Weekend Arts Agenda: 39th Annual Atlanta Film Festival March 20 2015
Plus, LadyFest and Improv Festival
- Courtesy Atlanta Film Festival
- Atlanta Film Festival’s opening night feature I Am Michael stars James Franco.
Starting Friday, March 20, the 39th Annual Atlanta Film Festival will share dozens of new independent, international, animated, documentary, and short films with the community. Opening night the festival will present I Am Michael, a feature film based on the life of Michael Glatze (played by James Franco), a gay activist who rejected his homosexuality to become a Christian pastor and husband. The film tells the story of Glatze, as played by James Franco, as he leaves his partner Bennet (Zachary Quinto) for a woman named Rebekah (Emma Roberts). Director Marah Strauch showcases the life and career of Carl Boenish, or the “Father of Base Jumping,” with actual footage and interviews with family and friends in her new film, Sunshine Superman. Strauch will be in attendance on Saturday, March 28 at 7 p.m. for the viewing of her directional debut. Those interested in attending, buying passes, or finding more information on the festival should click here.
FRIDAY
- Courtesy of Ladyfest Atlanta
Free. Feminist. Fierce. Welcome all to the first Ladyfest Atlanta, an outwardly feminist and leftist mult-venue event which places dialogue and activism on the same playing field as art and music. The three day event kicks off this Friday with visual art, music, comedy, film screenings, panel discussions — the list goes on. Highlights include the Ladyfest Atlanta Organizer Panel at the Mammal Gallery at 7 p.m., visual art from the likes of Lauren Barfield and Marlee Mincher, and a comedy show featuring Collective 51. Though the event is free and open to the public, donations are strongly encouraged and will benefit the Solutions Not Punishment Coalition (SNaP Co). The fest will be hosted by Mammal Gallery, Eyedrum, Broad Street Visitors Center, and the Big House On Ponce. Full event schedule available here.
SATURDAY
This weekend, the Village Theatre will host Atlanta’s inaugural Improv Festival to benefit Dad’s Garage Theatre Company as they transition into a new location. The festival will last for three days, and include over 20 shows with all of our favorite names in local comedy: overlapping members from Whole World Theatre, the Basement Theatre, Automatic Improv, Laughing Matters, and Highwire Comedy Company will participate. Not only that, but guest performers will include Chicago’s comedy group 3033, Dan Fogler (comedian and actor from Balls of Fury and Good Luck Chuck), and a number of other groups originating everywhere from Tampa to Detroit. If you’re in the mood to learn some tricks of the trade, comedy workshops will also be available and open to public. The festival will take place from Thursday, March 19 until Sunday March 21 at the Village Theatre. Tickets range from $10-$75 (for a *cough* good cause *cough*), and can be purchased here.