Filméxico

Posted on October 4, 2023November 10, 2023 by Rachel Getts

November 9 - November 16

12TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL EVENT

Filméxico kicks off in November with an exciting lineup that highlights both acclaimed filmmakers and emerging voices from contemporary Mexican cinema. We will be returning to in person screenings at the Broadway starting November 9 – November 16.

Filméxico 2023 lineup will feature prominent works by indigenous filmmakers, as well as seasoned, new and local talent. We will also present a series of panel discussions with Mexican filmmakers, Utah community leaders and cultural binational specialists and allies.

ADMISSIONS

INDIVIDUAL FILM TICKETS
$12 per film screening

PASSES

$60 All Access Pass includes access to all Filméxico in person and online films and events. Available now here.

$30 Online Pass includes access to all Filméxico online films and panels.

All tickets and film passes are redeemable at SLFStix.org.

Join us for our opening night live conversation with director Luis F. Puente, following a screening of the short film I Have No Tears and I Must Cry (Sin lágrimas para llorar) on Thursday November 9. The shorts program which features four acclaimed films begins at 7:00 pm with the live conversation panel afterward.

We will also have a live panel following Home Is Somewhere Else (Mi Casa Está en Otra Parte) on Thursday November 16.

GUEST FILMMAKER: Luis F. Puente

Born in Mexico and emigrated to the US during his childhood, Luis Fernando Puente studied Media Arts at Brigham Young University. His recent work includes La Luna y El Colibrí, which participated in numerous film festivals and won multiple awards including the Mesquite Award for Best Texas Short Film at Cine Festival in San Antonio, Texas.

PANELS

November 10 - November 16

These FREE pre-recorded panels will be available online at SLFSathome.org. These panels discussions are in English and Spanish with subtitles. Available starting Nov. 10 – Nov. 16.

Vaychiletik, Nyanga, 3 Days 3 Years: The San Cristóbal de las Casas Documentary Film School team, join this exciting conversation about the immense possibilities of community and collaboration, and three true stories of the Mayan and AfroMexican people driving the resistance and the change.

Participants:

Nicolás Défossé, Florencia Gómez, Juan J Pérez and Medhin Tewolde.
Moderator: José Manzo

Free Panel Available Here

Home Is Somewhere Else: A moving conversation about what is life around the undocumented experience, the power of stories that speak to universal needs and emotions, and the amazing crew of over 70 people who crafted this beautifully illustrated and 2023 Ariel winner for Best Animated Film.

Participants:

- Carlos Haggerman and Jorge Villalobos
- Moderator: Ciriac Álvarez

FREE Panel Available Here

The Train and The Peninsula: A unique team of experts, gathered exclusively for Filméxico, discuss what does the future look like for the communities this trail project has already cut across, as well as what can be done about a notion of progress that seems imposed on those who will be affected the most by its outcome.

Participants:

Juan Carlos Bravo, Abelardo de la Cruz, Genner Llanes-Ortiz
Moderator: Daniel Hernández.

FREE Panel Available Here

FILM SCHEDULE

Learn more about each film below. Most films will be available in theater or virtually on slfsathome.org.

Films in theater start Thursday Nov. 10. Some films will be available virtually starting Friday Nov. 11.

Thurs Nov 9

7 PM

Nyanga (20 min)

3 Days, 3 Years / 3 Días, 3 Años (30 min)

Sweatshop Girl / Chica de Fábrica (16 min)

I Have No Tears and I Must Cry / Sin lágrimas para llorar (13 min)

Live panel with I Have No Tears and I Must Cry director Luis F. Puente (30 min)

Fri Nov 10

7 PM

Sweatshop Girl / Chica de Fábrica (16 min)

The Bone Woman / Huesera (90 min)

Sat Nov 11

7 PM

Tótem (95 min)

Sun Nov 12

7 PM

Nyanga (20 min)

Courage / Coraje (90 min)

Mon Nov 13

7 PM

3 Days, 3 Years / 3 Días, 3 Años (30 min)

No Son Horas de Olvidar (76 min)

Tues Nov 14

7 PM

I Have No Tears and I Must Cry / Sin lágrimas para llorar
(13 min)

Dreams / Vaychiletik (83 min)

9 PM

Vaychiletik Panel discussion (Pre-recorded) (53 min)

Wed Nov 15

7 PM

The Train and The Península / El Tren y La Península
(88 min)

9 PM

The Train and The Península / El Tren y La Península Panel discussion (Pre-recorded) (47 min)

Thurs Nov 16

7 PM

Home Is Somewhere Else / Mi Casa Está en Otra Parte (87 min)

Live Panel Discussion (30 min)

FILMS

Listed alphabetically by title. All films are in Spanish with English subtitles.

THE BONE WOMAN

HUESERA

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN WITH SWEATSHOP GIRL (CHICA DE FÁBRICA)

Directed by Michelle Garza Cervera

It should be the happiest time in Valeria’s life. She and her husband, Raul, have finally seen one of their longtime dreams come true: Valeria is pregnant. At first, everything seems perfect. Gradually, though, her mood darkens. With motherhood upon her, Valeria can’t shake off heavy self-doubt and a pervasive dread, the latter stemming from visions of spider-like presences and other possibly supernatural threats, all of which may be the work of an entity known as “La Huesera.” Hoping to confront these demons, she reconnects with the old, more carefree life she once gave up for Raul, including rekindling an old flame with her first love, Octavia.

COURAGE

CORAJE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN WITH NYANGA

Directed by Rubén Rojo Aura

In old age, an actress faces the return home of her son, while her career is threatened by imminent blindness. A fiction based on the story of the protagonists themselves.

DREAMS

VAYCHILETIK

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN WITH I HAVE NO TEARS, AND I MUST CRY (Sin lágrimas para llorar)

Directed by Juan Javier Pérez

Through his dreams, José received a gift given by the gods. A gift that brings consequences. Now that he is at a mature age in life, José would like to rest, but he is not allowed. Vaychiletik explores this fierce yet beautiful reality, forged from the dreams of the Mayan people of Mexico.

HOME IS SOMEWHERE ELSE

MI CASA ESTÁ EN OTRA PARTE

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 16 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN WITH LIVE PANEL AFTER THE FILM

Directed by Carlos Hagerman, Jorge Villalobos

Fully animated documentary that narrates three stories which share similar fears, hopes and emotions around living the undocumented experience: Jasmine, an 11 y/o US citizen who lives afraid of her undocumented parents being deported; Sisters Evelyn and Elizabeth -a US citizen and an undocumented immigrant respectively- separated by their different migratory status; and Lalo, who was deported from his home state of Utah to Mexico at 23 y/o and since then has become an advocate to this generation of returnees and deported Mexicans through his spoken word poetry.

I HAVE NO TEARS, AND I MUST CRY

SIN LÁGRIMAS PARA LLORAR

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 & TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN ON OPENING NIGHT WITH NYANGA, 3 DAYS, 3 YEARS (3 DÍAS, 3 AÑOS), & SWEATSHOP GIRL (CHICA DE FÁBRICA), ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 9 & DREAMS (VAYCHILETIK) ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 14

Live Panel following the Shorts program on Friday November 9.

Directed by Luis Fernando Puente

Maria Luisa is ready to plan her life in the US after almost a two year wait for her greencard to be aproved by the Department of Homeland Security, but when she and her husband, Jorge, are confronted about an error in her paperwork by an immigration officer, Maria Luisa is left to decide how to move forward in this seemingly endless limbo.

NO SON HORAS DE OLVIDAR

NO SON HORAS DE OLVIDAR

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN WITH 3 DAYS, 3 YEARS (3 DÍAS, 3 AÑOS)

Directed by David Castañon Medina

Jorge is afraid. It seems inevitable that Juana will end up forgetting him because she has lost her identity on two occasions: the first, forced by the dictatorship in Chile; the last one, due to an Alzheimer’s outbreak. Anticipating the imminent disappearance from the world of his companion, Jorge investigates her disrupted memory through music, writings and images; willing to find the remnants of a life, the remnants of his love.

NYANGA

NYANGA

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 & SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN WITH THE SHORTS PROGRAM ON THURSDAY NOVEMBER 9 & COURAGE (CORAJE) ON TUESDAY NOVEMBER 12

Directed by Medhin Tewolde Serrano

During colonial times, Nyanga was kidnapped off the coast of Africa, brought to Mexico, and enslaved. Based on historical facts and using shadow theatre techniques and hand cinema, ‘Nyanga’ is a tribute to the resistance against colonial chains.

SWEATSHOP GIRL

CHICA DE FÁBRICA

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 & FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN WITH THE SHORTS PROGRAM ON THURSDAY NOVEMBER 9 & THE BONE WOMAN (HUESERA) ON FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10

Directed by Selma Cervantes

Inés works as a seamstress in a sweatshop where pregnancy tests are periodically administered. When she becomes pregnant, she is sure that her condition will get her fired. She does everything she can to keep it a secret.

THE TRAIN AND THE PENINSULA

EL TREN Y LA PENÍNSULA

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 | 7 PM

Directed by Sky Richards, Andreas Kruger Foncerrada

It is a deep dive into Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula as the 1500 km railroad megaproject called “Tren Maya” is being built. A cinematic journey along the projected route of the train takes us on a thrilling ride across the Peninsula. The incisive and transparent testimonies of the inhabitants of the Peninsula weave together a collective story and reveal a human landscape full of vitality and wisdom that exposes the clash between different ways of imagining progress. An urgent film that unveils the worlds hidden behind the tourist paradise that everyone knows, delving into the ideological and territorial battles unfolding in the ancestral land of the Maya.

3 DAYS 3 YEARS

3 DÍAS, 3 AÑOS

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 9 & MONDAY, NOVEMBER 13 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN WITH THE SHORTS PROGRAM ON THURSDAY NOVEMBER 9 & NO SON HORAS DE OLVIDAR ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 13

Directed by Florencia Gómez Sántiz

Elena, a Mayan Tzotzil woman from San Andrés Larráinzar, Chiapas, is challenged by the uses and customs of her people when an almost entirely male community assembly appoints her as a municipal trustee. As an authority, she introduces us to the complexity of the system of socio-political organization in San Andrés. During her term of office, the traditional practice of masculinity begins to be questioned.

TÓTEM

TÓTEM

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 | 7 PM

Directed by Lila Avilés

TÓTEM is a choral film about life. Seven-year-old Sol spends the day at her grandfather’s home, helping her aunts Nuri and Alejandra with the preparations for a surprise party they are throwing for Sol’s father, Tonatiuh. As daylight fades, a strange and chaotic atmosphere takes over, shattering the bonds that hold a family together. Sol will come to understand that her world is about to change dramatically, embracing the essence of letting go and cherishing the breath of life.

Tower Of Terror at Broadway

Posted on August 21, 2023September 29, 2023 by Rachel Getts

Tower Of Terror is back! Every weekend starting Sept. 8, we will be featuring horror films that will have you looking over your shoulder. While the Tower is under renovation, this year we will be screening these seasonal classics at Broadway Centre Cinemas.

Don't Forget... Invincible Czars 9/6 & 9/7

Grab tickets while you can for our kick off of the spooky season with the Invincible Czars! Celebrating their 20th anniversary, we are excited to have these amazing artists play their original scores to two of the silent era’s most influential masterpieces.

See these silent film classics with a live accompaniment score at the Broadway starting at 7:00 pm:
THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI (1920) – Sept 6
NOSFERATU (1922) – Sept 7

Get tickets now – > www.slfstix.org

Tower Theatre Update

Posted on August 2, 2023August 3, 2023 by Rachel Getts

TOWER THEATRE THE NEXT 100 YEARS

The Tower Theatre won't be open in 2023 but read below for our planning update.

Our deep gratitude goes out to all who have inquired about and have continued to love the Tower. We know how important the Tower is to cinematic preservation and consequently to the 9th and 9th community. Throughout 2022, and into this year, your continued support in attending SLFS films and events at our Broadway location, and your donations in support of our mission to exhibit, create, and preserve the art of cinema, has been a key success factor in building a future for the Tower. We know that many of you feared the Tower might close permanently. We’re happy to say that SLFS is 100% committed to the preservation of this unique and wonderful gem of a venue.

PURCHASE OF THE TOWER

SLFS has been operating the Tower Theatre since we formed our nonprofit 23 years ago. As a donor-supported cinema, we continued with relatively short leases which renewed repeatedly. There were restrictions on what we could do with the building since we did not own it. We are happy to announce that in December of 2022, and thanks to a generous grant from Alternative Visions Fund, SLFS has purchased the Tower Theatre location.

This is monumental to the preservation mission goals of SLFS. We intend to ensure cinematic adventures continue at the Tower for generations to come. The Tower has always been part of our founding story, and our mission. By securing the building ownership, SLFS and our allies can now look towards neighborhood collaboration to build a vision that preserves the unique character of the Tower, supports the 9th & 9th economic viability, and harnesses the archive video/DVD collection for film preservation and education.

This purchase allows for the Tower to have a fresh start. Therefore, we are happily turning away from previously-reported cosmetic improvement plans to begin serious long-term visioning for the Tower. We’ve named our new initiative “Tower Theatre: The Next 100 years.”

REMODELS, RENOVATIONS, and VISIONING for the TOWER THEATRE

Our inspiration is to repair and renovate the 1928 Tower Theatre as an environmentally responsible hub for cultural, nostalgic, modern, and uncensored cinematic experiences. As an economic and cultural anchor in 9th and 9th , the Tower will remain a safe haven for underrepresented voices and individuals who love to explore new ideas and tastes through the cinematic lens.

This treasured movie theater, the oldest single-screen in Utah dedicated solely to film, represents a cultural cinematic landmark that demands to be preserved for future generations. SLFS intends to trailblaze environmental responsibility in theatrical exhibition and serve community through historic, contemporary, unique technological film screenings, plus offer and grow our world-class and highly rare archive. Additionally, we plan to provide museum-like exhibits that access nostalgia for our past and celebrate the future of the medium of film.

Embarking on this adventure will take time, stakeholder support, and fundraising. We do not anticipate the Tower opening in 2023 for this reason. However, you may see us making some essential repairs throughout the process. We will keep the public posted. Through this visioning process we are committed to protecting the Tower’s legacy and remaining true to the spirit of the Tower. SLFS has always had the Tower at the heart of our cinematic mission and will continue to honor its texture, personality, and purpose throughout the visioning process. After all, the first cinema in Utah to have air-conditioning, and talkies, deserves to see the light of the projector lamp never go dark.

WHAT CAN BE RENOVATED?

SLFS has formed an advisory committee of stakeholders and local business leaders to help envision the future of the Tower and what is possible regarding environmental and neighborhood sustainability. SLFS plans to make the Tower renovations a community project that includes engaging local business at 9th and 9th, checking in with neighbors (you may be hearing from us soon), stakeholders, and patrons, and igniting the passion of cinema-lovers from far and wide. We will update the public with current news periodically on this web page and through our social media channels.

Taking on the Tower project in a post-pandemic arts recovery climate is ambitious. Still, SLFS firmly commits to visioning for the Tower’s next 100 years. Our goal is for the Tower to be Salt Lake Film Society’s premiere film venue for director/actor Q&A’s, cultural and environmental films, panel discussions, archival film access, and various SLFS film programs that support the appreciation for the motion picture arts. We are home to the largest video/DVD archive collection in Utah. The Tower is made by community for community, and will remain accessible to all, a movie house and visiting center where people can learn about and talk about their love of cinema.

REPAIRS UNDERWAY

Tower Marquee:

The Tower Marquee was retrofitted to repair the rain leaks, protect new electrical installations, and to improve the rain/weathering. This repair can only be seen from the top of the marquee, but was essential.

Rain Gutters:

New rain gutters were installed, allowing for more efficient drainage from the rooftop, assisting with water collection and leaking issues.

Roofing repairs:

Along with rain gutter repairs, roofing repairs have taken place that have sealed the exterior.

Interior sealing:

Interior sealing of brick, concrete and water entry points has been completed

Lobby:

Demolition of the lobby has been completed, allowing access to plumbing and electrical that will be needed for a new lobby layout as well as planning steps towards an ADA accessible bathroom.

THANK YOU, & HOW TO SUPPORT

At this time, we are reaching out to foundational donors. If you, your business or estate would like to be involved in the Tower Theatre: Next 100 Years project, please contact Marcie Collett at marciecollett@saltlakefilmsociety.org.

We can arrange a tour, answer your questions and introduce you to the community team working on the project.

Our sincere gratitude to all who have donated, who have engaged with us, and who continue to love the mission work at SLFS to exhibit, create, and preserve the cinematic experience.

With love,

SLFS staff, board, advisory committees, and volunteers at SLFS

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Sundance and SLFS Local Lens Screening 7/28

Posted on July 20, 2023July 20, 2023 by Rachel Getts

Festival Favorites. For Utahns. For Free. Sundance Film Festival: Local Lens program is a series of FREE screenings happening July 26–29.

Get information on all screenings -> https://www.sundance.org/local-lens/
Get tickets while supplies last.

RSVP for FREE tickets to these films screening at SLFS on 7/28:
Kokomo City at 7:00 pm -> RSVP
Birth/Rebirth at 11:30 pm -> RSVP

Summer Showdown

Posted on May 9, 2023May 18, 2023 by Rachel Getts

Starts May 27

Films compete each weekend to be crowned the Champion Of Summer.

SLFS SUMMER SHOWDOWN will pit two films against one another each weekend to see what films are the champion of summer!

Cult Cinema at its best. How it works.

Friday and Saturday nights at Broadway we will present cult, indie, and summer cinema goodness. Screenings will include a limited edition swag, merchandise, and surprise give-aways. Collect them all!

We will announce the winning film each week on our social media, so follow us!

At the end of summer only ONE film will be crowned CHAMPION OF SUMMER.

How do YOU help determine the winner?

Each weekend your favorite films will gain ranking on our leader board according to:

1) Audience Attendance (bring all your friends!) (1 point per person)

2) Donations attributed to the film or received day of screening (1 point per dollar)

Have a favorite film? Be sure to attend in-person or donate to help the rankings each weekend.

*Eligibility audience members must have purchased a ticket through slfs.org online ticketing systems and must have provided their email and telephone number at the time of purchase for our Audience Awards program. SLFS is not responsible for lost or misdirected emails, send errors, or junk email capture, and recommends all audiences check their junk after the winning film is announced in September. Non-Transferable. Restrictions apply. No guarantees will be given and gifts may be first-come, first-served if some items are limited in quantity.

Māsima: Pacific Islands Film Tour

Posted on April 13, 2023October 5, 2023 by Rachel Getts

May 18 - May 24

Māsima: Pacific Islands Film Tour kicks off on Thursday, May 18th, with an exciting lineup that highlights acclaimed filmmakers and emerging voices from the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

These films, touching on incredible stories of connection, traditions, resistance and much more, are curated and presented by Salt Lake Film Society, Utah Pacific Islands Knowledge 2 Action Resource and Utah Pacific Islands Film Series.

Also on the program are six pre-recorded interviews featuring Māsima 2023 filmmakers, in exciting conversations ranging from art that pushes boundaries and decolonial foodways, to animation, Pasifika culture and celebrating diversity. All conversations moderated by The Island Wave Podcast co-host and producer, Kamaile Tripp-Harris.

Māsima 2023 is part of our annual Cultural Tours, a decade long celebration of history, culture, diversity and heritage of Utah communities.

PANELS

Available Free May 19 - May 24

Māsima 2023 Panel Conversations: Guided by our amazing moderator, Kamaile Tripp-Harris, our Māsima 2023 panel conversations are a true celebration of Pacific Islanders diversity as well as educational experiences that help create awareness and cultural connections within Pasifika filmmakers all around the world.

These FREE pre-recorded panels will be available online at SLFSathome.org. Available thru May 24.

Pasifika Women Filmmakers Boldly Breaking the Norm PANEL AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY NOW HERE Panelists: Gabriella Brayne, Ruby Harris, Jessica Magro, Alice Lolohea. Moderator: Kamaile Tripp-Harris

Join this group of ground-breaking Pasifika women filmmakers as they discuss what inspires them, how they use their work to promote stories sovereignty and celebrate community, and how they tear down barriers while staying true to their own voices. One of our favorite panel conversations of all times that surely will leave you wanting to follow up on these amazing artists journeys.

Heritage, Community and Land Sovereignty PANEL AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY NOW HERE Panelists: Lani Cupchoy, Justin Gerona, Glenda Tuaine, Nancy Thompson, Iara Lee Moderator: Kamaile Tripp-Harris

From freedom, to land rights to cultural connections and thought-provoking artists, we couldn’t have asked for a more diverse and inclusive conversation. This panel is as much one of a kind as it is a convergence of passion for storytelling in true Māsima Film Tour style.

A Filmmaker’s Journey to Challenge Hawaii’s Colonial Narrative PANEL AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY NOW HERE Panelist: Anthony Banua-Simon Moderator: Kamaile Tripp-Harris

An emotional insight into Anthony Banua-Simon’s journey to establish the connections between colonialism, unethical business and entertainment industry, while threading the story of how Hawai’i has been sold as paradise, while being stolen away from those for whom is their Native and rightful home. An educational, exciting and moving panel discussion, recorded exclusively for Māsima 2023.

Uplifting Storytellers Through Collective Power PANEL AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY NOW HERE Panelists: Veialu Aila-Unsworth, Pumehana Cabral, Peter Filimaua, Alexis Si’i, Lauren To’omalatai, Misa Tupou. Moderator: Kamaile Tripp-Harris

United by Visual Communications, Armed With a Camera Fellowship, this group of emerging Pacific Islanders filmmakers found new ways to uplift their work in the power of collective creation. You can feel the community, support and intimacy through the screen and we guarantee you will leave the conversation lightened and grateful you did not miss it.

There’s No Vanity in Believing in Yourself PANEL AVAILABLE VIRTUALLY NOW HERE Panelist: Joshua Leomiti Moderator: Kamaile Tripp-Harris

“Am I wanting something that isn’t mine or is this mine and I have to fight for it?” This and many other inspiring questions await as we listen to Joshua Leomiti reflect on the challenges of believing in yourself while navigating a complex industry that pushes uniqueness into boxes. In the words of our Production team: “We were smiling through the entire conversation” and we assure you, so will you.

FILM SCHEDULE

Films in theater start Thursday May 18. Some films will be available virtually starting Friday May 19.

Thurs May 18

7 PM

Opening Night Red Carpet Event

Cane Fire
1 hr 30 min
+
Post-screening panel (45 min)

Fri May 19

7 PM

The Voyagers Legacy
10 min

We Are Still Here

1 hr 22 min

Sat May 20

7 PM

TAPA: The Cloth that Binds Us
10 min

Taonga: An Artist Activist
15 min

Call Edith
9 min

The Alexander Ball
31 min

Sun May 21

7 PM

Testimony
10 min

Māui Adventures: Capturing the Sun
1 min 28 sec

WANTOKS: Dance of Resilience in Melanesia
20 min

Aloha Soul Food
12 min

Mon May 22

7 PM

Loimata: The Sweetest Tears

1 hr 34 min

Post-screening panel (30 min)

This film contains graphic
depictions of sexual
violence and contains
potentially distressing
material.

This film contains graphic
depictions of sexual
violence and contains
potentially distressing
material.

Tues May 23

7 PM

Cane Fire

1 hr 30 min

8:30 PM

The Deceiver

23 min 04 sec

Post screening Q&A (15 min)

Wed May 24

7 PM

Armed With a Camera Shorts Program
42 min
+
Post screening panel (30 min)

FILMS AND SHORTS

Listed alphabetical by title.

THE ALEXANDER BALL

SATURDAY, MAY 20 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 1 ON SATURDAY MAY 20

Directed by Jessica Magro

An observational documentary celebrating Sāmoan-Māori-Australian trans woman of color, Ella Ganza, and the Meanjin ballroom scene, as she and her ballroom family prepare for one of the biggest pride events of the year: The Alexander Ball.

ALOHA SOUL FOOD

SUNDAY, MAY 21 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 2 ON SUNDAY MAY 21

12 min | 2022 | USA | Not Rated | English | Short

Directed by Lani Cupchoy

Merging personal memoir and photojournalism, Aloha Soul Food nostalgically explores decolonial foodways through the family life stories of six Pacific Island women. Set in Los Angeles, California, the documentary embodies an intergenerational love story to working class women deeply rooted in Hawaii while skillfully examining a century of how they navigated through the Chinese exclusion Acts, the overthrow of the Hawaiian Kingdom, 1960s school cafeterias, the United Public Workers Strike in 1979, and the Women’s Army Core. The film shows how generations can reclaim identity and historical spaces through recipes while reminding us of the deep ties that bind our families and communities together.

ARMED WITH A CAMERA SHORTS PROGRAM

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF ARMED WITH A CAMERA SHORTS PROGRAM ON WEDNESDAY MAY 24 WITH A PANEL FOLLOWING THE SCREENING

A collection of short films directed by the first all-Pacific Islander cohort from Visual Communications, Armed With a Camera Fellowship, seeking to support artists who are committed to empowering communities and challenging perspectives through their creative works.

ARMED WITH A CAMERA SHORTS 2023

Snack
Dir. Lauren To’omalatai

Butterfly/Bataplai
Dir. Veialu Aila-Unsworth

Tala’s Bedtime Story
Dir. Peter Filimaua

Ka Aumeume/Navigating
Home
Dir. Pumehana Cabral

My Brother
Dir. Misa Tupou

More Bounce
Dir. Alexis Si’i

MORE BOUNCE

Ka ā'ume'ume: Navigating Home

Butterfly/Bataplai

CALL EDITH

SATURDAY, MAY 20 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 1 ON SATURDAY MAY 20

Directed by Ruby Harris and Gabriella Brayne

A short documentary about Edith Amituanai, a Sāmoan photographer who photographs and works with rangatahi in Waitākere, Tāmaki Makaurau. ‘Call Edith’ is an honest kōrero around the politics of documentary photography, cherishing those crack-up moments and knowing your intentions when creating art in a community.

CANE FIRE

THURSDAY, MAY 18 & TUESDAY, MAY 23 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS THE OPENING NIGHT FILM ON THURSDAY MAY 18, AND WITH THE DECEIVER ON TUESDAY MAY 23

90 min | 2020 | USA | Not Rated | English, Hawaiian | Feature Documentary

Directed by Anthony Banua-Simon

Cane Fire examines the past and present of the Hawaiian island of Kauai, interweaving four generations of family history, numerous Hollywood productions, and troves of found footage to create a kaleidoscopic portrait of the economic and cultural forces that have cast Indigenous and working-class residents as “extras” in their own story.

THE DECEIVER

TUESDAY, MAY 23 | 8:30 PM

WILL SCREEN AFTER CANE FIRE WITH A PANEL AFTER THE SHORT

23 min | 2023 | Not Rated | English | Short

Directed by Hinano Tekurio Tanielu & Manu Tanielu

When “don’t judge a book by its cover” proves real, a woman stranded in a small town pays the ultimate price for her misjudgment.

LOIMATA: THE SWEETEST TEARS

MONDAY, MAY 22 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN WITH A PANEL AFTER THE FEATURE

Directed by Anna Marbrook

This film follows the extraordinary ocean-going waka captain, Lilo Ema Siope on an emotional healing journey in the last months of her life. A finely-crafted compassionate documentary strongly tied to Ema’s Sāmoan culture. It is an intimate exploration of a family shattered by shame working courageously to liberate themselves from the shackles of the past. A journey of courage, tears, laughter and above all, unconditional love.

This film contains graphic depictions of sexual violence and contains potentially distressing material.

MĀUI ADVENTURES: CAPTURING THE SUN

SUNDAY, MAY 21 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 2 ON SUNDAY MAY 21

1 min 28 sec | 2022 | Not Rated | English | Short

Directed by Justin Gerona

When the days are too short for life to survive, a Hawaiian boy fights the sun in order to slow it down and save his people.

TAONGA: AN ARTIST ACTIVIST

SATURDAY, MAY 20 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 1 ON SATURDAY MAY 20

Directed by Glenda Tuaine

Mike’s life story is a journey of art, his connection to artistic expression in all its forms is what wakes him up in the morning and sees him retire to bed late at night. This short documentary seeks to capture Mike’s connection with art and teaching.

TAPA: THE CLOTH THAT BINDS US

SUNDAY, MAY 21 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 2 ON SUNDAY MAY 21

10 min | 2022 | USA | Not Rated | Short

Directed by Nancy Thompson

Through the ancient practice of making tapa, a barkcloth created in the islands of the South Pacific, a young girl finds her way. Born and raised in diaspora, she uses the skills passed down from her mother and grandmother to stay tethered and grounded to her Pasifika culture while living in a foreign land. The adaptation of the core values of this tapa making process into her daily life allows her to always find her way back home.

TESTIMONY

SATURDAY, MAY 20 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 1 ON SATURDAY MAY 20

10 min | 2023 | New Zealand | Not Rated | Short

Directed by Alice Lolohea

Forty-five years after his parents were wrongfully imprisoned for overstaying, a Tongan New Zealander finally admits the painful truth behind what really happened to his family during the Dawn Raids. 

THE VOYAGER'S LEGACY

FRIDAY, MAY 19 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN WITH WE ARE STILL HERE ON FRIDAY MAY 19

10 min | 2022 | New Zealand | Not Rated | Short

Directed by Bailey Poching

The Dawn Raids of 1974-76 were a time when the New Zealand Police were instructed by the government to enter homes and/or stop people on the street and ask for permits, visas, passports – anything that proved a person’s right to be in the country. This blunt instrument was applied almost exclusively to Pacific Islanders, despite the bulk of overstayers at the time being from Europe or North America. Dr Melani Anae describes these raids as ‘the most blatantly racist attack on Pacific peoples by the New Zealand government in New Zealand’s history.

WANTOKS: DANCE OF RESILIENCE IN MELANESIA

SUNDAY, MAY 21 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN AS PART OF SHORTS PROGRAM 2 ON SUNDAY MAY 21

20 min | 2019 | Papua New Guinea | Not Rated | Short

Directed by Lara Lee

In 2018 the Solomon Islands, in the South Pacific, hosted the Melanesian Arts & Cultural Festival, celebrating the country’s 40th anniversary of independence. On neighboring island states, the struggle for freedom continues, as West Papua resists Indonesian occupation and the residents of New Caledonia still live under French rule. In all Melanesian countries, residents face the common challenge of climate change, as rising sea levels threaten to swallow both land and tradition. In this charged context, captivating performers are using their talents to celebrate local culture and draw international attention to their islands’ plight, with the hope of spurring international solidarity and prompting collective action against the perils of a warming world.

WE ARE STILL HERE

FRIDAY, MAY 19 | 7 PM

WILL SCREEN WITH THE VOYAGER’S LEGACY ON FRIDAY MAY 19

Directed by Beck Cole, Dena Curtis, Tracey Rigney, Danielle MacLean, Tim Worrall, Renae Maihi, Miki Magasiva, Mario Gaoa, Richard Curtis, and Chantelle Burgoyne

Australian-New Zealand anthology film created as a response to the 250th anniversary of the Second voyage of James Cook to Australia in 1772, the project consists of ten linked short films by each of ten Indigenous Australian and Māori filmmakers about the impact of settler colonialism on the region’s indigenous cultures. The films span a range of approaches including historical war drama, futuristic speculative fiction and animation.

Music May starts May 5

Posted on April 11, 2023May 4, 2023 by Rachel Getts

Join us at SLFS in May 2023 for our Music May retrospective series is curated by musician John Doe from the band “X” every weekend on Fridays and Saturdays starting May 5.

John Doe is a founding member of the legendary punk rock band X, who released ALPHABETLAND in April 2020. His eleventh solo record, Fables in a Foreign Land (Fat Possum Records) was released in May of 2022. He has appeared in over 60 films and television productions, some of his most notable roles have been in Road House, Georgia, Roadside Prophets, Great Balls of Fire, Pure Country and Roswell. His most recent film effort is playing the lead, Frank Bigelow, in a period correct, re-imagined version of the film noir, D.O.A. So far it has won several film festival awards including Best Picture & Best Actor. He currently lives in Austin, Texas.

Showtimes may vary. Tickets will be on sale at www.slfstix.org.

MAY 5: CHULAS FROTERAS

MAY 6: X: THE UNHEARD MUSIC

MAY 12: I’M NOT HERE

MAY 13: BIRD (1988)

MAY 19: BLACK ORPHEUS

MAY 20: SEARCHING FOR SUGARMAN

MAY 26: THE GIRL CAN’T HELP IT

MAY 27: THE HARDER THEY COME

In The Can with Doug Fabrizio starts April 20

Posted on April 10, 2023April 11, 2023 by Rachel Getts

Salt Lake Film Society partners with University of Utah department of Film and Media Arts and KUER’s RadioWest host Doug Fabrizio to bring you a conversation about THE ROYAL TENENBAUMS. This month’s special guest will be University of Utah Associate Professor of Film Studies Sarah Sinwell. Admission includes a screening of the film followed by a live panel discussion.

Join us for this one night only special event! Tickets are now available here.

Anderson and Anderson in April 2023

Posted on March 7, 2023March 7, 2023 by Rachel Getts

Join us at SLFS in April 2023 for a retrospective series featuring the films of P.T. Anderson and Wes Anderson every weekend on Friday and Saturday starting March 31st.

Paul Thomas Anderson (known as P.T.) grew up in the San Fernando Valley in the ’70s and 80’s. At an early age, he decided that directing was all he wanted to do and started making short films with his friends. As a senior in high school he wrote, produced, and directed a 30 minute short film “The Dirk Diggler Story”. (This became the basis for his film Boogie Nights.) While at the Sundance Feature Film program he developed the film “Sydney” which became the acclaimed film Hard Eight. After struggles with his distributor, he took his own version of “Sydney” to Cannes where it screened in the Un Certain Regard section. Eventually “Sydney” was released as Hard Eight in 1996, of which film critic Roger Ebert wrote “Movies like Hard Eight remind me of what original, compelling characters the movies can sometimes give us.”

Wes Anderson was born in Houston, Texas in 1969. Also at a young age he was driven to become a filmmaker making silent films with his brothers and friends. Later working as a projectionist at the University of Texas at Austin he met writer/actor Owen Wilson who he collaborated with in his early films such as Bottle Rocket. His signature post-modern style and subversion of main-stream storytelling stands out amidst commercial filmmaking today. Big star-studded casts, fast paced humor, and a nostalgia mark his films which are never quite what you expected.

These popular directors, who happen to share a last name, represent a new wave of stylistic directing that always surprises. Their way of telling stories is unique in a world of short attention spans and easy endings.

Showtimes may vary. Tickets will be on sale at www.slfstix.org.

Mar 31: The Fantastic Mr. Fox

April 1: Boogie Nights

April 7: Punch Drunk Love

April 8: The Grand Budapest Hotel

April 14: Hard Eight

April 15: Bottle Rocket

April 21: There Will Be Blood

April 22: The Royal Tenenbaums

April 28: Magnolia

April 29: Rushmore

Killer Cars & Joy Rides in March 2023

Posted on February 21, 2023February 21, 2023 by Rachel Getts

Join us at SLFS in March 2023 for a fast paced ride through late 1960s to 1970s cinema as we present our Killer Cars & Joy Rides series every weekend starting March 3.

Showtimes may vary. Tickets are now on sale – > www.slfstix.org.

Mar 3: The Italian Job (1969)

Mar 4: Two-Lane Blacktop (1971)

Mar 10: Bullitt (1968)

Mar 11: The Driver (1978)

Mar 17: Grand Prix (1966)

Mar 18: Le Mans (1971)

Mar 24: Vanishing Point (1971)

Mar 25: Duel (1971)

November 9 - November 16

12TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL EVENT

ADMISSIONS

GUEST FILMMAKER: Luis F. Puente

November 10 - November 16

FILM SCHEDULE

FILMS

THE BONE WOMAN

COURAGE

DREAMS

HOME IS SOMEWHERE ELSE

I HAVE NO TEARS, AND I MUST CRY

NO SON HORAS DE OLVIDAR

NYANGA

SWEATSHOP GIRL

THE TRAIN AND THE PENINSULA

3 DAYS 3 YEARS

TÓTEM

Don't Forget... Invincible Czars 9/6 & 9/7

TOWER THEATRE THE NEXT 100 YEARS

The Tower Theatre won't be open in 2023 but read below for our planning update.

PURCHASE OF THE TOWER

REMODELS, RENOVATIONS, and VISIONING for the TOWER THEATRE

WHAT CAN BE RENOVATED?

REPAIRS UNDERWAY

THANK YOU, & HOW TO SUPPORT

Support Film

Become A Member

Be A Sponsor

Starts May 27

May 18 - May 24

PANELS

Available Free May 19 - May 24

FILM SCHEDULE

FILMS AND SHORTS

THE ALEXANDER BALL

ALOHA SOUL FOOD

ARMED WITH A CAMERA SHORTS PROGRAM

MORE BOUNCE

Ka ā'ume'ume: Navigating Home

Butterfly/Bataplai

CALL EDITH

CANE FIRE

THE DECEIVER

LOIMATA: THE SWEETEST TEARS

MĀUI ADVENTURES: CAPTURING THE SUN

TAONGA: AN ARTIST ACTIVIST

TAPA: THE CLOTH THAT BINDS US

TESTIMONY

THE VOYAGER'S LEGACY

WANTOKS: DANCE OF RESILIENCE IN MELANESIA

WE ARE STILL HERE

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