The Reel Scene

Tattooed arm of T.J. Fackelman. Photo by Kat Berger.

For all of you people who think Milwaukee is just another Midwestern third-tier city with a church or bar on every corner, well … you’re only half right. There’s also a remarkable arts-and-culture scene here, too.  From the renowned Milwaukee Art Museum to playing host to last weekend’s Global Union music festival, Milwaukee now has another feather to add to its hat: the debut of the Milwaukee Film Festival.  This year’s Festival will offer more than 100 films on 4 screens in 11 days!

The Festival will feature special guest appearances, filmmakers, parties, meets-and-greets and, of course, the enjoyment of Milwaukee’s sweet libations. The festival starts this Thursday and will continue through Sunday, Oct. 4.

• Robert Siegel, former chief editor of The Onion and writer of the recently released movie The Wrestler, will present the film he directed, Big Fan, which showcases in the festival on Thursday, Oct. 1 at North Shore Cinema; and Saturday, Oct. 3, at the Oriental.
  
• There’s also chatter about an unnamed Academy Award winner expected to make an appearance at some point during the film festival.  Hmm. But for now, mum’s the word.
  
• Curious about meeting the masterminds behind this year’s festival? We’re sure you can find the trio — Jonathan Jackson, T.J. Fackelman and Kyle Heller — personally selling tickets at any one of the festival venues. Tickets are on sale now, so make sure to reserve yours online or in person at the Oriental Theatre .
  

Now, what you’ve really waited for — the festival’s rockin’ Party Calendar:

(All of these events will begin at 9 pm and last until they kick you out! You’ll be able to rub elbows with filmmakers, festival team members and patrons while you enjoy drink specials, conversation, appetizers and more!)

Friday, Sept. 25
MAM After Dark: Warhol
Milwaukee Art Museum, 700 North Art Museum Drive
Tickets: $12, general admission; $6, festival ticket stub and pass holders

Get a peek at the Andy Warhol: The Last Decade exhibit before it opens to the public. Enjoy the DIY Studio,  photo booth, music by radio milwaukee DJs, exclusive access to the galleries, refreshments and some.

Twisted Fork. Photo, courtesy of the Twisted Fork Facebook page.

Sunday, Sept. 27
Tomorrow’s Party
Yield, 1932 E. Kenilworth Place
Tickets: Free admission

DJ Dori Zori from WMSE 91.7FM will spin tunes inspired by the British All Tomorrow’s Parties music festivals, directly following the festival film screening of All Tomorrow’s Parties at the Oriental Theatre.

Monday, Sept. 28
The Meaning of Life
Twisted Fork, 2238 N. Farwell Ave.
Tickets: Free admission

Discover the Meaning of Life at Twisted Fork’s S.I.N. night, directly following the festival film screening of $9.99 at the Oriental Theatre.

Classic soul music on 45 rpm records. DJs Spero and Joey are joined by hosts Andy Noble and David Mistreater.

Wednesday, Sept. 30
Soundtrack Spinning
The Wicked Hop, 345 N. Broadway
Tickets: Free admission

Event will feature live music, films and live art. One free drink for the first 300 attendees.

Friday, Oct. 2
Harley Home Movies
Harley Davidson Museum, 400 Canal St.
Tickets: Free admission

The Gonzo Ballet

Modus Operandi
ADDED — Friday, Sept. 25, Oriental Theatre, 7:15 pm
CANCELED — Friday, Oct. 2, Oriental Theatre, 7:15 pm

The Best of Shorts
ADDED — Friday, Oct. 2, Oriental Theatre, 7:15 pm
CANCELED — Friday, Sept. 25, Oriental Theatre, 7:15 pm

Gonzo Ballet
Screening Time on Oct. 3 changed to 7 pm

The Milwaukee Show
Screening Time on Oct. 3 changed to 5 pm

The Messenger
ADDED — Sunday, Oct. 4, Oriental Theatre, 5:30 pm
CANCELED — Saturday, Oct. 3, Oriental Theatre, 2 pm

You Wont Miss Me
ADDED — Saturday, Oct. 3, Oriental Theatre, 2 pm
CANCELED — Sunday, Oct. 4, Oriental Theatre, 5:30 pm

You can download the entire MFF program guide at the MFF web site.

Be sure to periodically check back for more updates of “The Reel Scene” as we will be sure to share up-to-the-minute tidbits about what’s happening during the Milwaukee Film Festival.