Fire up the popcorn machine, it’s showtime!
The ninth annual Little Rock Film Festival kicks off on Monday with a whole week’s worth of feature films, short films, documentaries, movie trivia and more, and we’ve got your go-to guide for it all.
Enough of the gum flapping. Roll!
The Venues:
Little Rock
CALS Ron Robinson Theater, 100 River Market Ave.
Clinton School of Public Service, 1200 President Clinton Ave.
Filmmaker Lounge at the Ron Robinson Theater, 100 River Market Ave.
Historic Arkansas Museum, 200 E. 3rd St.
Old State House Museum, 300 W. Markham St.
Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack, 107 River Market Ave.
CALS Butler Center, 409 President Clinton Ave.
Bill and Margaret Clark Room, 400 President Clinton Ave.
North Little Rock
Crush Wine Bar, 318 N. Main St.
The Joint, 301 Main St.
The Lineup:
We weren’t kidding when we said the LRFF is jam-packed with good stuff all week. It kicks off Monday at 7:30 p.m. showing of “King Jack” at the Ron Robinson Theater with director Felix Thompson and break-out star Charlie Plummer in attendance, followed by an opening night party at Cache Restaurant. On Sunday, the festival concludes with a 7 p.m. showing of “Turbo Kid” at the Ron Robinson Theater and the Filmmaker Farewell Legendary Riverboat Cruise wrap party.
We can’t cover it all (seriously, there’s so much), but we can give you some of the highlights. For the full schedule, click here.
Monday, May 11
“King Jack,” 7:30 p.m. at Ron Robinson Theater: Winner of the Audience Award at the 2015 Tribeca Film Festival, this coming of age story tells the tale of Jack and all the problems a 15-year-old can handle: pestering cousins, bullies, summer school and more. As previously mentioned, director Felix Thompson and the film’s star Charlie Plummer will be on hand for a Q&A after the screening.
Opening Night Kickoff Party, 9:30 p.m. at Cache Restaurant and Lounge: This party will kickoff the week-long festival after the showing of “King Jack.” Live music will be provided by Rodney Block & The Real Music Lovers. Gold, sliver, sponsor, press and filmmaker passes admitted.
Tuesday, May 12
“How to Dance in Ohio,” 1:30 p.m. at Ron Robinson Theater: Directed by Alexandra Shiva, this documentary follows a class of young adults with varying developmental challenges as they prepare for prom, chronicling everything from dancing to choosing a date and a dress. Disability Rights Arkansas is the community sponsor for this film.
“Made in Arkansas” Shorts Block 2, 5:30 p.m. at Ron Robinson Theater: This lineup of short, Arkansan-made films may only last a few minutes each, but they fantastically showcase out homegrown talent here in The Natural State. It includes “MatchMaker” directed by Robin Sparks, “Hush” by Kenn Woodard, “Dim the Lights” Dwight Chalmers, “The Pop N’ Lock” by Jadon Barnes, “Rapture Us” by Levi Agee, “The Ask” by Edmund Lowry and “Contact” by Alexander Jeffery.
Wednesday, May 13:
“Tired Moonlight,” 11:15 a.m. at Ron Robinson Theater: This documentary/fiction/”bad poetry” hybrid offers an oddly beautiful and in-depth look at director Britni West’s hometown in Montana, turning over stones and glorifying charm like no one but a native can.
“Drunk Stoned Brilliant Dead,” 5:30 p.m. at the Clinton School of Public Service: Longtime readers of the National Lampoon know it was born from the minds of three Ivy Leaguers, but everyone has felt the shift it caused in comedy, now almost synonymous with the likes of John Belushi, Bill Murray and Chevy Chase. With never before seen archival footage, this documentary features the road to becoming a cultural touchstone for humor.
For more on Wednesday’s events, which includes a big Arkansas filmmakers blow out at South on Main, click here.
Thursday, May 14
“Krisha,” 3:15 p.m. at Ron Robinson Theater: Director Trey Edward Shults tells the story of family tensions that wildly escalate over the holidays. Oy. This film took SXSW by storm this year, so buckle up and enjoy the craziness.
“7 Chinese Brothers,” 9 p.m. at Ron Robinson Theater: This comedy features Jason Schwartzman and his real-life dog Arrow. Watch as this perverbial “sad sack” tries to overcome his hurdles, get the girl and make his grandma proud. There will also be a discussion with director Bob Byington following the screening.
For more on Thursday’s events, which include a filmmaker welcome reception at the Thea Foundation and a KABF Radio ‘Summer of 85’ vinyl dance party at Good Food by Ferneau, click here.
Friday, May 15
“(T)ERROR,” 5:30 p.m. at the Clinton School of Public Service: Following the true story of FBI informant Saeed “Shariff” Torres who tracks down domestic terrorists, this thrilling cinematic non-fiction film nabbed the titles of Sundance Special Jury Prize for Break Out First Feature and Grand Jury Prize for Documentary Full Frame Film Festival.
“Breaking a Monster,” 8 p.m. at Ron Robinson Theater: Also a work of cinematic non-fiction, director Luke Meyer paints a picture of the rise through the music industry of rock ‘n’ roll teenage African American metal band Unlocking the Truth. After the screening, audiences will get a special live mini-concert from the band.
For more on Friday’s events, which includes the unbelievable Tale of Two Cities Party on the Junction Bridge, click here.
Saturday, May 16
“Cartel Land,” 3 p.m. at the Clinton School of Public Service: What started as an attempt to document tensions on the U.S.-Mexico border quickly turned into an in-depth look at the vigilantes on both sides who have taken up arms against the Mexican drug cartels.
Awards Gala, 8 p.m. at the Old State House Museum: Dress up for drinks and food on the lawn of the Old State House Museum where you can munch on crawfish and enjoy the sounds of Runaway Planet. Open to Sponsor, Filmmaker, Press, Gold, Silver, and Student passes.
For more on Saturday’s events, which includes “Sweaty Betty,” “God Bless the Child” and “Applesauce,” click here.
Sunday, May 17
“White God,” 2 p.m. at Ron Robinson Theater: A young teen girl is crushed when her dad sets her beloved dog out onto the streets, but she’s determined to get it back. Directed by Kornél Mundruczó, this film won the Prize of Un Certain Regard at the Cannes Film Festival. And, oh yeah, includes 287 trained dogs.
“Turbo Kid,” 7 p.m. at Ron Robinson Theater: Ending the LRFF with a post-apocalyptic wasteland flick seems like a no-brainer, especially when this one touted as being an instant cult classic. Warning: After this film, you will definitely end up digging through your attic to dust off your old Nintendo Power Glove.
For more on Saturday’s events, which includes the end-all, be-all of wrap parties, the Filmmaker Farewell Legendary Riverboat Cruise, click here.
The Cost:
The Gold Pass, $300: This is your Golden Ticket. It gets you all-access priority admission into every event at the Little Rock Film Festival, no questions asked. It also includes free drinks at most events. Buy one here.
The Silver Pass, $150: The Silver Pass gets you into all film screenings, panels and parties after all Gold Pass holders are in. You get complimentary food and cash bar at most events. With a Silver Pass, you need a separate ticket for the opening night film and closing night awards gala. Buy one here.
The Student Pass, $75: This gets you into all film screenings, panels and parties after Gold Pass holders are in. You get complimentary food and cash bar at most events. A separate ticket is needed for the opening night film and closing night awards gala. You must have a student ID when picking up the pass. You get one pass per student ID. Buy one here.
The Bronze Pass, $60: The Bronze Pass gets you admission to priority seating at all screenings and panels, except the opening night film, after Silver Pass holders are seated. This pass does not get you into parties, the closing night awards gala, the filmmaker lounge or the VIP after-parties. Buy one here.
For a comparison of what each pass gets you, click here.
Or, if you’re interested in buying tickets to individual events, you can do that, too. Just click here.
The Car:
Finding a place to park can be a little tricky, so check out this map of lots around downtown Little Rock to get a game plan before you set out. Get more information here. Pro tip: It’s a good idea to have change and/or cash on deck.
And that’s it! You’re all ready to settle in and find your new favorite flick, and maybe even bust a move or two. For more information on the festival, check out their website. For updates, follow the LRFF on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Now where’s our popcorn?