Cinetopia International Film Festival: Michigan Theater.
May 31-June 3. This first annual Michigan Theater film festival features more than 30 films screened over 4 days at 3 venues (Michigan Theater, State Theater, and Angell Hall). The films include narrative feature-length films and documentaries that recently premiered at international festivals such as Sundance and Berlin. Also, 3-D, classic, and silent films.
June 3:
At the Michigan Theater: “Cane Toads: the Conquest” (Mark Lewis, 2010). Irreverent 3-D documentary about the environmental devastation caused by a species of toad introduced to Australia to combat pests. 11:30 a.m. “Creature from the Black Lagoon” (Jack Arnold, 1954). Classic 3-D monster movie about a scientific expedition in the Amazon losing its token female to the amorous, deadly Gill-Man. 1:30 p.m. “Safety Last” (Fred Newmeyer, 1923). Stellar, suspenseful silent comedy about a hapless go-getter determined to make it in the big city that’s highlighted by the famous white-knuckle building-climbing scene. Stars Harold Lloyd. Accompanied by organist Steven Ball. 4:30 p.m. “Joshua Tree, 1951: A Portrait of James Dean” (Matthew Mishory, 2012). James Dean biopic. Stars James Preston. 7 p.m.
At the State Theater: “Hipsters” (Valeriy Todorovskiy, 2008). Musical set in 1950s about Russian teens who buck the tide of the drab Soviet Union in favor of poodle skirts and saxophones. Russian, subtitles. 11:30 a.m. “On the Ice” (Andrew Okpeaha MacLean, 2011). The bond between 2 Alaskan Iñupiaq teenagers is tested when a seal-hunting trip goes awry. 2:30 p.m. “Headhunters.” See above. 5 p.m. “Bullhead.” See above. 7:30 p.m.
At Angell Hall: “What’s Up, Doc?” (Peter Bogdanovich, 1972). Screwball comedy about a kooky woman who sets her sights on a musicologist. Stars Barbra Streisand & Ryan O’Neal. 2 p.m. “Missed Connections.” See above. 4:30 p.m. “Putin’s Kiss” (Lise Birk Pedersen, 2012). Documentary about the 19-year-old spokesperson for a nationalistic Russian youth organization who becomes disillusioned with the group. Russian, subtitles. 7 p.m.
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Tickets $15 (Michigan Theater members, $12; June 2 Hugo screening, $5; Mogul pass, $500); book of 10 tickets, $120 (members, $96) in advance at ticketweb.com. michtheater.org/cinetopia. [map]
