Peach]

Two Parts Black |
 directed by Cleon Arrey, USA, 5:42
An attempt to depict the two worlds I navigate; the world my family has created for me and the world that exists beyond my mother's door.

Cosmos Obscura |
 directed by Kate Balsley & Irina Escalante-Chernova, USA, 4:00
The universe is at once known and unknowable. New patterns, rhythms and metaphors are born from old ones, and familiar celestial bodies are refracted into strange and unusual forms. (Contains flashing images.)
[Georgia]

Orchid Mantis – “Tired in the Morning” |
 directed by Joseph Skillas, USA, 3:00
A digital and analog collaborative collision with avant-garde artist Orchid Mantis. [Georgia]

Traces with Elikem |
 directed by Ariana Gerstein, USA, 7:00
Races performed and captured by scanner and monitor surfaces. Light reflects and passes through, layers slide past and sometimes meet, punctuated by sounds vibrating and percussive.
[World Premiere], [New Mavericks]

We Were Hardly More Than Children |
 directed by Cecelia Condit, USA, 9:15
An epic tale of an illegal abortion as lived by two women on a perilous journey through a world that cared little for their survival.
[New Mavericks]

Fucked Like a Star |
 directed by Stefani Saintonge, USA, 8:00
Inter-splicing macro footage, we bring the viewer into the perspective of a lovelorn soldier ant, a pause in her day: the mythical dreamlife of an ant.
[New Mavericks]

Teardown |
 directed by Kate E. Hinshaw, USA, 4:06
Through lush colors and phantasmagoric imagery, this piece depicts a story of divorce, gentrification, and the fraught familial relationships that surfaced from the destruction a home.
[Georgia], [New Mavericks]

Sojourn |
 directed by Jonathan Lewis, USA, 13:10
While on a self- enlightening journey home, a young black man struggles with confronting deep mental and emotional hurdles surrounding race.

HONEY I SHRUNK THE KID FILMS
Family-Friendly Animated Shorts
Kid-sized shorts for the young and young at heart.
Sunday, April 14, 2019, 12:00 PM — Plaza Theatre

The Pig On The Hill |
 directed by Jamy Wheless & John Helms, USA/Serbia, 6:00
When Pig's free‐spirited, rambunctious new neighbor, Duck, plunges himself into Pig's quiet, orderly life, Pig learns that having friends is what he has been missing all along.
[Family Friendly]

Limbo |
 directed by Jennifer Stachovic, USA, 5:21
A lonely ghost girl, longing to cross over, befriends a mysterious phantom limb.
[New Mavericks], [Family Friendly]

The Good, the Bad, and the Puppy |
 directed by Louisa Lawler, USA, 3:35
In this homage to spaghetti westerns, a young woman sets out to find her dog who ran away from home to play poker.
[New Mavericks], [Georgia], [Family Friendly]

“Busy” |
 directed by Dawoon Kim, USA, 2:00
A girl tries to do her homework but her sister keeps interrupting her.
[New Mavericks], [Georgia], [Family Friendly]

Quarantine |
 directed by Astrid Goldsmith, United Kingdom, 12:55
A troupe of Morris-dancing badgers are forced to confront the animal quarantine compound which has been built above their burrow.
[World Premiere], [Family Friendly]

One Small Step (冲破天际) |
 directed by Andrew Chesworth & Bobby Pontillas, USA/China, 7:40
An ambitious young girl aspires to become an astronaut with the support of her humble father.
[Family Friendly]

Henrietta Bulkowski |
 directed by Rachel Johnson, USA, 16:16
A determined young woman, crippled by a severe hunchback, will stop at nothing to see the world.
[New Mavericks], [Family Friendly]

IT’S A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Local Shorts
A medley of Georgia makers and minds.
Thursday, April 4, 2019, 7:30 PM — Plaza Theatre

Gwilliam’s Tips For Turning Tricks Into Treats |
 directed by Brian Lonano, USA, 3:30
This is what you wanted! Gwilliam is back and offers some tips for getting special treats this Halloween.[Georgia]

Meat Eater |
 directed by Jared Callahan, USA, 2:15
A woman in the woods makes her escape.
[Georgia], [World Premiere]

Nobody’s Darling |
 directed by Robyn Hicks, USA, 13:59
A film about a young woman who, in order to make her way to California after the suicide of her father, turns to prostitution. Along the way, she meets an older widower and, together, they find common ground.
[Georgia], [New Mavericks]

Cracks |
 directed by Molly Coffee, USA, 5:00
The Girl is a whiskey drinking punk-rock welder who works hard and plays hard, but after a sudden violent sexual incident, she struggles with who she thinks she is.
[Georgia], [New Mavericks]

Being With Elephants |
 directed by James Martin, USA, 11:59
Throughout the Siana region of the Maasai Mara, local rangers must monitor and react to the shrinking elephant corridors in order to prevent future collisions of man and beast.
[Georgia]

Gatito |
 directed by Kristina Arjona Adler, USA, 8:19
A quiet story of a little Hispanic boy who decides to be a cat for a day, and his traditional father who attempts to support him.
[Georgia], [World Premiere], [CineMás]

Gryphon Animo |
 directed by MT Maloney, Spain/USA, 10:32
To save his ailing sister, an unlikely hero must journey afar to pluck a feather from the mighty Gryphon in this parody of the classic fairy tale.
[Georgia]

dear, dreamer |
 directed by Kristian Melom, USA, 10:31
This is a story about the power of telling stories, especially when young people are listening. A portrait of the life and work of rising literary star Jason Reynolds.
[Georgia], [World Premiere]

I Snuck Off the Slave Ship |
 directed by Lonnie Holley & Cyrus Moussavi, USA, 20:00
Lonnie Holley, a "self-taught African American artist" and dimensional traveler, attempts to sneak off the slave ship America.
[Georgia]

LAUGH TRACK
Comedy Shorts
Comedies with a touch of calamity.
Monday, April 8, 2019, 7:00pm — Dad’s Garage

Possessions |
 directed by Zeke Farrow, USA, 17:43
Zeke decides to sell everything he owns and finds out that some possessions are easier to get rid of than others.
[World Premiere]

Career Day (Taksvärkkipäivä) |
 directed by Mika Tervonen, Finland, 8:07
Father daughter squabbles take on a whole new magnitude when a hitman brings his daughter to work for career day.

Sheep |
 directed by Jonathon Pawlowski, USA, 23:53
Sandy has a difficult time finding acceptance in the one group where everyone is welcome: a suicide cult.
[Georgia], [World Premiere]

Honk For Jesus. Save Your Soul |
 directed by Adamma Ebo, USA, 15:21
The aftermath of a huge scandal leaves the leaders of a southern baptist mega church out on the side of the road-- literally.
[New Mavericks], [Georgia], [World Premiere]

The Toll Road |
 directed by Tom Riley, USA, 19:50
On the eve of their ninth anniversary, a sweet but naive young couple face a boorish adversary who threatens to ruin their big day.
[World Premiere]

Egg Day |
 directed by Grasie Mercedes, USA, 9:55
A dark comedy short about the egg retrieval process during a couple's IVF.
[New Mavericks]

The Orgy |
 directed by Sam Baron, United Kingdom, 14:43
A romantic comedy about a heartbroken man who throws caution to the wind and goes to his first orgy.

LONELY HEARTS CLUB
Narrative Shorts
Solitary meditations pressing at the barriers of isolation.
Saturday, April 13, 2019, 12:30pm — Plaza Theatre

Spoon |
 directed by Brantly Jackson Watts, USA, 10:17
Rachel hires a stranger to help her reconnect with a past lover in a seedy motel room. Shot on Super 16mm using one long take, SPOON explores intimacy between two outsiders seeking companionship without judgement.
[New Mavericks], [Georgia]

Tender |
 directed by Anthony J Lucido, USA, 15:18
What are you? A boy. What do you eat? My mom makes most the food. How big's your mom? Pretty big. Not as big as me though.
[World Premiere]

Sometimes, I Think About Dying |
 directed by Stefanie Abel Horowitz, USA, 12:17
Fran is thinking about dying, but a man in the office might want to date her.
[New Mavericks]

Koreatown |
 directed by Grant Hyun, USA, 12:00
Kyeong, a male escort working at a karaoke bar in LA, uses his youthful charm to create the illusion of love and intimacy for the women who hire him. A new client will cause him to re-examine his understanding of sexuality and objectification.

Things That Happen in the Bathroom |
 directed by Edward Hancox, USA, 13:00
In the intimate sanctuary of the bathroom, a lonely young queer yearns for love and learns how to survive heartbreak.
[World Premiere], [Pink Peach]

Evelyn x Evelyn |
 directed by Eric Pumphrey, USA, 13:10
After the loss of their child, an African American couple descends into despair.
[World Premiere]

MIDDLE OF SOMEWHERE
Narrative Shorts
Unsteady foundations and uprooted lives.
Saturday, April 13, 2019, 5:15pm — 7 Stages Black Box

Liberty |
 directed by Faren Humes, USA, 17:00
Alex and Milagros deal with great life upheaval as they prepare to dance at their community’s redevelopment groundbreaking ceremony.
[New Mavericks]

God Never Dies (Dios Nunca Muere) |
 directed by Barbara Cigarroa, USA/Ireland, 14:33
A Mexican farmworker struggles to raise her two children in home full of migrant workers. When a new caravan arrives on the cramped lot they live on, Paula allows herself, and her children, to imagine the home is theirs.
[CineMás]

Green |
 directed by Suzanne Andrews Correa, USA, 12:27
Green, an undocumented Turkish pedicab driver unwittingly draws police attention, endangering his brother, his community, and himself.

Feathers |
 directed by A.V. Rockwell, USA, 19:45
Elizier, an emotionally-dejected new enrollee at The Edward R. Mill School for Lost Boys, must overcome memories of a tragic past and the present hazing by his peers in order to tackle larger issues dominating his young life.

The Servants (Les Serviteurs) |
 directed by Marwan Khneisser, France/Lebanon, 25:00
A group of carefree revelers reunite in an ancient and remote seaside villa. The villa's caretaker and his family struggle to keep their dignity despite being subjected to humiliations by their hedonistic guests. Their encounter will rekindle memories of a bitter and violent past.

MIDNIGHT STATE OF MIND
Narrative and Animated Shorts
An outlandishly fun collection curated for those who prefer to stay up late.
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 11:30pm — Plaza Theatre

Father Figurine |
 directed by Matt Kazman, USA, 18:00
When the wealthy patriarch of a family dies, they discover a rather unusual request in his will…
[World Premiere]

Your last day on earth (Tu último día en la tierra) |
 directed by Marc Martínez Jordán, Spain, 13:00
A Fox-dressed man breaks the spacetime limits with only one goal: to spend some time with his wife. But bellow this recreational act there’s a far more complex and ambitious plan.

Under Covers |
 directed by Michaela Olsen, USA, 7:22
On the night of a lunar eclipse, we uncover the sweet, salacious, and spooky secrets of a small town. From a pigtailed psychopath to naughty nuns and everything in between, this stop motion animated film conjures a comforting thought: that weird is relative.

Hedge |
 directed by Amanda Bonaiuto, USA, 6:05
A singularly comical/surreal vision of a family visiting a funeral home.
[New Mavericks]

Suicide By Sunlight |
 directed by Nikyatu Jusu, USA, 17:06
Valentina, a day-walking black vampire protected from the sun by her melanin, is forced to restrain her bloodlust to regain custody of her estranged daughters.
[New Mavericks]

Dead Birds |
 directed by Johnny Kenton, United Kingdom, 33:00
A failing teenage badminton player is visited by a mysterious Saint who offers her unlimited talent if she'll complete three easy, little tasks for him.

MOMENTS IN THE MULTIVERSE
Sci-Fi and Fantasy Shorts
Otherworldly tales from alternate dimensions.
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 2:00pm — Plaza Theatre

The Slows |
 directed by Nicole Perlman, USA, 22:00
In an enlightened future where humans no longer need to procreate, one woman risks her life to investigate the mystery of motherhood.
[New Mavericks]

What Do You Know About the Water and the Moon (水 母) |
 directed by Jian Luo, USA, 16:20
During an attempted abortion, a girl gives birth to a live jellyfish.
[New Mavericks]

Dominant Species |
 directed by Joseph Sackett, USA, 19:00
10 aliens in human host bodies learn how to be men.
[Pink Peach]

In Full Bloom |
 directed by Maegan Houang, USA, 10:40
Cecile, an older Vietnamese hoarder, has her life upended when a mysterious black hole opens up in the floor of her house and threatens to take away all her precious possessions.
[World Premiere], [New Mavericks]

The Masseuse |
 directed by Tan Ce Ding, Malaysia, 20:00
In a world where cutting edge robots are coveted, a fledgling human technician is torn between pursuing his feelings towards an outdated android and placating his abusive, android-aversive father.

Holy Moses |
 directed by Eli Powers, USA, 15:00
A peculiar miracle binds together a pregnant nun in 1960s Ireland and a Texas gas station attendant 25 years later.

REBELS IN THE RYE
Narrative Shorts
Bold works and bolder heroines reckon with the world around them.
Tuesday, April 9, 2019, 7:00pm — Plaza Theatre

In Defense of Wonder |
 directed by Francesca Mirabella, USA, 14:27
A woman in her early 30’s retreats to the countryside to try and escape her anxiety and depression. But a casual encounter with a much younger man leaves her in even more distress.
[World Premiere], [New Mavericks]

Boy (Garçon) |
 directed by Isabelle Schapira, Belgium, 16:13
Today, Tatiana, 17, is not going to school. She has a far more important event planned with her friends : saying goodbye to the boy she’s not ready to leave yet.
[New Mavericks]

Mercury |
 directed by Kyla Simon Bruce, United Kingdom, 14:03
Bambi drives pregnant best-friend Al on a pivotal journey to hospital to have her baby.
[New Mavericks]

Hot Dog |
 directed by Alma Buddecke & Marleen Valin, Germany, 07:41
Hannah, in a love-hate relationship with her vagina, chronicles how her sexuality has changed over time. Like that one moment when she discovered the vibration function of her PlayStation controller.
[New Mavericks]

Masculine/Masculine |
 directed by Sam Bailey, USA, 11:01
Two best friends, desperate to prove their womanhood, spend their day in search of men to sexually conquer.
[World Premiere], [New Mavericks]

The Boogeywoman |
 directed by Erica Scoggins, USA, 18:00
In the fever of her first period, a curious teenager is drawn to her small town’s local legend, only to find that she and the “Boogeywoman” share a strange connection.
[New Mavericks]

RENDERING A REVERIE
Animated Shorts
Wondrous animated illusions exploring the vast expanses of self.
Sunday, April 14, 2019 , 1:45pm — Plaza Theatre

Simbiosis Carnal |
 directed by Rocío Álvarez, Belgium, 10:08
A poetic journey through the history of desire and sexuality where the female pleasure, long ignored and repressed, takes pride of place.
[New Mavericks]

Untravel |
 directed by Ana Nedeljkovic & Nikola Majdak Jr., Serbia/Slovakia, 9:25
The girl lives in a gray, isolated country, enclosed by a huge wall. She has never travelled anywhere, but has always dreamt of leaving forever for a perfect world called “Abroad”.

Too Tame! (Zu Zahm!) |
 directed by Rebecca Bloecher, Germany, 7:00
Seven protagonists, stuck inside a music box, attempt to escape their cliché daily routine.

Carlotta’s Face |
 directed by Valentin Riedl & Frédéric Schuld, Germany, 5:00
Watching herself in the mirror, Carlotta each day views the face of a different woman.

The Lost Sound (失われた音) |
 directed by Steffie Yee, Australia, 2:00
Inspired by the poem 'On Ç' by Hiromi Itō, a woman looks at the matrilineal inheritance of linguistic tones in her family, mourning the parts of languages that become extinct through semantic evolution.
[New Mavericks]

The Day I Got Into My Head |
 directed by Floriane Montcriol, France/Belgium, 14:44
Weary of her work and motherhood, nearly depressed Sarah discovers a mysterious door in a far-off corner of the hospital and embarks on a bewildering journey.
[New Mavericks]

Homesick |
 directed by Hila Einy, Israel, 7:20
A crisis in a young woman's life forces her to return to her parents' home. Her reappearance shakes the delicate balance in the family nest.

Sister (妹妹) |
 directed by Siqi Song, China/USA, 8:02
A man thinks back to his childhood memories of growing up with an annoying little sister in China in the 1990s. What would his life have been like if things had gone differently?

SELF, ASSURED
Narrative Shorts
Identity and insecurity amongst the outliers.
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 5:00pm — Hilan Theatre

The Tiger (Tiikeri) |
 directed by Mikko Myllylahti, Finland, 10:21
On a winter evening Tiger has to take the first steps towards independence.

Thin Ice (Glad IJs) |
 directed by Joosje Duk, Netherlands, 10:30
The lost-and-found booth attendant of a local ice skating rink grows increasingly nervous upon noticing a man with a suspicious backpack on the other side of the rink.

Tsar Bomba |
 directed by Oskar Rosetti, Switzerland/France, 14:00
Irina, a hard-working single mom, is torn between motherhood and duty when she begins to suspect her son may have been involved in an assault

Manila is Full of Men Named Boy |
 directed by Andrew Stephen Lee, Philippines/USA, 21:05
An estranged son buys a child to impress his father. However, when the patriarch embraces the new child as his favorite, the son begins to question who is more deserving of attention.

Blackwood |
 directed by Kalu Oji, Australia, 12:26
A comedy-drama exploring an African Australian experience in a small town through the perspective of mother and son.
[World Premiere]

Sirene |
 directed by Zara Dwinger, Netherlands, 26:00
15-year old Kay lives a boy’s life in between roaring motocross bikes. When Melody sails into town, their flourishing friendship lures Kay towards a dormant feeling. A film about confusion, friendship and becoming who you are.

TRANSIENT YOUTH
Documentary Shorts
Fleeting portraits of the young and intrepid.
Saturday, April 13, 2019, 3:00pm — Hilan Theatre

Listen (Luister) |
 directed by Astrid Bussink, Netherlands, 15:00
Sometimes all you need is a listening ear. The Child Helpline has one for you, but what burdens do children have to share with a complete stranger?
[Pink Peach]

Kamali |
 directed by Sasha Rainbow, United Kingdom/India, 23:43
A single mother fights for her daughter’s empowerment in India through skateboarding.
[New Mavericks]

Share |
 directed by Barna Szász & Ellie Wen, USA, 13:00
An 18-year-old Instagram influencer attempts to reconcile his identity online with his identity in real life.
[Pink Peach]

Ivry |
 directed by Jake Oleson, USA, 9:26
A young boxer guides his protégé through his past growing up in the South Side of Chicago.

Prisoner of Society (სოციუმის პატიმარი) |
 directed by Rati Tsiteladze, USA, 16:00
Intimate journey into the world and mind of a young transgender woman, who has been locked away from the outside world for the past decade.
[Pink Peach]

605 Adults 304 Children |
 directed by is Michael Mahaffie, USA/Guyana, 13:40
An immersive and intimate documentary filmed entirely by The Peoples Temple in Jonestown. They built a utopia that no one wanted to leave. 605 Adults and 304 Children never did.

TURBULENT STOCK
Narrative Shorts
Volatile predicaments, uncertain futures, and tenuous connections.
Sunday, April 14, 2019, 4:00pm — Plaza Theatre

Nursery Rhymes |
 directed by Tom Noakes, Australia, 5:00
Why is a Metalhead singing Old MacDonald on the side of a rural highway?

Brotherhood |
 directed by Meryam Joobeur, Canada, 25:00
Deeply shaken by his oldest son's return from Syria with a mysterious new wife, a hardened Tunisian shepherd grapples with rising tension that threatens to tear his family apart.

The Orphan (O Órfão) |
 directed by Carolina Markowicz, Brazil, 15:00
Jonathas has been adopted, but it doesn't take long until he is returned because he is "different" from the other kids.
[Pink Peach]

The Fisherwoman (La Pescadora) |
 directed by Lorena Durán, Dominican Republic/USA, 10:55
After realizing their project was not welcomed by the resident fishermen in town, a group of female villagers in the Dominican Republic must defend their newly built fish-farm.
[World Premiere], [CineMás]

Miller & Son |
 directed by Asher Jelinsky, USA, 21:28

A transwoman mechanic lives between running her family's auto shop during the day and expressing her femininity at night, until an unforeseen event threatens the balance of her compartmentalized life.

Skin |
 directed by Guy Nattiv, USA, 20:00
In a small supermarket in a blue collar town, a black man smiles at a 10 year old white boy across the checkout aisle. This innocuous moment sends two gangs into a ruthless war that ends with a shocking backlash.

SHORTS SCREENING BEFORE FEATURES

The Coin (硬币) |
 directed by Siqi Song, USA, 6:40
Screens with YELLOW IS FORBIDDEN
Saturday, April 13, 2019 — 5:00 PM — Plaza Theatre
In the Chinese New Year, finding the hidden coin inside of dumplings means having a blessed year ahead. When a young woman loses her years worth of coins on a train, her life in a new country begins with a search to find them.

The Minors |
 directed by Robert Machoian, USA, 10:00
Screens with THE COTTON WOOL WAR (GUERRA DE ALGODÃO)
Sunday, April 14, 2019 — 3:00 PM — 7 Stages Black Box
A slice of life film about a Grandpa and his Grandsons, the future and the past.

EPISODIC SHOWCASE

EXPERIENCE SMALL BEGINNINGS ON THE BIG SCREEN WITH OUR SHOWCASE OF INDEPENDENT EPISODIC SHOWS.
Saturday, April 6, 2019, 7:00 PM — 7 Stages Black Box

Beast
Directed by Ben Strang | USA, 2018, English, 17:18
After his father mysteriously disappears at sea, Daniel has a hunch about what happened.

A Guide to the Apocalypse
Directed by Adrian Graf | Switzerland, 2018, English, 04:32
An audiovisual guide for the survival of five man-made scenarios of how the world could end.

The Cocoa Fondue Show
Directed by Andrew Wyatt Arnold | USA, 2018, English, 15:37
Hollywood starlet Cocoa Fondue's new variety show is her shoo-in to fame, but the ghosts of her past are about to crash her party.
[Pink Peach]

Delivery Girl
Directed by Kate Krieger | USA, 2019, English, 20:26
Not the narrative of one woman’s journey, but of many. We follow Trish Donahue's struggle with her identity in a fiercely Catholic household as she leads a double life.
[Pink Peach], [New Mavericks]

Who You Are
Directed by Joel Jay Blacker | USA, 2019, English, 11:34
The accidental invention of an asshole AI spells trouble for a tech startup in the late 80’s.

Bagdad, Florida
Directed by Matthew Fifer | USA, 2019, English, 17:02
The story of three friends who shotgun South and meet the “real America.” Set the kitchen table, a red meat vegan dinner for two.
[World Premiere], [Pink Peach]

VIRTUAL REALITY

OUR ROAMING SELECTION OF IMMERSIVE WORKS WILL DELIGHT, AMAZE AND THRUST YOU INTO NEW DIMENSIONS.
Available at SOUND+VISION (Thursday, April 11, 2019, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM — Eastside Trail // Atlanta BeltLine & Historic Fourth Ward Park — FREE and Open to the Public), with 360 galleries at Opening and Closing Night Parties (Badge and Ticketholders Only).

Meeting A Monster
Directed by Gabriela Arp
USA, 2018, English, 9:57
Angela King relives the memories and motivations of the eight years she spent inside the white power movement, and the path she took to get out.
[Georgia]

My Africa
Directed by David Allen
Kenya/USA/United Kingdom, 2018, English, 9:17
Narrated by Academy Award-winning and Kenyan-raised actress Lupita Nyong'o, “My Africa,” transports viewers to the untamed rangelands of northern Kenya, where a community is reknitting the bonds that have long enabled people and wildlife to coexist.

The Evolution of Testicles
Directed by Ryan Hartsell
USA/Ireland/England, 2018, English, 8:55
Two parts humor, one part emotion, this salty-sweet VR piece starring Chris O’Dowd raises awareness about testicular cancer through laughter and inspiration.

Blue Bird
Directed by Parnaz Rad
USA, 2018, English, 02:37
A lone bluebird tries to escape from the caverns of a withered heart. The scars of the heart tell a lifetime of stories.
[Georgia]

Plomo: Journey of a Bullet
Directed by Giulia Jiménez Tani
USA/Venezuela, 2018, Spanish/English, 02:50
You are the bullet fired by a GNB policeman into the middle of a protesting crowd in Caracas, Venezuela. Inspired by true events.
[Georgia], [CineMás]

Tower of Babel by the Sea (海邊的巴別塔)
Directed by Feng Wei-Jung
Taiwan, 2018, English, 14:14
Enticed by the devil, a man tries to build his Tower of Babel to reach to the realm of the gods, yet in the process, he loses his health and his life. As pollution spreads like a pandemic, man is cursed, and nature is caught in a spiral of death. Inspired by Goethe's Faust.

Flight of the Unwanted
Directed by Thomas Nybo
Bangladesh, 2018, English, 05:40
Enter the chaotic world of Rohingya refugees being forced from their homes in Myanmar into crowded refugee camps in Bangladesh.
[Georgia]

Home with América
Directed by Alvaro Morales
Peru/USA, 2019, English, 12:00
Gladys, an undocumented immigrant living in L.A., left her native Peru 22 years ago. Gladys explores her connection to a place that she cannot return to without risking the life she’s built in the US.
[World Premiere], [CineMás]

MUSIC VIDEOS

WE ASSEMBLED OUR BIGGEST PLAYLIST FOR OUR BIGGEST PARTY OF THE YEAR! ENJOY A BROAD SELECTION OF MUSICAL WORKS ON LOOP AT SOUND+VISION.
Thursday, April 11, 2019, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM — Eastside Trail // Atlanta BeltLine & Historic Fourth Ward Park

Ashanti, Takeira, Jessy'ka  - "Know Your Worth"
Directed by Paras Chaudhari | USA, 2018, English, 5:22
[Georgia]

Bunnies - "The Problem with Link Think"
Directed by Opertura (Aya Yamasaki & Jason Brown) | USA, 2018, 2:04

COEDS - "Too Cool for School"
Directed by Andrea Garcia | USA, 2018, English. 3:24
[World Premiere], [Georgia]

Daron Malakian and Scars On Broadway - "Lives"
Directed by Hayk Matevosyan | USA, 2018, English, 4:06

Dave Keuning - "Restless Legs"
Directed by Russell Sheaffer | USA, 2018, English, 3:06

Dillon & Diamond D - "Femme Fatale"
Directed by Janice Chun | USA, 2018, English, 4:36

Emel Mathlouthi - "How Many (Kaddesh)"
Directed by Marion Petegnief, Sami Battikh | France, 2018, Arabic, 4:35

Father ft. Kwabs - "Velvet"
Directed by Iggy LDN | United Kingdom, 2018, English, 4:01
[World Premiere]

Flamingo Shadow - "Taxi"
Directed by David Matysiak | USA, 2018, English, 4:12
[Georgia]

Golden Vessel - "Bigbright"
Directed by Harry Deadman | Australia, 2018, English, 4:17
[World Premiere]

Hurray for the Riff Raff/ Alynda Mariposa Segarra - "Pa'lante"
Directed by Kristian Mercado | Puerto Rico/USA, 2018, English/Spanish, 8:34
[CineMás]

Ina Wroldsen - "SEA"
Directed by Thor Brenne | Norway, 2018, English, 4:55

Local H - "Innocents"
Directed by Felix Piñeiro | USA, 2018, English, 6:14

Off Bloom - "Not Sorry"
Directed by João de Botelho | Denmark, 2019, English, 3:36

Pig Destroyer - "Mt. Skull"
Directed by Joe Stakun | USA, 2018, English. 2:13
[World Premiere]

Tech N9ne x Navé Monjo - "Levitation"
Directed by Morgan Cooper | USA, 2018, English, 6:22
[World Premiere]

The Tumbling Wheels - "Sleepwalking"
Directed by Sasha Solodukhina, Emily MacKenzie | USA, 2018, English, 4:48

Tispur - "Dewhorn"
Directed by Brandon Kapelow | USA, 2018, English, 6:38

We The Lion - "Go Go Go"
Directed by Daniel Higashionna, Mikael Stornfelt | Peru, 2018, English, 2:12

WHOAA - "Candy Love"
Directed by Mike IAMEYEPHOTOS, WHOAA | USA, 2018, English, 4:26
[Georgia]

Young Fathers - "Lord"
Directed by Rianne White | Scotland/United Kingdom, 2017, English, 3:41

Young Won Han Bok (영원한복)
Directed by Crystal Jin Kim | USA, 2019, 4:00
[World Premiere], [Georgia]

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

ATLFF Screenplay Competition: Script Read
Friday, April 5, 2019, 4:00 PM — Hilan Theatre — FREE with RSVP
Join us for a script read of selections from each of the three 2019 Atlanta Film Festival Feature Screenplay Competition winners, featuring local SAG-AFTRA actors.
[Georgia]

ACVB Presents: “Music Voyager”
Monday, April 8, 2019, 6:00 PM — Plaza Theatre — FREE with RSVP
Join us and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau for the world premieres of “Music Voyager” episodes 5 & 6 that feature yours truly—the Atlanta Film Festival—as well as the Plaza Theatre, Dad’s Garage, Paris on Ponce, Karen Anderson & Tiny Doors, Atlanta United and more!
[Georgia]

Food on Film - The Biggest Little Farm
Sunday, April 7, 2019, 12:00 PM — Plaza Theatre
To celebrate “The Biggest Little Farm,” we are having a delightful farm-to-table after-party at the Highland Inn Ballroom Lounge following the film. (Film only: $15 at door/$13 in advance, Film & Party: $25 at door/$23 in advance)

SOUND+VISION
Thursday, April 11, 2019, 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM — Eastside Trail // Atlanta BeltLine & Historic Fourth Ward Park — FREE and Open to the Public
After a year hiatus, SOUND+VISION — ATLFF’s signature mid-week event—returns! Join us on the Eastside Trail of the Atlanta BeltLine and Historic Fourth Ward Park for a night of live music, daring virtual reality films, unforgettable art installations, rockin’ music videos and Atlanta’s best food trucks! Previously held at Atlanta landmarks like The Goat Farm and Ponce City Market, this event is a true festival highlight! Previous performers include Big Freedia, Tank and the Bangas, HelloOcho, Kodie Shane, Lonnie Holley, Gringo Star, Biters, Jungol.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Friday, April 5 & 12, 2019, 12:00 AM — Plaza Theatre — $15
It's a Plaza Theatre institution! Lips Down On Dixie performs the interactive version of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at Midnight each Friday.

The Florida State University College Of Motion Picture Arts Presents: Selected Keylight Films
Wednesday, April 10, 2019, 6:00 PM — Plaza Theatre — FREE with RSVP
The FSU College of Motion Pictures Arts presents a showcase of eight short student films followed by a panel discussion with representatives from the College. Ranked by The Hollywood Reporter as one of the top 25 film schools in the country, FSU College of Motion Picture Arts produces student films that regularly win prestigious awards like the Student Emmys and Oscars. Join us for an evening of cinematic entertainment as we showcase this year's selected Keylight Films.

Presentation of HBO’s “Game of Thrones” Season 8 Premiere
Sunday, April 14, 2019, 9:00 PM — Plaza Theatre — FREE with RSVP
HBO is partnering with ATLFF to give guests a chance to see the final season premiere on the big screen at The Plaza!

ATLFF '18 Official Selections Heading to Plaza Theatre

ATLFF '18 was one for the books and some our favorites from the festival will be getting a theatrical run at the Plaza Theatre! If you missed out at festival, here's your second chance to catch A Prayer Before Dawn, Along Came the Devil, and Hearts Beat Loud. 

A Prayer Before Dawn

directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire
France/Thailand/UK, 2017, English/Thai, 116 minutes

Begins 8/10

A Prayer Before Dawn is the remarkable true story of Billy Moore, a young English boxer incarcerated in two of Thailand’s most notorious prisons. He is quickly thrown into a terrifying world of drugs and gang violence, but when the prison authorities allow him to take part in the Muay Thai boxing tournaments, he realizes this might be his chance to get out. Billy embarks on a relentless, action-packed journey from one savage fight to the next, stopping at nothing to do whatever he must to preserve his life and regain his freedom. Shot in a an actual Thai prison with a cast of primarily real inmates, A Prayer Before Dawn is a visceral, thrilling journey through an unforgettable hell on earth.

Along Came the Devil

directed by Jason DeVan
USA, 2018, English, 89 minutes

Begins 8/10

Abused by her father and abandoned by her mother as a young child, Ashley is sent to live with her estranged Aunt Tanya.  During her stay, she becomes obsessed with investigating the disappearance of her mother and she calls upon the spirit world to answer her questions.  In her quest, she is ensnared by a powerful demon who refuses to leave its host.

Hearts Beat Loud

directed by Brett Haley
USA, 2018, English, 97 minutes

Begins 8/17

Frank (Nick Offerman) and his daughter Sam (Kiersey Clemons) form a songwriting duo shortly before she leaves for college. As they grow closer through their music, Frank must come to terms with letting go of his daughter.

ATLFF '18 Audience Award-winners Announced!

The 42nd annual Atlanta Film Festival had both more films than ever, but also more attendees than ever! With nearly 28,000 festival-goers, it took us quite a while to count those ballots and declare our Audience Award winners.

Congratulations to MAYNARD (directed by Samuel Pollard) for winning the ATLFF '18 Feature Film Audience Award and to COLOR BLIND (directed by Daniel Oramas) for winning the ATLFF '18 Short Film Audience Award! See all of the other ATLFF Award Winners here.

In case you missed it during the festival, MAYNARD is currently playing at the Plaza Theatre!

The 2018 Atlanta Film Festival Recap

With it being four weeks since the close of one of the most star-studded, mystical, and down right fun festivals since our inception, we wanted to share some of the highlights that we thought were truly amazing! The 2018 Atlanta Film Festival welcomed over 28,000 attendees with open arms, southern charm, and hospitality. We made it our top priority to ensure that all of our attendees felt at home. Speaking of home, on April 12,  we showcased what we thought best represented our hometown with two phenomenal shorts blocks, SPRING IN MY HOMETOWN and WALKING DISTANCE. 

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Welcome to ATLFF '18

April 13, things kicked off with our Opening Night Presentation: BLINDSPOTTING with the writer/actor duo Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal. To open the film, Diggs was presented with the inaugural ATLFF Innovator Award for the boisterous and bold choices he made, pushing the boundaries of filmmaking and social commentary.

While here in Atlanta, both Casal and Diggs exclaimed their appreciation for the city and highlighted how they loved the audience's response to the film's overarching theme of identity and gentrification. With Atlanta being one of the countless cities currently undergoing gentrification, this film hit home for many of those in attendance making it the perfect fit for opening night. 

Atlanta Film Society Presents ScreenCraft Writers Summit

To kick off the first weekend of ATLFF, we were home to the ScreenCraft Writers Summit! This featured guests such as Mika Pryce (Creative Executive, Universal Pictures), JJ Klein (Vice President, Current Programming for FX Networks), Wendy Calhoun (TV Writer/Showrunner, NASHVILLE, EMPIRE, STATION 19), and many more. Events/panels included Mentor Sit-Downs, the Pitch Competition, tips on writer's rooms, and anything writer-esque. Pictured above is a panel titled "Georgia Development or Bust." Panelists discussed how Atlanta can become a self-sustainable entertainment industry from pre- to post-production. This think-tank session was what Atlanta needed to see the light at the end of the tunnel being shed by LA and New York. Atlanta is already a well-oiled machine in terms of production, but we still need a little extra coal (tax credits/investors) to push us through to the other side. 

MAYNARD

MAYNARD dropped in for it's Georgia Premiere featuring Maynard III & Wendy Jackson, director Sam Pollard, and the production team. A flood of emotions ran through the crowd as the audience rose for a standing ovation! Maynard Jackson's legacy still lives through the city of Atlanta. There wouldn't have been a(n) Andrew Young, Bill Campbell, Shirley Franklin, Kasim Reed, or Kiesha Lance Bottoms without Maynard Jackson, thank you. The film later was announced as the 2018 Atlanta Film Festival Audience Award winning feature! 

Jason Reitman

This one is for our Rebel, Jason Reitman, for his daring and off kilter approach to his feature film TULLY. Reitman couldn't shed the smile from his face as he accepted the first ever Rebel Award and went on to mention the how much this film means to him. 

Two flights cancelled, a Canadian ice storm, and scheduling conflicts were not enough to stop this Masterclass. We finally got the chance to sit down and catch up with Jason Reitman and let us say, he's in love with Atlanta. The intimate conversation was filled with personal stories of Reitman's past with his father, Ivan Reitman, his struggles as a director, and how he approaches each project. The Masterclass felt no longer than a ten minute conversation with an old friend.  The Masterclass came to an end with the audience longing for more from Reitman. 

Romany Malco Masterclass

Atlanta didn't welcome Romany Malco, Romany Malco welcomed Atlanta. Romany's gregarious and warm nature filled the Plaza on this Monday afternoon. As he took the stage, the comedian within couldn't be suppressed. His personality is unmatched as he fluidly bounced from his career lull to a conversation about confusing effort with achievement. Malco had many gems of wisdom and life lessons hidden behind his pungent jokes, which kept the audience in tears, but members soon circled back around to the realization of the truth in his words.

Creative Conference

Creative Conference is a way to connect with panelists, other festival attendees, while obtaining information to either further a(n) filmmaker's/actor's career or delve into what makes a film, a film.  On April 17, Auditions and Casting Calls (SAGIndie) was one of 40 panels of CC (Creative Conference) featuring George Pierre, Jessica Fox, Joy Pervis, and Mystie Buice. Each panelist had their dos and don'ts for actors looking for representation and work in the Atlanta market. 

The Psychology of the Lens, the Actor/Director Relationship, Speed Dating Meets Career Day, and a myriad of other panels at CC brought in attendees from all across the globe to share their ideas and engage with panelist working in the industry. 

Amber Nash Masterclass

Amber Nash was the perfect close to the 2018 Masterclass series. From a degree in psychology to voicing Pam Poovey on FX’s Emmy Award-winner Archer, Nash was thrilled to share her transition as well as keeping the audience engaged with her whit and charm. Interestingly enough Nash took improv classes at the same venue (Dad's Garage) where her Masterclass took place—cue nostalgia. 

HEARTS  BEAT LOUD 

On April 20, after a quick stop at Majestic Diner for a peach milkshake, Bret Haley and Kiersey Clemons came just in time to premiere HEARTS BEAT LOUD to an eager Atlanta audience. Before the screening, Kiersey Clemons was presented with the Phoenix Award as a symbol of her burgeoning career as she rises up from the ashes into stardom. While on stage Clemons's and Haley's relationship showcased the importance of a relationship between a director and an actor, reminiscent of big brother, little sister. Clemons' performance in the film exhibited an untapped side of the actress that we're glad we were able to experience. We only have one question for you Kiersey, when's the album coming? 

Awards Brunch Recap

Best Narrative Feature — WIND TRACES

Narrative Feature - Special Jury Prize — DISAPPEARANCE 

Best Documentary Feature — MAN MADE

Documentary Feature — THEY CALL US WARRIORS 

Best Narrative Short — FOR NONNA ANNA

Best Documentary Short — ZION

Best Animated Short — FUNDAMENTAL

Filmmaker-to-Watch — Connor Simpson for KUDZU

Georgia Film — STILL 

WonderFilm Award presented by WonderRoot — WALLS OF HOPE

Audience Awards

Audience Award Feature — MAYNARD

Audience Award Short — COLOR BLIND

Closing Night Presentation: EIGHTH GRADE

Our Closing Night Presentation: EIGHTH GRADE, needless to say was everything we could ask for from a film. Bo Burnham and Elsie Fisher kept everything... Gucci. EIGHTH GRADE is Bo Burnham's directorial debut and it is a stark contrast from his previous works, harping on Burnham's refreshing ability to tell a phenomenal story as a filmmaker. The film encompasses Burnham as a whole featuring comedy grounded in reality through the lens of an adolescent girl. Burnham's respect and trust in Elsie Fisher was shown throughout the film as well as on stage as the two shared moments with audience about the origin of the term "Gucci." The two worked as a team to bring EIGHTH GRADE to life. 

Day 10

Day 10, the final day of the Atlanta Film Festival came with victories and a range of heart and emotions. Pictured above are the conclusion to a couple of films; here's director Jimena Montemayor Loyo shortly after receiving her award for Best Narrative Feature for WIND TRACES (left) and the subjects of MAN MADE sharing a moment on stage after being awarded Best Documentary Feature (right). 

2018 ATLFF Masterclass Series Announced

We are excited to announce the 2018 ATLFF Masterclass Series with 4-time Academy Award® nominee Jason Reitman, PRISON LOGIC filmmaker and star Romany Malco and "Archer" star Amber Nash. Get your tickets now!

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Jason Reitman Masterclass
Sunday, April 15, 2018, 4:00 PM — Dad's Garage

Four-time Academy Award® nominated film director, screenwriter and producer Jason Reitman will host a Masterclass at Dad's Garage as part of the 42nd annual Atlanta Film Festival. After making his feature debut as a filmmaker with Thank You For Smoking in 2005, Reitman went on to garner critical and commercial acclaim with films like Juno, Up in the Air and Young Adult. Recently, he reteamed with frequent collaborators Diablo Cody and Charlize Theron for Tully, which premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival and will play at ATLFF on Sunday, April 15, 2018 at 7:15 PM.

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Romany Malco Masterclass
Monday, April 16, 2018, 4:00 PM — Plaza Theatre

Romany Malco’s breakout role was as the trash-talking womanizer Jay in Judd Apatow’s box office hit, "The 40 Year Old Virgin." Many remember him for his role in the Showtime hit series "Weeds" as Conrad Shepard, love interest and business partner to Nancy Botwin (Mary-Louise Parker). Malco also gained recognition for memorable roles in comedies such as "Blades of Glory" opposite Will Ferrell, "Baby Mama" opposite Tina Fey & Amy Poehler, and on the Emmy award-winning drama "The Good Wife. Recently, Malco has starred in ”Think Like A Man,” “Think Like A Man Too,” “The DUFF” and “Almost Christmas.” In 2018, Malco can be seen in “Night School” opposite Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish and in ATLFF ’18 official selection “Prison Logic,” a film that he wrote, produced, directed and stars in.

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Amber Nash Masterclass
Tuesday, April 17, 2018, 6:00 PM — Dad's Garage

For the last eight years, Amber Nash has voiced the incomparable character of Pam Poovey on FX's Emmy Award-winning show "Archer." Amber graduated from Georgia State University with a B.S. in Psychology and has been acting and improvising in Atlanta for 16 years. She is a part of the Improv Ensemble at Dad’s Garage Theatre; fulfilling roles as a performer, teacher, creator and director. Amber works with Laughing Matters as an improviser, actor and team-building facilitator. She has also worked with Young Audiences bringing improv programming to elementary schools and has also served on the design team for VSA Arts of Georgia’s Summer Institute. Amber worked with Communities in Schools, ARCH program as their lead improv instructor and as a teacher for Creative Circus. Amber trained at IO in Chicago and worked with The Second City at the Alliance Theatre in 2009 and in 2010 about Norwegian Cruise Lines. Amber is also a voice actor having provided voices for the Adult Swim shows "Frisky Dingo" and guesting on "Aqua Teen Hunger Force." Most of her time today is devoted to providing the voice of Pam on "Archer."

Bo Burnham to Bring Debut Feature EIGHTH GRADE to 2018 ATLFF Closing Night

Director Bo Burnham, the comedian known for his popular stand-up routines and YouTube career, will bring his new film EIGHTH GRADE to the Plaza Theatre on Saturday, April 21 as the Closing Night presentation of the 2018 Atlanta Film Festival.

Coming from beloved distributor A24 ("Moonlight" and previous ATLFF closing night films "The Spectacular Now," "Morris From America" and "Menashe"), EIGHTH GRADE had its World Premiere at Sundance and marks Burnham's debut film as both writer and director. Burnham is scheduled to attend.

EIGHTH GRADE

Directed by Bo Burnham
USA, 2018, English, 94 minutes

Thirteen-year-old Kayla endures the tidal wave of contemporary suburban adolescence as she makes her way through the last week of middle school—the end of her thus far disastrous eighth grade year—before she begins high school.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 30, 2018. Badges on sale now!

Before the festival kicks off, the public is invited to an ATLFF Kickoff Party on March 30th at the Rialto Center for the Arts from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Festival attendees will be able to pick up their 2018 badges, purchase tickets and festival merchandise, receive program guides and enjoy food and drinks.

Daveed Diggs to Receive the Inaugural ATLFF Innovator Award at our 2018 Opening Night Presentation of BLINDSPOTTING

The Atlanta Film Festival is pleased to unveil the Opening Night Presentation for the 42nd annual festival. BLINDSPOTTING, the upcoming feature film debut from director Carlos López Estrada starring Daveed Diggs, will kick off ATLFF on Friday, April 13, 2018. Diggs, who co-wrote the film with lifelong friend Rafael Casal as a provocative yet challenging love letter to their hometown of Oakland, will attend the April 13 red carpet screening at the Plaza Theatre with Casal and will receive an ATLFF Innovator Award.

This year, ATLFF will launch a new initiative to honor Originators, Innovators and Rebels in the film industry, a symbolic gesture in the spirit of key figures who have helped shape Atlanta's story. Daveed Diggs will be the first recipient of the ATLFF Innovator Award.

BLINDSPOTTING

Directed by Carlos López Estrada
USA, 2018, English, 95 minutes

Collin (Daveed Diggs) must make it through his final three days of probation for a chance at a new beginning.  He and his troublemaking childhood best friend, Miles (Rafael Casal), work as movers and are forced to watch their old neighborhood become a trendy spot in the rapidly gentrifying Bay Area. When a life-altering event causes Collin to miss his mandatory curfew, the two men struggle to maintain their friendship as the changing social landscape exposes their differences.

Lifelong friends Daveed Diggs and Rafael Casal co-wrote and star in this timely and wildly entertaining story about friendship and the intersection of race and class set against the backdrop of Oakland.  Bursting with energy, style and humor, “Blindspotting,” boldly directed by Carlos López Estrada in his feature film debut, is a provocative hometown love letter that glistens with humanity.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 30, 2018. Badges on sale now!

Before the festival kicks off, the public is invited to an ATLFF Kickoff Party on March 30th at the Rialto Center for the Arts from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Festival attendees will be able to pick up their 2018 badges, purchase tickets and festival merchandise, receive program guides and enjoy food and drinks.

Attention! 2017 Atlanta Film Festival Venue & Showtime Changes

As we all know, things happen. Due to an emergency situation at the Plaza Theatre this week, we have been forced to relocate several screenings. Please be advised of the new venues and new times listed below.

Thank you for your patience!
 

FRIDAY MARCH 24
Screenplay Competition: Table Read
4:00 PM
NEW VENUE: 7 Stages Theatre, Main

re:imagine/ATL: NO COMMENT
8:00 PM
NEW VENUE: 7 Stages Theatre, Main
 

SATURDAY MARCH 25
Milwaukee 53206
12:15 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

Farewell Ferris Wheel
2:30 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

San Fu Tian (Dog Days)
4:45 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

Preso
7:30 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

Dean
(moved to Sunday April 2 at 12:30 PM)


SUNDAY MARCH 26
Dwa światy (Two Worlds)
12:15 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

Everything But a Man
2:15 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

Teenage Love Bomb
5:30 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

Woman on Fire
8:00 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church


MONDAY MARCH 27
Children of the Mountain
7:15 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

دم سرد (Cold Breath)
9:45 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church


TUESDAY MARCH 28
Based on a True Story [Panel]
9:30 AM
NEW VENUE: 7 Stages Theatre, Black Box

A Fist Full of Dollars [Panel]
11:30 AM
NEW VENUE: 7 Stages Theatre, Black Box

The Florida State University College of Motion Picture Arts Presents: Selected Keylight Films
6:45 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

Atlan
9:15 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church


WEDNESDAY MARCH 29
Ah, My Hometown [Shorts Block]
7:00 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

Scripted Pilots
NEW TIME: 7:00 PM
NEW VENUE: 7 Stages Theatre, Main

Music Videos
NEW TIME: 11:30 PM
NEW VENUE: Plaza Theatre, Downstairs


THURSDAY MARCH 30
Rat Film
7:15 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

Ann (formerly on Friday March 31)
NEW TIME: 10:00 PM
NEW VENUE: Plaza Theatre, Downstairs


FRIDAY MARCH 31
Ties That Bind [Shorts Block]
7:00 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

Wexford Plaza
NEW TIME: 7:00 PM
NEW VENUE: 7 Stages Theatre, Main

Ann
(moved to Thursday March 30 at 10:00 PM)


SATURDAY APRIL 1
La Selva Negra (The Modern Jungle)
12:30 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

La Soledad
2:30 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

Raising Bertie
5:00 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church


SUNDAY APRIL 2
Dean (formerly on Saturday March 25)
NEW TIME: 12:30 PM
NEW VENUE: Plaza Theatre, Downstairs

The House on Coco Road
12:45 PM
NEW VENUE: Druid Hills Presbyterian Church

Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer
2:45 PM
NEW VENUE: Plaza Theatre, Downstairs