The Cinetopia International Film Festival Announces North American Independent Films Lineup

The Cinetopia International Film Festival, presented by AT&T, announced today the North American Independent portion of the inaugural event, to take place May 31-June 3 at three Ann Arbor landmark locations: the Michigan Theater, the State Theater, and Angell Hall at the University of Michigan.  The more than 30 films on tap will include nine fiction films from the U.S. and Canada.  Our selection includes dramatic and comedic Sundance favorites, a portrait of James Dean for a new generation, an Arctic coming of age drama, and a psychedelic sci-fi fever dream.

BEYOND THE BLACK RAINBOW
A sci-fi fever dream inspired by memories of midnight movies and Saturday morning cartoons. Within the mysterious Arboria Institute, a disturbed girl is held captive by a doctor, her mind controlled by a sinister technology. Visually dazzling and trippy. Playing Saturday, June 2 at 11:59 PM at the State Theater.

HELLO I MUST BE GOING
A divorced woman’s prospects look bleak when she is condemned to move back in with her parents at 35. When a bold teenage boy enters her life, an unconventional love story ensues. The film treads new ground with a modern agenda and infectious optimism.  Playing Thursday, May 31 at 8:00 PM at the Michigan Theater. Opening Night Film.

I AM NOT A HIPSTER
Things are not looking good for Brook, a young self-absorbed singer-songwriter and clichéd tortured artist. His isolation is lifted when his sisters and estranged father come to spread his mother’s ashes. This emotionally rich portrait of a man in pain celebrates the healing power of family love. Playing Saturday, June 2 at 9:30 PM at the Michigan Theater.

JOSHUA   TREE, 1951: A PORTRAIT OF James Dean
A profile of James Dean, on the cusp of achieving notoriety. Part portrait of the artist as a young man, part love story, part exploration of the postwar Hollywood machine, this exploration of Dean’s sexuality and formative relationships redefines him for a new generation. The glorious cinematography channels midcentury Hollywood glamour. Playing Sunday, June 3 at 7:00 PM at the Michigan Theater.

THE LIE
Lonnie and Clover were young and idealistic, but then an unplanned baby forced him to put his music on hold, and her to abandon activism for an “opportunity” in the corporate world. Lonnie tries to take time off work to get his head together, but his boss won’t let him. He tells an outrageous lie, and now there’s no going back. Playing Saturday, June 2 at 4:30 PM at the Michigan Theater.

MISSED CONNECTIONS
Missed Connections is a comedic romance about a guy named Neal who’s trying to get over a traumatic breakup with his girlfriend. His best recourse is to do what comes naturally … trick women on Craigslist. Neal’s plan is going pretty well until he meets Jane, who may just be as devious as he is. Playing Saturday, June 2 at 2:30 PM at the State Theater and Sunday, June 3 at 4:30 PM at Angell Hall.

ON THE ICE
Inupiaq teenagers Qalli and Aivaaq have grown up in a tight-knit community in Barrow, Alaska, defined by ancient traditions, hip-hop and snowmobiles.  When their friend James dies on a hunt, the boys lie and declare it an accident.  As Qalli stumbles through guilt-filled days, the snowy Arctic plains reflect his lost innocence. Playing Sunday, June 3 at 2:30 PM at the State Theater.

TWENTY-EIGHT HOTEL ROOMS
While travelling for work in a city far from their homes, a novelist and an accountant find themselves in bed together.  Although she’s married, and he’s seeing someone, their attraction turns a one-night stand into an unexpected relationship and a respite from the obligations of daily life. This candid, exquisitely-constructed mosaic is a portrait of an evolving relationship.  Playing Saturday, June 2 at 5:00 PM at the State Theater.

YOUR SISTER’S SISTER
Jack (Mark Duplass) is mourning the death of his brother. His best friend Iris (Emily Blunt) sends him to her family's holiday place outside Seattle for some R and R. Jack is unexpectedly welcomed by Iris' sister Hanna (Rosemarie DeWitt), mending her wounds over a recent breakup. A one-night stand ensues, and trouble begins the next morning when Iris shows up unannounced. Playing Friday, June 1 at 7:00 PM at the State Theater.