October film events in Wichita kick things into high gear
Wichita’s film scene isn’t just about capes and car chases at the multiplex. This town has a taste for the offbeat, and nowhere is that more clear than the Tallgrass Film Festival, our proudly scrappy, widely praised celebration of indie cinema. But Tallgrass is only the headline — October plays host to quirky screenings, pop-up fests and cinematic oddities that keep local movie lovers giddily entertained.
Here’s a look at what’s in store for the month (titles and showtimes subject to change):
ORPHEUM THEATRE ANNIVERSARY FILM SERIES
Mary Jane Teall Theatre, 225 W. Douglas, wichitaorpheum.com/
Anniversary Film Series: “The Shining” (1980) – Stanley Kubrick’s horror masterpiece follows a family that heads to an isolated hotel for the winter, where a sinister presence influences the father (Jack Nicholson) to commit violence. At the same time, his psychic son sees horrifying forebodings from both the past and the future (REDRUM! REDRUM!) Showing at 7 p.m. Oct 16. Tickets are $12.26 (plus taxes and fees), $11.04 (plus taxes and fees) for students, seniors and military.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975) – This ultra cult classic follows a naive, rain-soaked couple who take refuge in the castle of a transvestite mad scientist from outer space who is about to unveil his greatest creation (a muscled blond beauty named Rocky). Screens at 8 p.m. Oct. 24, all ages admitted (though 17 and under must be accompanied by an adult). Encore screening at midnight Oct. 24, 21 and older-only. Tickets for both screenings are $20.20 (fee included); $7.08 (fee included) for optional participation kits.
EMILY BONAVIA TALLGRASS FILM CENTER
120 E. First St. (Unit 113), tallgrassfilm.org/tallgrass-film-center/
Knitflix & Chill: “Mean Girls” (2004) – Cady Heron (Lindsay Lohan) is a hit with The Plastics, the A-list girl clique at her new school, until she makes the mistake of falling for Aaron Samuels, the ex-boyfriend of alpha Plastic Regina George (Rachel McAdams). Bring your knitting, crocheting or any other mess-free craft and settle in for an evening of handmade magic with a feel-good flick. No yarn? No problem! Harvester Arts will have yarn, crocheting supplies and wine available in their space to help you get started from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 3. Screening is at 7:30. $15 plus fees.
Spektrum Muzik Presents: “The Lost Boys” (1987) – When a recently divorced mother and her two teenage boys move to a coastal town to stay with her father, it doesn’t take long for the brothers to realize the area is a haven for something much more sinister than party-going surfers. (Spoiler alert: vampires!) 7 p.m. Oct. 4. $12 plus fees.
Harmons and Hollywood presents “The Ghost and Mr. Chicken” (1966) – A timid typesetter (classic comedy genius Don Knotts) hasn’t a ghost of a chance of becoming a reporter – until he decides to solve a murder mystery and ends up spending a fright-filled night in a haunted house. 4 p.m. Oct. 5. $8 plus fees.
TALLGRASS FILM FESTIVAL
Various venues downtown and online, www.tallgrassfilm.org
The 23rd Annual Tallgrass Film Festival will be celebrated Oct. 16-19 at various venues in downtown Wichita, largely at the Boulevard Old Town Theatres at 353 N. Mead.
It’s the biggest film festival in Kansas, bringing together writers, directors, filmmakers, actors and engaged audiences while showcasing the best local, regional, national and international independent films. It has become one of Wichita’s premier events. Several past screened films have been nominated for or received Sundance or Independent Spirit Awards, and several films featured have gone on to contend for (or win) Oscars, giving festivalgoers bragging rights that they saw it here first.
There are also education events, parties and much more. To see a complete schedule and ticket and pass options, go to www.tallgrassfilm.org.
Reach Rod Pocowatchit at rodrick@rawdzilla.com.