Milwaukee Film Festival Announces 9 New Films
By Livia Peterson
Milwaukee Film announced nine films to screen at the 2017 Milwaukee Film Festival this morning after having previously selected Erik Ljung’s “The Blood is at the Doorstep” as the Centerpiece Screening.
Aladdin
The street urchin Aladdin (Scott Weinger) utilizes a genie’s (the late Robin Williams) magic power to turn himself into a prince in order to marry Princess Jasmine (Linda Larkin). This timeless Disney classic features favorite songs such as “A Whole New World” and “Friend Like Me.” The perfect introduction to the kiddies that may create a cinephile out of them while providing some nostalgia for adults.
The Dark Crystal
From the minds of creative legends Jim Henson and Frank Oz comes the story of a Gelfling (Jim Henson) who undertakes a quest to discover the missing shard of a magical crystal and restore harmony to his world. Breathtakingly imaginative, The Dark Crystal is the kind of movie we really don't see anymore in our CGI age. Program: Cinema Hooligante.
Lemon
Failed actor Isaac (Brett Gelman) watches his life unravel following the departure of his girlfriend of ten years, Ramona (Judy Greer). Program: Competition.
The Lost World Feat. Alloy Orchestra
Based on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic novel about a land where prehistoric creatures still roam. Live musical accompaniment to the silent classic will be provided by the Alloy Orchestra. Program: Spotlight Presentations.
Lucky
The spiritual journey of a ninety-year-old atheist named Lucky (Harry Dean Stanton). Program: American Independents.
Manlife
Merle Hayden has recruited members to the utopian movement Lawsonomy for over eighty years. The movement was founded by aircraft pioneer Alfred Lawson, which advocates for economic reform and clean, communal living that transforms followers into a “New Species.” Hayden preserves Lawson’s legacy through artifacts rotting in a barn alongside a Wisconsin highway. Documentary film. Program: Cream City Cinema.
Purple Rain
The young musician the Kid (Prince) contends with the rival singer, a budding romance with Apollonia Kotero, and his discontented band as his star begins to rise. From the irresistible tunes to the fun atmosphere, this film is magical to see on the big screen. Just goes to show how much we still miss the legendary Prince. Program: Sound Vision.
Requiem for a Running Back
Rebecca Carpenter’s father Lewis Carpenter was a World Championship running back for the Detroit Lions and Vince Lombardi’s Green Bay Packers. After his death, the family receives an unexpected request from Boston University’s brain bank with appalling results, as Lewis becomes the eighteenth NFL player diagnosed with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a chronic neurocognitive disorder that causes rage, social withdrawal, and other strange behaviors. Carpenter finds herself in the midst of a public health controversy and undertakes a three-year journey to examine the implications of the “new” disease. Documentary film. Program: Sportsball!
Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities
Serving as a haven for African American intellectuals, artists, revolutionaries, black colleges and universities have educated the architects of freedom movements and enlightened leaders in every field. One of the most anticipated films from moviegoers and critics alike. Documentary film. Program: Black Lens.
The 2017 Milwaukee Film Festival will take place at the Landmark Oriental Theatre (2230 North Farwell Avenue), Landmark Downer Theatre (2589 North Downer Avenue), Fox-Bay Cinema Grill (334 East Silver Spring Drive), Times Cinema (5906 West Vliet Street), and Avalon Theatre (2473 South Kinnickinnic Ave), from Thursday, September 28 to Thursday, October 12.
