WAMPA presents — “Traces of the Trade: a Story of the Deep North” for the September installment of the Tallgrass Third Thursday film series. Special Events for this screening begin tomorrow afternoon. See below for a full schedule.

The screening will be held this Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Warren Theatre West, 9150 W. 21st St. A panel discussion will immediately follow the screening with the film’s director, Katrina Browne, and producer, Juanita Brown, and other special guests.

Congress recently passed a resolution to apologize for the governmental involvement in the enslavement and segregation of African Americans in the United States. This is considered a first step toward a nationwide reconciliation effort. The documentary, “Traces of the Trade,” was originally intended to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the abolishing of slave trade in 1808 in the U.S. The Wichita screening will bring the process closer to home.

Recently, other organizations including the Episcopal Church of the United States of America, have made similar statements apologizing for slavery. Consequently, each diocese has been charged with addressing the issue of slavery and the Episcopal Church’s role in promoting and benefiting from the slave trade. While many feel that Kansas lives up to its image of being a state where white settlers supported African Americans having political and civil liberties, historic events such as Brown vs. Board of Education and the Dockum Sit-in tell us otherwise. The process of knowing and remembering will have the greatest impact in Wichita, which, based on the 2000 census, is the most segregated city in the state of Kansas.

Schedule of Events

Discussion and Examination of Slavery Documents and Artifacts with the Filmmakers
2 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 16

Special Collections and University Archives, Wichita State University Libraries, Ablah Library
A program will take place with presentations by Dr. Lorraine Madway, Curator of Special Collections and University Archivist, Wichita State University Libraries and filmmakers Katrina Browne and Juanita Brown. The focus of the program is to discuss the importance of documents and artifacts of the slave trade and how they help researchers come to grips with the many ramifications of the slave trade in 18th and 19th century America. Free of charge and open to the public. For more information about this specific event, contact Jay Price at [email protected] or call (316) 978-7792.

Community Potluck and Discussion
Wed., 6:30 p.m., Sept. 16, St. James Episcopal Church, 3750 E. Douglas

A discussion of the legacy of slavery and reconciliation will take place with filmmakers Katrina Browne and Juanita Brown. Since the Episcopal General Convention in 2006, the national and local Episcopal community has worked to educate and inform communities about the “continued legacy of slavery, apology, and repair.” The event hopes to bring together people from a diverse array of faith traditions and racial backgrounds. Free of charge and open to the public. For more information about this specific event, contact Jay Price or call (316) 978-7792.

“Traces of the Trade: a Story of the Deep North,” Film Screening, Q&A with the Filmmakers, and Panel Discussion
7 p.m., Sept. 17, Warren Theatre West, 9150 W. 21st Street

The panel will be moderated by Mark McCormick, Director of the Kansas African American Museum and former Wichita Eagle columnist. In addition to the two filmmakers, the panelists will be Gerald Norwood and Professor Gretchen Eick. Mr. Norwood, is a local historian who has worked with WSU Special Collections regarding the history of slavery. Gretchen Eick is a Friends University professor of history and author of the book Dissent in Wichita. After the screening and panel discussion, a community reception will be held at Avivo Brick Oven Pizzeria, 2441 N Maize Rd Ste 101. Event tickets are $9 general admission and $7 students/seniors.

Sneak Peak: Official ’09 Film Selections!

We’re excited to share a Sneak Peak of some of the Official Selections that will screen at the 2009 Tallgrass Film Festival. Festival films are chosen by a local Programming Committee consisting of Wichitans from all walks of life.

Peter and Vandy
U.S. Narrative Feature, 2008, 85 min.
Director: Jay DiPietro
Starring: Jess Weixler (Big Bad Swim Tallgrass 2006) and Jason Ritter (The Deal and Good Dick Tallgrass 2009) Jesse L. Martin, Tracie Thoms

Two stars from Tallgrass past team together in this romantic narrative feature. All couples are defined by their collective experiences together. But if they could go back in time and look at those experiences again, would they be the same as they remember? Would those moments have the same meaning? DiPietro fashions a spellbinding story about love… that is not a love story.

Sweet Crude
US Documentary Feature, 2009, 93 min.
Midwest Premiere
Director: Sandy Cioffi

In the summer of 2008, militants from the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) declared an “oil war” in Nigeria. This was one of the biggest spikes yet on a radar screen dotted with conflict and tragedy. The documentary film Sweet Crude is the story of the Niger Delta; of the villagers of Oporoza, headquarters of the insurgency; and of members of the armed resistance who, in the three years since the filmmakers met them as college students, became the young men of MEND.

World’s Greatest Dad
US Narrative Feature, 2009, 98 min.
Wichita Premiere
Director: Bobcat Goldthwait
Starring: Robin Williams, Daryl Sabara, Alexie Gilmore, Tom Kenny, Geoffrey Pierson, Henry Simmons, Toby Huss

A thoughtful but outrageous comedy from Bobcat Goldthwait, WORLD’S GREATEST DAD is a story about a man that learns the things you want most may not be the things that make you happy, and that being lonely is not necessarily the same as being alone.

The Missing Person
US Narrative Feature, 2008, 95 min.
Kansas Premiere
Director: Noah Buschel
Starring: Michael Shannon, Amy Ryan, Frank Wood

John Rosow is a private detective prone to sardonic wit, gin, and the endless repercussions of what happens when you mix the two. Powerful lawyer Drexler Hewitt wants Rosow to tail a mysterious middle-aged man who is traveling with a Mexican boy from Chicago to Los Angeles. Hewitt’s loyal, stern assistant, Miss Charley, waits at the door with cash and instructions. But when Rosow hits Santa Monica, his objective changes: now he has to bring the man back to New York—for a cool half mil.

Gogol Bordello Non-Stop
US Documentary Feature, 2008, 87 min.
Heartland Premiere
Director: Margarita Jimeno

From New York City’s sensational Russo-disco scene to a non-stop touring marathon with his band Gogol Bordello, Eugene Hutz takes us deep into his artistic life and influences. The story unfolds over five years, beginning in 2001, and follows Eugene and Gogol Bordello’s progress from underground legend to international phenomenon. Ranging in age from 25 to 50 years old, and hailing from five different countries, Gogol Bordello’s members share their tales of immigration, of how they became part of the band, and how they quit their day jobs to go on tour. “Gogol Bordello Non-Stop” goes beyond music, beyond the political, opening hearts and ears to an artistic revolution in a globalized era.

House of Numbers
US Documentary Feature, 2009, 90 min.
Kansas Premiere
Director: Brent Leung

What is HIV? What is AIDS? What is being done to cure it? These questions sent Canadian filmmaker Brent Leung on a worldwide journey, from the highest echelons of the medical research establishment to the slums of South Africa, where death and disease are the order of the day. In this up-to-the-minute documentary, he observes that although AIDS has been front-page news for over 28 years, it is barely understood.

Stay tuned for the full line up of indie films screening at the 2009 Tallgrass Film Festival.

Wichita Artist Tabitha Oblinger creates 2009 Tallgrass Key Art

You’ve been seeing the 2009 festival poster around town for weeks, and you keep asking yourself, “who created that?” Well if you guessed local artist Tabitha Oblinger, you were correct!

Here’s a little bit more about Tabitha in her own words:

Tabitha Oblinger has been an artist around Wichita for waaaaaaaay too long. All of her friends wish she would get a life but she’s steadfast about not having one, it’s very relaxing. Her artwork has always reflected her thoughts and philosophy. Having served on the first Tallgrass Film Festival Programming Committee in 2003, and having known founder Timothy Gruver, being asked to create the poster for the 7th festival was very meaningful. Her work can be seen around Wichita or in her master bathroom. She lives on a small farm north of Wichita, under the alias Pussy Galore, with her two dogs and giant catfish.

Tallgrass Trivia Returns to the Donut Whole!

Tallgrass Movie Trivia, with bonafide host Jake Euker and your brainy and beautiful trivia hygienist Heather Williams, returns at 7 PM on Thursday, October 15 at the Donut Whole.

Come out for some incredible donuts as well as a chance to win a Ticket Voucher Package for the 2009 film festival and other goodies!

Be armed with information, such as: The man to the right, who will be visiting Tallgrass this year, gave which member of the band Guns ‘n Roses his moniker?

Get Your All Access Festival Pass beginning Oct. 1!

2009 Tallgrass Ticket Prices are listed below. VIP All Access Passes will go on sale October, 1 at Select-A-Seat.or 316-755-SEAT. Stay tuned to our website for more details!

The VIP Pass Includes all films, galas, and VIP events for the entire weekend and is a steal at just $150, and only $120 for WAMPA MEMBERS!

VIP privileges include admission to the VIP Filmmaker Lounge where you can hobknob with the filmmakers all weekend, the Mayor’s Welcome to Wichita Chili Feed at Cowtown on Friday afternoon, Saturday’s private reception for Ad Astra recipient Seymour Cassel, Sunday’s Filmmaker Brunch, All Gala Events PLUS all the films you can see!

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General Tallgrass Ticketing Info

General Admission: $9 ($7 for students, seniors and military with valid I.D.)
Friday Matinees: Tickets for all films from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. are $5.
Students-Free Friday: Selected films are free to all High School Students and Teachers with school I.D. from 9 a.m. to 5pm.
Naked City Presents the Opening Night Gala featuring “The Only Good Indian”: $25 (includes film and party with open bar, food and entertainment)
Ad Astra Award: $15 (Includes presentation of Ad Astra Award to honoree, Ad Astra’s Film of Choice and After Party with food, entertainment and cash bar)
Amira’s Dance Productions presents “Underbelly” with a special performance by Princess Farhana: $15 (includes film and party with cash bar, food and entertainment)
The Ulrich Museum of Art presents the Closing Night Gala: $20 (FREE for all WSU students, faculty and staff and Ulrich Museum members)
The Day Tripper Saturday Pass (includes all of Saturday’s VIP events, screenings, VIP lounge and Ad Astra Presentation): $75
The Best of the Fest Sunday Pass (includes all of Sunday’s VIP events, screenings and the Closing Night Gala): $55

Want a FREE Tallgrass t-shirt, movie tickets and a behind the scenes look at the festival?

It’s not too late to volunteer and help make Tallgrass grow in its 7th year! For more information, contact Volunteer Coordinator Gay Quisenberry via email or (316) 409-3376.

Tallgrass Film Festival needs volunteers for: (click here for job descriptions)
-Ushers
-Runners
-Ballot Counters
-Theater Managers
-Production Assistants
-Projection Room Assistants
-Print Trafficking Assistants
-Special Event Greeters/Bartenders (must be 21+)
-Special Event Production Set-up/Breakdown
-Visiting Filmmaker/Hospitality Drivers
-Ticket sellers and box office help

Films, Parties…& a Hole In One!

Kansas offers some unique locations and incredible scenery for filmmakers. So, we decided to feature a few of our state’s more unique and quirky locations in a rather unique and quirky way . . . in a mini-golf course.

Festival-goers will be able to enjoy a 9-hole round of mini-golf and visit some of our state’s better known roadside attractions at the same time. For instance, try making a hole-in-one at the world’s deepest hand-dug well or knock your ball through Carrie Nation’s swinging hachet. From wind turbines to trees from the Garden of Eden to the Big Ball of Twine, these beloved Kansas sites will be replicated.

Matched pairs from the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Sedgwick County have agreed to volunteer their time and enthusiasm to run the golf course throughout the festival.

The course will be open on Saturday and Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM and the cost will be $5 for adults and $3 for 12 and under.

Thanks to our Sponsors for making Tallgrass ’09 possible!

Thank you to our 2009 festival sponsors, including Integrated Media Group, Emily Bonavia Trust, Clear Channel Radio/Wichita, Wichita Downtown Development Corporation , City of Wichita , Stella Artois, House of Schwan, Glazer’s, Go Wichita!, KMUW , KPTS , ProductionHUB.com, Kansas Arts Commission, Greteman Group, National Endowment for the Arts, Ulrich Museum of Art , The Gruver Family, The Orpheum, The Garvey Center and Naked City.