Film Festival Hits Local Theater This Weekend

Local film aficionados are in for a treat this week, as the second annual Edina Film Festival runs Oct. 25-27 at 50th & France's historic Edina Cinema.

Coming off the success of 2011's maiden voyage, this year's Film Festival is a three-day event designed as a fundraiser for the Edina Art Center. John Swon, chair of the Art Center Board's Film Festival Committee, said this year's slate of films includes everything from powerful documentaries to snappy shorts to golden oldies.

"We were very fortunate to have such a variety of films showcasing local filmmakers, including students," Swon said. "We hope this event will become Edina’s newest tradition as it continues to grow."

A documentary film about high school bullying called "Minnesota Nice?" will take center stage during the 7 p.m. session on Friday, Oct. 26, including a Q&A session with the director following the screening. According to festival organizers, the documentary has attracted interest from sponsors looking to take the film nationwide.

Mickie Turk, a festival committee member, author and filmmaker, said keeping the event rooted in local films is an important part of the celebration.

"Locally produced movies and videos are increasingly important to community art and culture," Turk said. "I was pleased to be able to help arrange for showing of these innovative, intergenerational films."

In addition to films touching on World War II, a Canadian Indian reservation and Sicily's gorgeous coast, this year's festival includes four short films ranging from light-hearted to profoundly emotional.

Ticket prices for each session are $10 (with separate tickets sold for 7 and 9 p.m. sessions) or prospective attendees can purchase an all-festival pass for $40 at the Edina Cinema ticket window. All proceeds benefit the Edina Art Center.

The full schedule is as follows:

Thursday, Oct.25

• 7 p.m. "Older Than America" A Q&A with actress Raven Bellefleur will follow the film.
• 9 p.m. "Return to the Aeolian Islands"

Friday, Oct. 26

• 7 p.m. "Minnesota Nice?" A Q&A with director Alec Fischer will follow the film.
• Short films "Hole in the Wall," "A Circle and Three Lines," "How to Live Better" and "Reminiscence" will also be part of the 7 p.m. session.
• 9 p.m. "My Man Godfrey" An introduction will be made by film historian Bob DeFlores.

Saturday, Oct. 27

• 7 p.m. "Welcome to Coalwood" A Q&A with director Steve Date will follow the film.
• 9 p.m. "Memorial Day" A Q&A with director Samuel Fischer will follow the film.

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