RSS 2.0 FeedSeptember 28, 2011, Featured Articles, Film
Guide to the Kansas International Film Festival
Each year, The Kansas International Film Festival selects an eclectic line-up of films, from quirky comedies to political documentaries. Many of the films in the festival have received international recognition and awards, further cementing the KIFF’s reputation as a heavy hitter within the festival circuit. KCM’s Calli Parker recently had the opportunity to speak with Brian Mossman, the co-founder and owner of the Glenwood Arts Theatre about all things festival.
The Kansas International Film Festival was born over a breakfast shared eleven years ago by co-founders Ben Meade and Brian Mossman. Envisioned as a platform for independent films seeking distribution and studio films that would otherwise not get a release in the area, the ambitious undertaking has become a showcase for films from around the world. Offering filmmakers the opportunity to screen in an often-overlooked market and a percentage of the ticket sales from their screening has made KIFF a valuable resource. Over 150 films were submitted this year through the online submission source, Withoutabox, in addition to a handful of films board members sought out specifically for the festival. The daunting task of narrowing down the pool falls to KIFF’s board who select around 50 films for each year’s festival, dividing the screening process between narratives and documentaries. Each film selected will be scheduled for a single screening, which has increased festival attendance as a whole from previous years with multiple screenings.
Those films receiving the Audience Award—a balloted selection from festival attendees—and the recently added Jury Award—selected by industry professionals from outside the festival—gives each an opportunity to be screened for a second night during the festival. Jury Award finalists for this year are: Natural Selection, Silver Tongues, The Wedding Party, Left By The Ship, Kinofil, Israel vs. Israel, I Want To Be a Soldier, Halfway, A Perfect Soldier, and Another Planet.
Furthering KIFF’s goal to open the eyes of the general public to art house and independent films, filmmakers are invited to accompany their film for an open-format Q&A following the screenings. The casual setting allows viewers to discover more about the films from the creator’s themselves.
Hoping to continue the enthusiastic response to the annual festival organizers are considering creating a monthly showcase for filmmakers without distribution to assist with fundraising and exposure. With local film becoming a strong medium in the Kansas City arts community the festival is looking forward to growing each year bringing more films and more filmmakers to the area.
Insider KIFF Tips:
- Buy your tickets early; this is the first year tickets were available online previous to the festival’s opening. If you wait until the screening, tickets may already be sold out. Only a handful of films will have a second run in the area; plan accordingly.
- Research the films beforehand, the KIFF schedule includes a short synopsis of every film http://www.kansasfilm.com/festival/guide.php
- If you’re undecided about what films to see, try to attend screenings where the filmmaker will be present; it’s an opportunity you shouldn’t pass by.
- Arrive early and dress comfortably, this isn’t really a red carpet affair.
- Plan a mini-vacation around it, with fantastic concession offerings and local restaurants to visit between screenings, why not make a day or two of it.
- An annual highlight for the festival is the performance from Alloy Orchestra, a three-man musical ensemble which performs live accompaniment to classic silent films.
Kansas International Film Festival
Friday, September 30–Thursday, October 6, 2011
Glenwood Arts Theatre
9575 Metcalf Ave, Overland Park, KS
For festival passes or single tickets call 913-642-4404 or online www.kansasfilm.com
Film, Theatre Contributor
Calli Parker studied film production and English at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. After working on various projects in Kansas City, she relocated to Los Angeles where she served as a production manager and assistant director on short and feature films. Currently residing in Kansas City, Calli continues to collaborate with the talented filmmakers and artists of the emerging arts community.
More Featured Articles
KC Events this week and beyond
Looking for something to do this weekend? Click here for the KC Events calendar of theatre, classical music, dance and jazz events through 2011. Highlights of this week's classical music and dance offerings are in Don Dagenais' "City Classics." For current Theatre listings visit Victor Wishna's "City Stage." Enjoy!
INTERVIEW: Garnett Bruce, director
Director Garnett Bruce, whose rich body of work includes opera companies across the country and around the world from the San Francisco Opera to the Teatro di San Carlo in Naples, is staging the Lyric Opera’s season-opening production of “Turandot”—the first opera to be performed at the new Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. On the eve of this grand inauguration, he joined Editor-in-Chief Lee Hartman for a conversation.
INTERVIEW: Elizabeth Caballero, soprano
Cuban-American lyric soprano, Elizabeth Caballero is reprising the role of Liù in her Kansas City debut at the Lyric Opera of Kansas City’s production of "Turandot." She spoke with KCM’s Lee Hartman about the character and how she prepares for a role as well as her heritage and professional crush on Sam Ramey.
All material contained in KCMetropolis.org is the property of or licensed for use by KCMetropolis.org. Any use, duplication, or reproduction of any or all content of this publication is prohibited except with the express written permission of KCMetropolis.org or the original copyright holders.