Starting the conversation

This year at the 2011 Milwaukee Film Festival, attendees will not only have the chance to see critically acclaimed films from all over the world, but also have the opportunity to dive deeper into the films than ever before.

For the first time, Milwaukee Film will be present on a series called “Conversations,” giving film-goers a chance to attend as well as participate in live discussions with individuals close to the film. The “Conversations” series at this year’s film festival will feature discussions that will take place after film screenings, with helpful volunteers from Milwaukee Film leading the way.

Milwaukee Film Panels Producer Cara Ogburn sees the discussion “as a way for people to digest the film together in an informal setting with a diverse group, and foster a unique discussion that people wouldn’t have the opportunity to participate in otherwise.” Conversations will primarily be led by film enthusiasts, film studies students from UWM and Marquette and other individuals with specific insights on each film.

The series heats up in a hurry on Saturday, Sept. 24 with panel discussions following the Oriental Theatre‘s 2:30 p.m. screening of Steve James’ classic documentary, Hoop Dreams, at Hotel Foster, and after the Downer Theatre‘s 2:30 p.m. screening of Happy, where experts in positive psychology will host a discussion at Boswell Books. Ogburn expects a lively discussion and is interested to see how different audiences will react to each film.

For screenings in the suburban theaters hosting the festival (Marcus North Shore and Ridge cinemas), the conversations will take place within the theaters where there is plenty of room to host the discussions. For the Oriental and Downer theatres on Milwaukee’s East Side, the discussions will be held locations nearby. Venues such as Hotel Foster, Alterra Coffee on Prospect Ave., and Boswell Books will host discussions.

The “Conversations” series begins at Alterra Prospect following the screening of King of Devil’s Island at the Oriental Theatre on Friday, Sept. 23 and at Boswell Books following the screening of Somewhere Between at the Downer Theatre that same day.

For the most up-to-date information, go to milwaukee-film.org or click here for the full Conversations schedule.

Disclosure: ThirdCoast Digest is the proud sponsor of the “Conversations” series.

For more of TCD’s coverage of the 2011 Milwaukee Film Festival, search “MFF” or click here.