Featured Events
2019 Festival Schedule
Choose from over 150+ films and 100+ bands/musicians, and more.
All-access festival passes now available! Find all locations on our MAP page.
Thursday, April 11th
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Red Carpet Premiere Party
Come celebrate the ninth annual Capital City Film Festival with us on the red carpet! Plenty of beer, wine, and spirits for sippin', appetizers to go around, and live music at this year’s party hosted by Impression 5 Science Center.
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Guest Artist
*OPENING NIGHT FEATURE // MIDWEST PREMIERE* The story of a young man coming face to face with his hero (Jeff Daniels) and exploring the tangled relationship between the dreams of youth and the wisdom of age. Screens with the short film Hair Trigger.
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Sen Morimoto
Sen Morimoto is a multi-instrumentalist composer and songwriter born in Kyoto, Japan. His powerful grasp of jazz composition, pop songwriting, and hip-hop styling are fully articulated on Cannonball!, an LP that he wrote, arranged, and produced by himself.
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Guest Artist [Encore Screening]
*MIDWEST PREMIERE* The story of a young man coming face to face with his hero (Jeff Daniels) and exploring the tangled relationship between the dreams of youth and the wisdom of age. Screens with the short film Hair Trigger.
Friday, April 12th
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Detroit 48202: Conversations Along a Postal Route
*FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE* A documentary in Five Acts that examines the rise, demise, and contested resurgence of Detroit through the lens of African-American mail carrier, Wendell Watkins, and the residents he has faithfully served for thirty years. Screens with the short films Danny's Super 8 and Detroit Hives.
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Friday Evening Shorts
*DIRECTOR IN ATTENDANCE* A curated collection of international short films with subtitles. Selections include: Broken Pipe / Luana / Moderately Satisfied / Accident / The Old Man and the Dead / Until Forever (Hasta Siempre)
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House of More: Opening Night
*FREE* A video art exhibition including immersive experiences and live experimental performances. Open 7:00 PM - midnight. Join us for Opening Night soundtracked by BLVCK ICE.
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Her Smell
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE* A self-destructive punk rocker struggles with sobriety while trying to recapture the creative inspiration that led her band to success.
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Animated Shorts
*MATURE AUDIENCES ONLY* Selections include: The Juggler / Your Eyes, Will I Ever / Gumamel / Fuse / Beauty Fall / Darling / Carlotta's Face / Things Were Better Before / Back to the Moon / Undersee / In the House of Paper Flowers / Age of Sail / Starvation
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The Cowboys
Bloomington, Indiana has something to really be proud of in hometown heroes The Cowboys. One of the most exciting and indescribable bands of the last five years, this band manages to escape all of the pitfalls of modern DIY punk/garage and break out into a field of their own instantly.
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DeadTectives
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE* DeadTectives follows a team of hapless paranormal investigators on a reality TV series who go on a quest to Mexico’s most haunted house in the pursuit of better ratings.
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Destroy All Cinema ft. Funny Girls
CCFF brings you DESTROY ALL CINEMA! Join the Funny Girls as they riff on our favorite 1997 slasher film, I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER.
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Red Letter Day
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE* RED LETTER DAY is a dark comedy/thriller that asks the age-old question: Just how well do you know your neighbors? Screens with the short film The Glimpse.
Saturday, April 13th
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Spartan Shorts [FREE]
*FREE // FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE* Selections include: Bags to Butterflies / The Boogie Man / Incandescent Hearts / GRIND / Hours Left / Blackout Shades / Juice / Party Foul / Shattered / The Fisherman / Routine Cops
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House of More
*FREE* A video art exhibition including immersive experiences and live experimental performances. Open 1:00 - 11:00 PM. Live performances by Wing Vilma and Normandd.
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Owned: A Tale of Two Americas
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE* Owned is a fever dream vision into the dark history behind the US housing economy. Tracking its overtly racist beginnings and its unbridled commoditization, the film exposes a foundational story that few Americans understand as their own. Screens with the short film Due Process.
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Saturday Shorts @ 2:30
A curated collection of international short films with subtitles. Selections include: The Big Shot / Nomad / First Disco / Dare Not Fly / Incommunicado / Darling / Carlotta's Face
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About A Donkey
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE // DIRECTOR IN ATTENDANCE* When Tim brings home a donkey in a mixture of wanting to rescue both it and himself, all of the characters’ lives are shaken up and pushed forward. Screens with the short films Dearly Departed and Only a Movie!
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Saturday Shorts @ 5
*FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE* Selections include: Little Church / Thirsty Eyes - 838 / Newborn / Bennifer / Nevada / I Can't Even / Hair Trigger / June
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The Journey
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE* Sara enters Baghdad station with sinister intentions for its reopening ceremony. As she braces to commit an unthinkable act, her plans are drastically altered by an unwanted and awkward encounter with Salam, a self-assured and flirtatious salesman. Screens with the short film 1-0.
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The Crane Wives & Olivia Millerschin
In Japanese folklore, the crane wife is a bird disguised as a woman who spins fine silks from her own feathers, until her identity is discovered. The Crane Wives spin fine songs from whole cloth, and you will never want the melodies to leave your head.
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Bernadette
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE // DIRECTOR IN ATTENDANCE* 1994 was the perfect summer… for heartache. At 15, Archie Kinsler has an impossible goal: to win the heart of Bernadette, a much older French foreign exchange student and local lifeguard, before she returns home at the end of the season. Screens with the short film Brain Engagement.
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Saturday Shorts @ 7:30
Selections include: A Picnic Table, At Dusk / Magnolia & Clementine / Terminally in Love / Safe / Self Tape / Wonderwall / Four-Ninety
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Albanian Gangster
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE // DIRECTOR IN ATTENDANCE* Leon was once the righthand muscle of a legendary Albanian mafia boss. Once a legend, respected, feared, with the Bronx and NYC at his feet, a man who took six bullets and survived with the scars to prove it, a man now—after 18 years in the joint—today, a legend only in his own mind. Screens with the short film Four-Ninety.
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The Free Bleeders
As the Free Bleeders, we sing songs of unity, steeped in Feminist ethos, aimed at challenging people to question individual and group participation in systems of oppression and confront racist, sexist, classist, homophobic, ableist, and all other marginalizing and aggressive behaviors.
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Comedy Shorts
*FILMMAKER IN ATTENDANCE* Selections include: The High Wire / Nico or (Head of the Family) / Clueless / College Town / Cannonball / 2019: A Home Odyssey / Chirp, Buzz, & Other Sensations / Only a Movie! / Dearly Departed / First Kill
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Ms. Purple
*MIDWEST PREMIERE* A young woman who works as a karaoke hostess in Koreatown, Los Angeles reconnects with her estranged brother in the final days of their father's life.
Sunday, April 14th
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Fortnight Film Contest [Screening & Awards]
CCFF presents the Fortnight Film Contest – a competition for filmmakers in Michigan – in conjunction with the festival! Come see the top films made as part of the 2019 contest as determined by a wide panel of judges. More than $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded!
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House of More
*FREE* A video art exhibition including immersive experiences and live experimental performances. Open 1:00 - 6:00 PM. Live performances by Lu Fuki & Divine Providence and Pete John.
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I Can Only Be Mary Lane
*FILMMAKER IN ATTENDANCE* At 82, Mary Lane is one of the last legendary Blues musicians that made the Great Migration from America’s south. Although widely respected in Chicago, she has never gotten the recognition she deserves. This film follows Mary as she records just her second studio album and first in over 20 years. Screens with the short films The Bastille Concerto and Off the Grid.
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Workshop: Crowdfunding for Filmmakers [FREE]
*FREE* Learn the tools for creative independence by studying the techniques of successful crowdfunding campaigns: how to identify your audiences, bring them on board, build meaningful partnerships, and create the most enticing possible pitch to audiences.
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Sunday Afternoon Shorts
Selections include: The King of Hearts Magic Society / I'm Sorry / Not Alone / Paynes Find / Voice / Exposure / ASIA A / I Just Wanted to See You
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The Class of 2018 B.C.
*WORLD PREMIERE // DIRECTOR IN ATTENDANCE* On the brink of their college graduation, a small-town band known as The Class of 2018 B.C., face the brutal reality of the final days before graduation, pushing each other to their limits as their friendships fall apart and their futures just begin.
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Shortly
Shortly is the creative output of Detroit-based artist Alex Maniak, whose debut EP ‘Richmond’ is out now on Triple Crown Records.
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FREE SHOW: Joe Hertler DJ Set
FREE SHOW at the Loft with J Arthur, KONG, Turtle Bugg, Joe Hertler
Monday, April 15th
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House of More
*FREE* A video art exhibition including immersive experiences and live experimental performances. Open 1:00 - 6:00 PM.
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No! The Rape Documentary 25th Anniversary Screening & Panel
*FREE* NO! explores the international atrocity of rape cisgender women by cisgender men, and other forms of sexual assault through the first person testimonies, scholarship, spirituality, activism, and cultural work of Black people in the U.S.
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Laugh Lab [FREE]
*FREE* Part live comedy, part video sketch, and all about hilarious experimentation! LAUGH LAB brings some of the funniest comedians around together on stage and on screen.
Tuesday, April 16th
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House of More
*FREE* A video art exhibition including immersive experiences and live experimental performances. Open 1:00 - 6:00 PM.
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Bad Bad Winter
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE* After the passing of her grandmother, a businessman’s daughter goes back to her birthplace. After a little while, she receives the visit of her former classmates but their reunion take an unexpected turn. Screens with the short film Disfluency.
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This Teacher
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE* THIS TEACHER follows a French Muslim woman as she travels to NYC to visit her childhood best friend. When the reunion proves disastrous, she disappears to a remote cabin upstate but discovers that she’s not alone. Her sojourn in nature descends into a terrifying study of the intolerance and suspicion she encounters and reflects back to an Islamophobic America.
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Freedom Fields
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE* FREEDOM FIELDS follows three women and their football team in post-revolution Libya, as the country descends into civil war and the utopian hopes of the Arab Spring begin to fade. An intimate film about hope, struggle and sacrifice in a land where dreams seem a luxury. A love letter to sisterhood and the power of team.
Wednesday, April 17th
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House of More
*FREE* A video art exhibition including immersive experiences and live experimental performances. Open 1:00 - 6:00 PM.
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Dawnland
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE // FILMMAKER IN ATTENDANCE* For most of the 20th century, government agents systematically forced Native American children from their homes and placed them with white families. Now, for the first time, they are being asked to share their stories. Screens with the short film Walking for Ded.
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Fight Night: Round 2 [FREE]
*FREE* FIGHT NIGHT is an eSports event! A combination of live music performances, entertaining announcers, and elite gaming - all designed for your pure joy and entertainment.
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T for Taj Mahal
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE* Bajjar; a village of complete illiterates with no school. Bansi wants to carve a different future for his younger brother. He starts an eatery by the highway and stumbles upon a unique idea to ask customers for their time to teach instead of paying money for the food. Screens with the short film Ranapakhara.
Thursday, April 18th
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House of More
*FREE* A video art exhibition including immersive experiences and live experimental performances. Open 1:00 - 6:00 PM.
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PLAY: Launch Party [FREE]
This hands-on interactive media and gaming showcase offers festival-goers the opportunity to explore and experience the latest in gaming, virtual reality technology, and interactive filmmaking. FREE Launch Party 5:00 - 8:00 PM.
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Thursday Evening Shorts
*FILMMAKER IN ATTENDANCE* A curated collection of international short films with subtitles. Selections include: Royal Blue / Alfonso - I'm Happy / I Remember Ashes / On Air / Insane Love / Dario / Expression
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Michigander
Hailing from somewhere in the great lakes state, Michigander was born out of restless feet and the need to say something.
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Dogman
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE* A film by Matteo Garrone, Director of GOMORRAH; A timid dog groomer living in a poor suburb sells cocaine on the side and stays out of trouble, while trying to deal with his unstable, violent acquaintance who is a menace to the whole neighborhood.
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Ghost Orchard
Ghost Orchard is the recording moniker of producer and multi-instrumentalist Sam Hall. His last record, Bliss, combines a variety of indie-pop and experimental cassette soundscapes, filled with hushed, catchy melodies and warm, inviting environments.
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Leto
*MIDWEST PREMIERE* A love triangle emerges around a rock and roll musician, his protege and his wife in 1980s Russia.
Friday, April 19th
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PLAY: Interactive & Gaming Gallery
This hands-on interactive media and gaming showcase offers festival-goers the opportunity to explore and experience the latest in gaming, virtual reality technology, and interactive filmmaking. Open 10:00 AM - 7:30 PM.
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House of More
*FREE* A video art exhibition including immersive experiences and live experimental performances. Open 1:00 - 11:00 PM. Live performances by River Spirit and Mel N.
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Rafiki Screening & Queerceañera Celebration
*FREE // MICHIGAN PREMIERE* "Good Kenyan girls become good Kenyan wives," but Kena and Ziki long for something more. When love blossoms between them, the two girls will be forced to choose between happiness and safety.
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Michigan Documentary Shorts
*FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE* Selections include: The Big Five Dive / R.E. Old and The First Auto City / A Change of Practice
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Symphonic Cinema [FREE]
*FREE* This special program features two dynamic pairings for a unique cinematic experience: Heartland Klezmorim performing live score to Lois Weber short films and Open Ears performing live score to a curated selection of experimental films.
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Wally Pleasant
Wally Pleasant is an American musician from Michigan. He plays humorous songs based on folk music and 1950s-60s rock and roll influences.
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Father the Flame
*DIRECTOR IN ATTENDANCE* Father the Flame follows Lee Erck, a world-renowned pipemaker from far Northern Michigan, as he travels the globe to explore the nearly forgotten art of tobacco pipe making. Screens with the short film Mrs. Saltzman Goes to Jail.
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Olympia
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE // DIRECTOR IN ATTENDANCE* When her boyfriend Felix asks her to move to California with him, Olympia, on the cusp of 30, has to decide if she’s going to change along with the world around her, or get left behind. Screens with the short film Little Church.
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Lady Ace Boogie
Compelled to share both her story, and the stories of others; Lady Ace Boogie conveys a message centered on personal growth, struggle, and inspiration, with hopes to positively impact those who are listening.
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Sci-Fi Shorts
*FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE* Selections include: Information Superhighway / Recovery / The Hobbyist / Creatures of the Night / R&R / Beast / Sombra City / The Glimpse / After Ashes / Caronte
Saturday, April 20th
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PLAY: Interactive & Gaming Gallery
This hands-on interactive media and gaming showcase offers festival-goers the opportunity to explore and experience the latest in gaming, virtual reality technology, and interactive filmmaking. Open 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
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Science of Cinema
CCFF and Impression 5 Science Center are teaming up to bring you Science of Cinema, a day of exploring the art and science behind movies! Open 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM.
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American Relapse
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE // FILMMAKER IN ATTENDANCE* Recovering addicts Frankie and Allie spend their lives helping other addicts, but can they stay clean themselves? Screens with the short film Destination Park.
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CCFF Presents: StoopFest 2019
CCFF is proud to present StoopFest 2019! Lansing's own DIY arts, music, and comedy festival is back and takes place all over Lansing's East Side.
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House of More
*FREE* A video art exhibition including immersive experiences and live experimental performances. Open 1:00 - 6:00 PM.
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Saturday Afternoon Shorts
*FILMMAKER IN ATTENDANCE* Selections include: The Program / The Moon and The Night / Second Hand Lovers / Due Process / Cue Jane / SCHMIK / White Noise / Togetherly
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You Go to My Head
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE // FILMMAKER IN ATTENDANCE* In a desolate stretch of the Sahara, a mysterious car accident leaves a young woman lost and alone. A reclusive architect finds her unconscious, discovers that she’s suffering from amnesia, and claims to be her husband. Screens with the short film Little Voices.
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My Soul to Keep
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE // FILMMAKERS IN ATTENDANCE* Like many 9-year-old boys, Eli Braverman believes something menacing lives in his basement. When his older sister leaves him home alone one night, Eli discovers if this evil is real or all in his head. Screens with the short film After Ashes.
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Fading Portraits
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE // FILMMAKER IN ATTENDANCE* Fading Portraits provides a rare insight into a society where the government plays a pivotal role in artists’ lives, controlling the fate of their work, and subsequently their role within a society. Screens with the short films Life in Sanctuary and Lourdes.
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American Film Institute Shorts [FREE]
*FREE* Selections include: Control Option Escape / Unspeakable / War Paint / On Killer Robots / Marabou / I Want to Marry a Creative Jewish Girl / Dark Wolf Gang / You Win USA Vacation
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The Hole in the Ground
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE* A young mother living in the Irish countryside with her son suspects his increasingly disturbing behavior is linked to a mysterious sinkhole in the forest, and fears he may not be her son at all. Screens with the short film Recovery.
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Vitality: Official CCFF Afterparty
The Official CCFF Afterparty presented in partnership with The Mioner Agency, Man vs. Wild, + Sometimes Art House
Sunday, April 21st
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Comedy Shorts [ENCORE SCREENING]
Selections include: The High Wire / Nico or (Head of the Family) / Clueless / College Town / Cannonball / 2019: A Home Odyssey / Chirp, Buzz, & Other Sensations / Only A Movie! / Dearly Departed / First Kill
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Fortnight Film Contest: The Next 13 [Screening]
Join us for a special screening of some 2019 Fortnight Film Contest entries! These shorts didn't make the cut for the top batch, but they're still pretty awesome.
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House of More
*FREE* A video art exhibition including immersive experiences and live experimental performances. Open 1:00 - 6:00 PM. Live performances by Jes Kramer and Sophiyah.
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Olympia [ENCORE SCREENING]
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE* When her boyfriend Felix asks her to move to California with him, Olympia, on the cusp of 30, has to decide if she’s going to change along with the world around her, or get left behind. Screens with the short film Little Church.
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Wild Rose
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE* A musician from Glasgow dreams of becoming a Nashville star. WILD ROSE is an uplifting story with an original soundtrack about family, dreams and reality, and three chords and the truth.
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Bernadette [ENCORE SCREENING]
*MICHIGAN PREMIERE* 1994 was the perfect summer… for heartache. At 15, Archie Kinsler has an impossible goal: to win the heart of Bernadette, a much older French foreign exchange student and local lifeguard, before she returns home at the end of the season. Screens with the short film Brain Engagement.
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The Brink
THE BRINK is a fly-on-the-wall chronicle of embattled former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon's global mission to spread extreme nationalism.
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Major Murphy
Listening to Major Murphy's tracks is almost like walking on a breezy fall morning, hearing the songs spilling out the windows and down the street. Venture to peer through a window and you just might catch a glimpse of the magic.
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VAI
*CLOSING NIGHT FEATURE // MIDWEST PREMIERE* Vai is a portmanteau feature film made by nine female Pacific filmmakers, filmed in seven different Pacific countries. It is about the journey of Vai, played by a different indigenous actress in each of the Pacific countries. In each of these Pacific nations ‘vai’ means water.