Founded in 2003 by the late Timothy Gruver, Wichita’s premiere artistic event, the Tallgrass Film Festival has grown rapidly into a diverse, exciting, and essential part of the state’s fall entertainment season. Last year, more than 8,000 people attended the fest to see approximately 100 independent shorts and features made by some of the finest artists in the state, country, and even the world. But with a population nearing 400,000, Wichita clearly has some cinephiles that haven’t experienced one of the country’s best independent film festivals. In order to combat the complacency, ignorance, disinterest or anything else that may be plaguing Wichita’s non-participants, TMA Film Journal has compiled a list of 10 Reasons why you should attend this year’s Tallgrass Film Festival taking place 0ctober 23-25.

#1. Film!
If you love, or even like movies, there’s no other place than the Tallgrass Film Festival that you can see so many great movies in such a short period of time.  The average American only goes to one movie a year, and that movie usually ends up being a summer blockbuster like “Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.”  This is crazy.   Do you ever wonder why they don’t make powerful, heartfelt, authentic, challenging, or innovative movies like they used to?  Well, the reality is that they still do make those types of movies.  They’ve simply shifted from the mainstream Hollywood studio system to the independent realm.  The problem with this, however, is that low-budget films, no matter how good, don’t generally get distribution way out here on the Kansas prairie.  The Tallgrass Film Festival is the remedy.  Don’t believe me?  Check out this year’s festival lineup and I guarantee you’ll find something to pique your interest.

#2. Networking
Are you Tarkovsky’s biggest fan but don’t have any friends who’ve even heard of “Andrei Rublev”? Are you dying to tell someone your brilliant theories about Fellini’s “8½” or about the cryptic messages in Kubrick’s “A Clockwork Orange”? The Tallgrass Film Festival is crawling with film enthusiasts that would like nothing more than to engage in lively debate or in the friendly sharing of insights about the art of cinema. Countless friendships, business contacts, scholastic references, and romantic relationships have been formed based on a common interest in film. That distinguished man sitting next to you at this year’s eventual Audience Award winner may just be looking for somebody to fill out his payroll.

#3. Meet the Filmmakers
Wouldn’t it be great to see an incredible film and then have the opportunity to ask the director just exactly how he/she managed to fit a camera into such a small space?  Or ask the star what he/she was thinking about when his/her character’s world comes crashing down?  For many films at this year’s festival, that very opportunity will become a reality. And if you’re thinking of getting into the film business as a career, several producers and directors from all over the country, including Los Angeles, will be in attendance.

#4. Discover Historic Downtown
Wichita was one of the Old West’s central commerce hubs and has developed over the years into a diverse, bustling, modern metropolis. The city’s proud tradition of industry, art, and innovation will be on full display at this year’s festival as events and screenings will take place at historic landmarks like The Orpheum Theater, Broadview Hotel, Garvey Center, Century II, and Scottish Rite Temple. By plopping down a few bucks to enjoy some really great movies, you’ll get an unprecedented look at the history and heart of Wichita.

#5. Support Our Youth
The Tallgrass Film Fest devotes considerable time and effort to the growth and development of artistic culture among young people. The festival’s parent organization, The Wichita Association for the Motion Picture Arts (WAMPA), is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that frequently offers screenings and events for discounted or even free admission to high school and college students.  Additionally, the Joel Fein High School Shorts Film Program sponsored by the fest and named after Joel Fein, Wichita’s own Emmy Award winner and Academy Award nominated Sound Editor (“The Buddy Holly Story”), features shorts made by high school students from Kansas, around the country, and world.

#6. Great Food
Who doesn’t love food? The Tallgrass Film Festival has tapped into a brilliant well of pleasure: Movies and food. This year’s fest will undoubtedly feature some incredible artistic achievements in the medium of film — an enriching emotional, intellectual, and sensory experience that can only be matched by the event’s considerable culinary offerings. Popular Chef, Tanya Tandoc, will return to downtown for Tanya’s Soup Kitchen Caravan, a temporary mini-restaurant exclusively for the festival. Also, the opening and closing gala events will include a party with appetizers, alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages, and entertainment along with the film. Saturday night’s two big screenings will be followed by a Mediterranean street party with hookah tent, appetizers, and cash bar.  For those of you with VIP all-access passes, you’ll be treated to a champagne brunch on Sunday with the filmmakers.  And don’t forget about Tallgrass Movie Trivia at 7 PM on Thursday, October 15 at the Donut Whole. Test your movie knowledge for chance to win a Ticket Voucher Package while you indulge in some delectable doughnuts.

#7. Boost the Local Economy
Tired of hearing about bailouts, Wall Street’s woes, foreclosures, and bankruptcies? Do something about it! While we can’t control what happens elsewhere, we can certainly help our own community stave off those threats and keep Wichita thriving. The Tallgrass Film Festival brings in thousands of visitors across the state, country, and world, and gives local businesses, particularly in the city’s core, a nice boost. Lend your support to the wellness of Wichita’s economy, and to the independent film industry, by enjoying some great movies at this year’s fest.

#8. Raise Wichita’s Profile
Before the Tallgrass Film Festival came along Wichita was generally know for one thing — airplanes. Of course, the city is still the “air capital of the world” but the more we diversify our artistic outlets and business culture, the more national and international attention we’ll get. Have you ever heard a friend say, “There’s nothing to do in Wichita,” or even felt that way yourself? Not only does the film fest remedy that situation temporarily itself, but the more notoriety the event gets, the more Wichita will be thought of as a happening place which draws more businesses and tourism.

#9. Seymour Cassel
How often do you get to see a screen legend in person? Seymour Cassel, a contemporary of John Cassavetes and an Academy Award® nominee, has been named as this year’s Ad Astra Award recipient. Cassel’s remarkable career has spanned over 40 years and consisted of over 100 films, including roles in “The Killers,” “Dick Tracy,” “Honeymoon in Vegas,” and several Wes Anderson flicks including “Rushmore,” “The Royal Tenenbaums,” and “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.” The award will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Scottish Rite Temple followed by a Q&A with the man himself and a screening of LaVar Burton’s “Reach for Me,” in which he stars.  How can you beat that?!

#10. Use It or Lose It
If you don’t go, the festival may disappear. What good is a work of art if no one sees it? Not every city has the good fortune of hosting its own international, independent film festival. If Wichita fails to take advantage of one of its best assets and privileges, it will go away. If the thought of a nationally renowned artistic festival that brings in money and stars and boosts your cities reputation leaving isn’t enough of a reason to go, I don’t know what is.

There you have it, Wichita, get out there and support your city! The festival takes place this October 23-25 (Fri-Sun). Check the official website for more details: www.tallgrassfilmfest.com