The Twin Cities is a thriving cultural community with dance, theater, art, and music bursting from its seams. But another artful genre is also strong: film. Not only have well-known and noteworthy movies been filmed here (everything from Purple Rain and A Simple Plan to Mighty Ducks and North Country), but talented filmmakers have roots here too, like St. Louis Park’s own Coen brothers who filmed both A Serious Man and Fargo in their home state.
This pool of talent is worthy of celebration. The Twin Cities Film Fest (TCFF) begins this Thursday and runs through October 26. In those 10 days, the TCFF will show 50 films on the big screen at ICON Theatre in the West End shopping area of St. Louis Park. Catch films made by local talent, but also some big-time contenders like August: Osage County (starring Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep) and Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom. Other interesting titles include Gladiators: The Uncertain Future of American Football, Duluth is Horrible (tongue in cheek, we hope!), and The Armstrong Lie.
The festival also takes the time to educate the public and filmmakers with educational panels and events; learn more about certain films, discuss issues like “women in film,” network with other filmmakers and film lovers at nightly mixers (complimentary food and drink!), and learn valuable skills like marketing and budgeting.
The Red Carpet event starts on Thursday. Participants can purchase festival passes or individual tickets. Go out, see a film, and enjoy!
