Three events coming for film fans in Wichita
Some upcoming film events:
Tallgrass does Downtown — Tallgrass Film Association has partnered with Roxy’s Downtown for a retrospective “Queer Cinema” series with GLBT themes.
The hilarious Australian import “The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert” kicks the series off at 6 p.m. Sunday at Roxy’s Downtown, 412 1/2 E. Douglas. The 1994 film follows two drag queens and a transsexual who get stranded in the desert while on tour with their cabaret act. It stars a pre-“Matrix” Hugo Weaving, a pre-“Memento” Guy Pearce and Terence Stamp. The film is rated R.
Admission is $8. After the film, there will be a performance by “The Roxettes: Queens of Drag.” For reservations, call 316-265-4400.
Fundraiser fun — Tallgrass’ third annual fundraising event “Shaken Not Stirred” takes place from 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday 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.
First Friday film — The new First Friday Film Series at the Murdock Theatre will feature a screening of the documentary “Groundswell Rising,” which examines the fracking debate.
The film starts at 7 p.m. Friday at the Murdock, 536 N. Broadway, with a suggested admission donation of $8.
A discussion with one of the film’s producers and local experts will follow.
Upcoming indies — Didn’t get these titles in time for my spring preview last week, but these independent films are slated to open soon at the east Warren Theatre in Wichita (release dates subject to change):
▪ “Woman in Gold” — An octogenarian Jewish refugee (Helen Mirren) tries to recover artwork she believes rightfully belongs to her family. Ryan Reynolds also stars. (April 10)
▪ “Danny Collins” — Al Pacino stars as an aging rock star who decides to change his life when he discovers a 40-year-old letter written to him by John Lennon. (April 10)
▪ “While We’re Young” — Writer/director Noah Baumbach (“Greenberg”) returns with this drama about a middle-aged couple whose career and marriage are overturned when a disarming younger couple enters their lives. Ben Stiller, Naomi Watts, Amanda Seyfried and Adam Driver star. (April 10)
▪ “Ex Machina” — Sci-fi tale about a young programmer who is selected to participate in a breakthrough experiment in artificial intelligence. (Late April)
▪ “True Story” — James Franco and Jonah Hill star in this drama about the relationship between journalist Michael Finkel and the convicted murderer who for years used Finkel’s name before getting caught. (Late April-early May)
This story was originally published March 27, 2015 at 1:32 PM with the headline "Three events coming for film fans in Wichita."