Checking in with Tallgrass: What’s on the horizon

The Tallgrass Film Association is the organization that annually presents the Tallgrass Film Festival in October. The event has grown through the years to become a respected, world-class festival and Wichita favorite.

But that isn’t all the association does. Tallgrass also hosts screenings, workshops and more year-round, all with the intent of promoting and championing independent film. It has several events on the horizon. Here’s a look:

▪  Indie at the Orpheum — Tallgrass and the Orpheum Theatre will present the next installment in their Indie at the Orpheum bi-monthly film series, designed to bring first-run, art-house-style movies to Wichita.

“Antarctica: A Year on Ice” will be shown at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Orpheum, 200 N. Broadway. It’s a documentary that chronicles what it’s like to live in Antarctica for a year, as residents must endure frigid temperatures, brutal storms and months of darkness followed by months of constant sunlight.

The film is rated PG, and tickets are $10. The Tallgrass programming team will lead a discussion about the film afterward.

▪  Mountainfilm on Tour — Tallgrass teams with outdoors retailer Backwoods to present this showcase of documentary films with themes of exploring cultures, preserving environments and promoting adventure.

Naturists and thrill seekers will particularly enjoy these films that were culled from the Telluride Mountainfilm Festival for this touring program. It starts at 7 p.m. Thursday at Venue 332 at the Scottish Rite, 332 E. First St. Tickets are $15 at the door, online at tallgrassfilmfest.com or at Backwoods, 1900 N. Rock Road, Suite 108, in Bradley Fair.

To see the line-up of films, go to www.mountainfilm.com/tour.

▪  Sack Lunch Cinema — Tallgrass also presents its second installment in this film discussion series, which explores the work of Alfred Hitchcock, at noon Friday at the Tallgrass Film Association office, 212 N. Market, second floor. Admission is free but RSVPs are required by Monday by e-mailing info@tallgrassfilmfest.com. Seating is limited.

Tallgrass director of programming Nick Pope will present the film, and an open discussion will follow.

Attendees should bring their own sack lunch; coffee and dessert will be provided.

▪  Shaken Not Stirred — Tallgrass’ third annual fundraising event takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. April 1 at Abode Venue, 1330 E. Douglas.

The evening features a cocktail competition with staff from Public at the Brickyard, Harvest, Mort’s Cigar Bar, the Anchor, Monarch, Larkspur and Gianni Bacci participating. Attendees sample the drinks and vote for their favorite.

The event also will feature food from Rain Cafe & Lounge, a cigar tent hosted by Humidor East Cigar Bar, craft beer from House of Schwan and wine from Wheat State Wine Co. Dueling pianos will provide entertainment with music by DJ Carbon.

Black-and-white attire is requested (simple or fancy), as well as bow ties.

Tickets are $65 ($20 of which is tax-deductible), available at the door or online at tallgrassfilmfest.com.

This story was originally published March 6, 2015 at 1:53 PM with the headline "Checking in with Tallgrass: What’s on the horizon."