April 2013, e-News
We’re excited to reveal our new artwork, created by the exceptionally talented minds at Howerton + White, and our theme for this year’s festival: flight. Flight is of course a nod to our city’s long history with the aviation industry, and the unexpected journey’s that independent film takes us on year after year. Speaking of journeys, our Programming team is crisscrossing the globe in 2013 to scout out the best of the best for the 11th annual film festival. We’ve been to the Gothenburg Film Festival (Sweden), New Directors/New Films Festival (NYC), and will soon head to the Wisconsin Film Festival, the Nashville Film Festival and the Seattle International Film Festival to find great movies for Wichita audiences. Stay tuned for more!
Tallgrass alumnus James Choi (MADE IN CHINA, JOINT BODY, FAITH IN DESTINY) returns to Wichita at the end of the week to lead Project Nano, a four-day short filmmaking workshop. The class takes place from April 12 – April 15 at the Digital Arts Studio at CityArts and on location throughout the city. Students will learn the art of independent filmmaking from pre-production through post-production, through the lens of accomplished filmmaker and instructor, Choi. Project Nano is open to filmmakers of all ages, with all levels of experience, who want to learn and practice the craft of filmmaking. The end result of Project Nano will include a completed short film, and more importantly, a group of students who will be possess the knowledge to go out and continue making films. Only a few spots remain – click here for more information and to register.
"genre-film bliss … The storytelling confidence, unaffected acting, and, above all, a heightened grasp of plotting and logistics on display in 7 Boxes is astonishing." – Twitch "a wild and cunningly plotted chase movie … rollicking entertainment" – Variety On Saturday, April 20th, Tallgrass Film Association presents 7 CAJAS (7 Boxes) at 7:30 pm at the Orpheum Theatre. The film’s co-Director Juan Carlos Maneglia will attend the screening and participate in a Q&A after the film. Tickets are $10 General Admission/$8 for students/teachers, seniors, military and TFA members with valid ID. Buy online or at the door. The screening is sponsored by Kansas Paraguay Partners, the Orpheum Theatre, KMUW and Tom, Kathleen and Chris Wren. Grade: A "'The Fast and the Furious' with wheelbarrows, Paraguayan action-thriller-romance hybrid '7 Boxes' is a rollicking good time at the movies that offers breathtaking action and suspense, humor and appealing characters all in one visually flashy package" – Indiewire “…better [than 'Slumdog Millionaire']; it's got a better sense of real place, of action, of pacing … the same vibe from 'Reservoir Dogs' or 'El Mariachi' or 'Primer' …” - MSN Shaken Not Stirred Martini Competition A Smashing Affair
We’d also like to take this opportunity to thank our event Chairs, James Woods & Carol Hughes, all of the businesses and organizations who donated to our Prizes Galore wheel and the participating bars who created incredibly creative concoctions with Leopold Brothers Small Batch Distillery vodka and gin: Heroes, Mort’s, Larkspur, Public at the Brickyard, The Anchor, Taste & See, and The Monarch, whose winning martini will be served at the 11th annual festival in October. The event would not have been possible without our sponsors: Howerton + White, FIAT of Wichita, B98FM, Abode Venue, Larkspur Bistro, Aces Estate Winery, and The Humidor East. Get your game faces on, because plans are already underway for 2014’s event! (If you purchased a ticket to Shaken Not Stirred that included a complimentary membership, your cards will be mailed out in the coming weeks. A list of all current members will be onhand at the upcoming screening of 7 CAJAS so that you may purchase discounted tickets if you have not yet received your card.) Tallgrass Alumni Making Headlines
Also available on iTunes and VOD is another 2012 Tallgrass favorite THE STORY OF LUKE. We were honored to screen the film with Director Alonso Mayo and star Lou Taylor Pucci in attendance. Rent or own these incredible indie films today! Alumnus Christopher Metzler (PLAGUES & PLEASURES ON THE SALTON SEA, EVERYDAY SUNSHINE: THE STORY OF FISHBONE) is embarking on another documentary adventure in RODENTS OF UNUSUAL SIZE. As if the name isn’t enough to pique our interest, check out their kickstarter page to learn more about this intriguing film and how you can help. March, 2013 e-News
TFA presents Cigarettes & Coffee: The Films of Paul Thomas Anderson, this Saturday from 2 – 5 pm at the House of Schwan (3636 N. Comotara). The workshop is free, though advanced RSVP is required, to amber@tallgrassfilmfest.com. Led by Co-Director of Programming Nick Pope, the class will examine the work of the acclaimed director through clips and commentary. After only six feature films and over a dozen Oscar nominations, Paul Thomas Anderson has become one of the most celebrated filmmakers of the last 20 years. With running themes of isolation and strained family relationships to filmmaking techniques such as the long-take, this workshop will examine how, in an age of remakes and sequels, PTA remains a fresh and challenging auteur.
TFA presents, Shaken Not Stirred, on March 27 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at Abode Venue. The evening serves as a fundraiser for the organization and includes a martini competition featuring mixologists from some of Wichita’s favorite watering-holes: The Anchor, Heroes Sports Bar & Grill, Larkspur, The Monarch, Mort’s, Public and Taste & See. Each will create a signature “shaken not stirred” martini with spirits sponsored by Leopold Brothers small batch distillery. The affair also includes a Cigar Lounge sponsored by Humidor East, food by Larkspur, and of course live-action entertainment featuring Bond – with a twist. Casual dress, Bond-attire welcome. Tickets are $77 and quantity is limited. Buy online by clicking here, or call 316.303.9292 to reserve your tickets via phone. Tickets also include a complimentary 2013 membership to the Tallgrass Film Association ($35 value. Cards may be picked up at event. Non-transferrable.) Click here to see all the exciting benefits of TFA membership. Many thanks to the following Special Agents: Leopold Brothers Small Batch Distillery, FIAT of Wichita, Abode Venue, Aces Estate Winery, B98 FM, Howerton + White, Larkspur and The Humidor East. Critically-Acclaimed Documentary WEST OF MEMPHIS Comes to the Orpheum TFA is a proud media partner of the Orpheum Theatre’s presentation of WEST OF MEMPHIS, which screens Friday March 22nd, Saturday March 23rd, and Sunday March 24th at 8 pm on 35 mm film. Tickets are $7 at the door.
From director Amy Berg, in collaboration with first time Producers Damien Echols and Lorri Davis along with filmmakers Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh comes WEST OF MEMPHIS, a powerful examination of a catastrophic failure of justice in Arkansas. The documentary tells the hitherto unknown story behind an extraordinary and desperate fight to bring the truth to light. Told and made by those who lived it, Berg's unprecedented access to the inner workings of the defense, allows the film to show the investigation, research and appeals process in a way that has never been seen before; revealing shocking and disturbing new information about a case that still haunts the American South
Halfgrass Bluegrass Festival To Feature Grasscendo Film Program TFA is also a proud media partner of the 5th annual Halfgrass Bluegrass Festival, which takes place on Saturday, March 30 at Abode Venue. Tickets are $15, middle and high school students are $10 with ID and children under 12 are free. Along with a jam sessions, glass blowers and a full day of live music presented on two stages, including Carrie Nation and the Speakeasy, the family-friendly festival will showcase the following Grasscendo music-themed films from past Tallgrass Film Festivals: NEVER MAKE IT HOME, THE LEGEND OF STUART MOSSMAN, WON’T LET THE ANGELS TAKE YOU AWAY and ELECTRIC REVOLUTION. SAVE THE DATE: April 20: TFA Presents 7 CAJAS (more information coming soon)
February, 2013 e-News Just A Handful of Tickets Remain for Thursday’s Cinema Alfredo Cask Ale + Artisan Cheese + Reservoir Dogs Pairing
What says romance like sharing a botched diamond heist, signature Tallgrass Brewing Company craft beer and a cinematically-inspired artisan cheese plate – featuring blonde, blue, brown, orange, pink and white varieties – while Quentin Tarantino’s Directorial debut sets an unconventional backdrop for the most sentimental of holidays? Tickets are $25.64 (includes tax, not tip) and admission includes a one-of-a-kind pint of Tallgrass Brewing Co. Cask Ale, artisan cheese plate, logo pint glass, film screening, food, beer and wine specials, and of course, a night to remember. Tickets are available online (with no surcharge.)
Save the Date for TFA’s first-ever fundraising event, Shaken Not Stirred, coming Wednesday, March 27 at Abode Venue. The event will feature a martini competition, open bar, food, live entertainment, cigar bar, starlets, villains, and Bond. James Bond.
Ticket information, participating mixologists and more details coming soon… Sponsored by Leopold Brothers Small Batch Distillery, FIAT of Wichita, Abode Venue, Aces Estate Winery, B98 FM, Larkspur, Howerton + White and The Humidor.
The screenplay competition is open to screenwriters from all around the world and the final script will be selected by the workshop’s instructors and be produced by the film class. The screenwriter(s) will retain sole writing credit of the produced film. Screenplays may be submitted by clicking here, and will be accepted until March 1. The winning screenwriter(s) will be notified by March 15, 2013. Screenplays must be six pages or less. Submission fee is $10 for up to 3 screenplays per writer. (Visit the TFA website for official rules and fine print.)
“ACES Wine is very happy with our new relationship with House of Schwan. We mirror Barry Schwan’s philosophy about supporting the community and the local arts and are proud to be the official wine of the 2013 Tallgrass Film Festival. We offer the consumer an affordable everyday wine that will please even the most sophisticated palate,” said LeRoy Aday, Director of Operations, Napa Sonoma Trading Company. The wines are currently available at most liquor stores throughout Wichita.
MARCH 9: Tallgrass Filmmakers Lab: Cigarettes & Coffee: The Films of Paul Thomas Anderson
January, 2013 e-News Happy New Year! We hope all of our Stubbornly Independent film fans enjoyed a happy and healthy holiday season and that 2013 will be a prosperous year for everyone. We have several events on the horizon this year, beginning in February with Cinema Alfredo, featuring a screening of the indie cult classic RESERVOIR DOGS accompanied by a Cask Ale + Cheese Pairing at The Anchor, a Shaken Not Stirred: A 007-themed affair, and a few Tallgrass Filmmakers Labs including Cigarettes & Coffee: The Films of Paul Thomas Anderson, Project Nano, a 5-week film production workshop and the return of Down to the Wire: A 24-Hour Film Race. All of this will be capped off with the 11th annual Tallgrass Film Festival, October 16-20, and yes, you read that correctly, we’re adding one more day! We’ll have more information about all of the aforementioned events coming soon, but in the meantime, two great cinematic offerings are happening in ICT this month: JAN. 12: THE HOUSE I LIVE IN, 2:00 pm, Murdock Theater, Free TFA and several other organizations around town have teamed up to bring you a free screening of the 2012 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize Winner THE HOUSE I LIVE IN. Director Eugene Jarecki shifts his focus…to the War on Drugs in this documentary exploring the risks that prohibition poses to freedom, and the tragedy of addicts being treated as criminals. In the four decades since the War on Drugs commenced, over 45 millions of addicts have been arrested - and for each one jailed, another family is destroyed. Meanwhile, the prisons in America are growing overcrowded with non-violent criminals, and illegal drugs are still being sold in schoolyards. By examining just where it all went wrong, Jarecki reveals that a solution is possible if we can just find it in ourselves to be compassionate, and see past the decades of paranoia and propaganda. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi
The Orpheum Film series kicks off their 2013 season with a 30th anniversary screening of THE BIG CHILL – but the coolest part, film buffs – it’s a 35 mm print that will be projected on their 1949 Carbon Arc Projectors! JAN 25: CHARLIE CHAPLIN IN BLUE JEANS, 8:00 PM, Century II Concert Hall, $20
There’s no better way to experience the art of Charlie Chaplin than the way his original audiences did – on the big screen with live musical accompaniment. And there’s no better person to introduce his artistry than Dan Kamin, who trained Robert Downey, Jr. for his Oscar-nominated performance as the comedian, and created Johnny Depp’s comedy moves for BENNY AND JOON. It’s an uproarious evening of comedy and music! Purchase tickets here.
The screenplay competition is open to screenwriters from all around the world and the final script will be selected by the workshop’s instructors and will be produced by the film class. The screenwriter(s) will retain sole writing credit of the produced film. Screenplays may be submitted by clicking here, and will be accepted until March 1. The winning screenwriter(s) will be notified by March 15, 2013. Screenplays must be six pages or less. Submission fee is $10 for up to 3 screenplays per writer. (Click here for official rules and fine print.)
Exciting news for everyone who attended the Closing Night Gala of the 10th annual Tallgrass Film Festival and fans of Music Theatre of Wichita. Director Stephanie Riggs writes to let us know that THE STANDBYS is now available as a DVD purchase or download. Bravo! Save the date for these upcoming TFA events: MARCH 14: Cinema Alfredo: Movie + Cask Ale + Cheese Pairing at The Anchor (more info coming soon!) MARCH 9: Tallgrass Filmmakers Lab: Cigarettes & Coffee: The Films of Paul Thomas Anderson MARCH 27: Shaken Not Stirred Fundraiser Event at Abode (more info coming soon!) | June 4, 5 & 6: Smallgrass at River Festival, Family Film Programming at Exploration Place MORE ›TUESDAY › 4 Jun 13 June 13: King Kong (1933) at the Orpheum Theatre Jun 14 June 14: Tunes & Tallgrass on the Terrace at WAM w/ THE ENDLESS SUMMER. Jul 13 July 13 & 14: American Indian Festival Film Contest, 3rd annual American Indian Festival at Century II |
A Flight of Film Awaits You at the 11th Annual Tallgrass Film Festival 
Project Nano Short Film Workshop with James Choi Set to Roll This Weekend
Special Screening of Acclaimed 7 CAJAS With Director Juan Carlos Mangelia April 20 
Thank you to everyone who came out to support the Tallgrass Film Association at 
TFA’s first Stubbornly Independent winning film 
Free TALLGRASS FILMMAKER LAB This Saturday Explores the Work of Paul Thomas Anderson
SHAKEN NOT STIRRED Includes Martinis, Movies & Membership
This Thursday, February 14, TFA and 
Screenwriters, are you looking to have your work produced? TFA is holding an open call for short screenplays for this spring’s 
TFA is pleased to announce a new partnership with ACES California Wine - the official wine of the 11th annual Tallgrass Film Festival. During the film festival and throughout the year at many of our events, we’ll proudly be serving ACES California Chardonnay, Cabernet and Merlot varietals. 
Save the date for these upcoming cinematic events:
JAN. 17: THE BIG CHILL, 7:00 PM, Orpheum, $5
Screenwriters Across the Globe: Call for Short Screenplays for PROJECT NANO Extended Through March 1
Closing Night Gala Film THE STANDBYS Now Available on DVD