Milwaukee Film November Programming Features Keanuthon, Powell & Pressburger Retrospective, and Live Mariachi Performance

MILWAUKEE – Tuesday, October 29th – This November, Milwaukee Film is thrilled to bring exciting programming and special guests to the historic Oriental Theatre. From celebrations of beloved actor Keanu Reeves and legendary British filmmaking duo Powell & Pressburger, to live performances and talk-backs after screenings, this month has plenty of unique cinematic experiences not to be missed!

Throughout the month, Milwaukee Film will have an ongoing series called Keanuthon, sponsored by Milwaukee Record. Keanuthon is a deep-dive into the filmography of everyone’s favorite actor, Keanu Reeves! With an extensive lineup as varied as his IMDB page, this program features fan-favorite franchises such as The Matrix and Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, indie cult-classics like A Scanner Darkly and River’s Edge, plus incredible dramatic performances in Point Break and My Own Private Idaho. There will even be an all-day John Wick marathon, for which folks can purchase a special pass to all four films here

The centerpiece event of the Keanuthon series is a one-night-only screening of the 1995 dystopian thriller Johnny Mnemonic: In Black & White with director Robert Longo in attendance, in collaboration with the Milwaukee Art Museum and their ongoing exhibition Robert Longo: The Acceleration of History. After the screening, Longo and Academy Award-winning director John Ridley will discuss how the film’s 2021 rerelease enables a new examination of the film and connects to his current studio practice.

Limited edition Keanuthon posters designed by Kristopher Pollard are available for purchase at the Oriental Theatre box office; $25 for the general public, or $20 for Milwaukee Film Members. Only 50 posters have been printed, so get yours while they’re still available!

See the full line-up of Keanuthon films here:

• BILL AND TED’S EXCELLENT ADVENTURE – 11/1 6PM, 11/2 9PM
• POINT BREAK – 11/1 8:30PM, 11/2 6PM
• MY OWN PRIVATE IDAHO – 11/2 3:30PM, 11/3 4:30PM
• THE MATRIX – 11/6 6:30PM, 11/7 6:30PM
• THE MATRIX RELOADED – 11/7 9:30PM, 11/8 6:30PM
• THE MATRIX REVOLUTIONS – 11/8 9:30PM, 11/9 6:30PM
• THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS – 11/10 6PM
• RIVER’S EDGE – 11/14 7PM, 11/16 9:30PM
• SOMETHING’S GOTTA GIVE – 11/16 4PM, 11/17 4PM
• JOHNNY MNEMONIC w/ Robert Longo – 11/21 6PM
• BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA – 11/22 9PM, 11/23 6:30PM
• DANGEROUS LIAISONS – 11/23 3:30PM, 11/24 3:30PM
• A SCANNER DARKLY – 11/29 7PM & 9:30PM
• JOHN WICK MARATHON – 11/30 12 PM

This month, folks can also come to the Oriental Theatre for an extraordinary cinematic celebration of the unparalleled legacy of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, the visionary British filmmaking duo whose collaboration redefined storytelling in the 20th century. From the hauntingly beautiful Black Narcissus to the technicolor masterpiece The Red Shoes, Powell and Pressburger’s films are a testament to their innovative spirit, meticulous craftsmanship, and profound emotional depth. This special film programming will not only showcase their most iconic works but also delve into the unique partnership that propelled them to the forefront of British cinema. Discover the magic, artistry, and enduring influence of two of the most creative minds in film history.

“Our Powell and Pressburger series is a great opportunity to witness masters of the craft show off their filmmaking skills on the big screen,” enthused Milwaukee Film Programming Director Kerstin Larson. “As far as 1940’s directors go, they might not be the household names that Alfred Hitchcock and Orson Welles are, but once you see their sweeping narratives and lush visuals, they will be unforgettable,” she concluded.

See the full line-up of Powell & Pressburger films here:

• MADE IN ENGLAND: THE FILMS OF POWELL & PRESSBURGER – throughout the weeks of 11/8 and 11/15
• THE LIFE AND DEATH OF COLONEL BLIMP – 11/2 and 11/3 at 12PM
• A MATTER OF LIFE AND DEATH – 11/9 and 11/10 at 12PM
• BLACK NARCISSUS – 11/16 and 11/17 at 12PM
• THE RED SHOES – 11/23 and 11/24 at 12PM

On November 19th, Milwaukee Film is partnering with local nonprofit organization Latino Arts to bring the documentary Going Varsity in Mariachi to the Oriental Theatre, featuring a live performance and talkback with the Latino Arts Mariachi Juvenil. The documentary is set in the competitive world of high school mariachi, following the musicians from the South Texas borderlands reign supreme. Under the guidance of Coach Abel Acuña, the teenage captains of Edinburg North High School’s acclaimed team must turn a shoestring budget and diverse crew of inexperienced musicians into state champions.

Milwaukee Film’s Cine Sin Fronteras Programmer Ernie Quiroz said, “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with Latino Arts and proud to showcase a live performance from their flagship program Latino Arts Mariachi Juvenil.” He continued, “The band will play before we screen the audience winning film Going Varsity in Mariachi which debuted at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival.”

All Tickets and showtimes can be found online at mkefilm.org/comingsoon

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.