Ann Arbor's Cinetopia International Film Festival Runs Now thru 6/3

The Cinetopia International Film Festival, presented by AT&T, announced a portion of the more than 30 films that will screen over the four days of the event, taking place today, May 31 through June 3 at three Ann Arbor landmark locations: the Michigan Theater, the State Theater, and Angell Hall at the University of Michigan. 

Among the more than 30 films playing over four days are three special programming spotlights; a collection of classic and contemporary films, these featured programs highlight Ann Arbor’s contribution to the world of filmmaking, numerous varieties of 3D technology, and a Hollywood icon whose influence is still felt today.

David Newman – the University of Michigan has a long and celebrated history of contributions to the arena of screenwriting.  Numerous Academy Award nominees started their careers in Ann Arbor, as both students and professors at UM.  This year, Cinetopia is pleased to feature the work of Academy Award nominee David Newman, class of 1958. 

BONNIE AND CLYDE - This iconic 1967 crime film starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunawaywas written by Newman and his frequent collaborator Robert Benton.  This depiction of the lives of the Depression-era gangsters broke cinematic taboos and won two Academy Awards, and was rated 27th on the American Film Institute’s list of 100 best American films.  Playing Friday, June 1 at 9:30 PM at the State Theater.

SUPERMAN - A pre-digital extravaganza with thrilling large-scale effects, this 1978 film helped establish the superhero movie genre. After Mario Puzo (The Godfather) delivered a 500 page script,Newman and Benton were hired for rewrite work. Starring Christopher Reeve, Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman and Margot Kidder.  Playing Saturday, June 2 at 11:30 AM at the State Theater.

WHAT’S UP DOC? - Newman wrote the screenplay for this screwball comedy with Benton andBuck Henry. A kooky woman bounces through San Francisco, trailing havoc in her wake. When she sets her sights on a musicologist, his ordered life becomes a shambles. Starring Barbra Streisand, Ryan O’Neal and Madeline Kahn.  Playing Sunday, June 3 at 2 PM at Angell Hall.
                  
HAROLD LLOYD –“The King of Daredevil Comedy,” Harold Lloyd was one of the most popular stars of his time. His inspired high-action comic bits played an essential role in the growth of the action film genre.  Cinetopia is honored to welcome Suzanne Lloyd, Harold’s granddaughter, to present a collection of Harold’s best films.

THE FRESHMAN - Geeky Harold longs to be a Big Man on Campus.  Determined to prove himself in the big football game, he’s finally sent in when all the other substitutes are knocked out. After a few disastrous plays, it looks like “Speedy” might just save the day.  Playing Friday, June 1 at 7 PM at the Michigan Theater.  Accompanied by Stephen Warner on the Michigan Theater’s Barton Organ.

SHORT FILMS, LONG ON LAUGHS – this collection of Lloyd’s short films runs the gamut from Westerns to romance to thrills and a runaway dog!  Featuring: Bumping Into Broadway; Billy Blazes, Esq.;Number, Please?; Ask Father; High and Dizzy.  Playing Saturday, June 2 at 2 PM at the Michigan Theater.  Accompanied on the Michigan Theater’s Barton Organ.

SAFETY LAST! - In one of the great film comedies of all time, a country boy heads to the big city to seek his fortune as a department store clerk. One thing leads to another, and he ends up dangling off the side of a skyscraper, clutching the hands of a large clock.  Playing Sunday, June 3 at 4:30 PM at the Michigan Theater.  Accompanied by Steven Ball on the Michigan Theater’s Barton Organ.

3D FILMS – Classic celluloid 3D as well as the latest in digital technology will be featured in these great films, which span the last 60 years of filmmaking.

THE STEWARDESSES - The most profitable 3-D film in history, The Stewardesses benefited from a self-imposed X rating (sorry; our version’s rated R). Its action takes place on a single night in the lives of a crew of mod stewardesses.  See the lusty stewardesses leap from the screen onto your lap!  Playing Friday, June 1 at 11:59 PM at the Michigan Theater.

HUGO - This instant classic, a valentine to film history by Martin Scorsese, won four Academy Awards including Best Cinematography. Featuring Asa Butterfield, Ben Kingsley, Sacha Baron Cohen,and Jude Law.  Playing Saturday, June 2 at 11 AM at the Michigan Theater.  All tickets $5!

CANE TOADS: THE CONQUEST - An unconventionally funny and frightening account of Australia’s present-day plague of cane toads, the continent’s most notorious environmental blunder, filmed in high-resolution 3D.  Playing Sunday, June 3 at 11:30 AM at the Michigan Theater.

CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON - Out of the murk and mystery of a hundred million years ago, up from the depths of unknown waters, comes a creature to confound science and terrorize the world in this 1954 cult classic!  Playing Sunday, June 3 at 1:30 PM at the Michigan Theater.

About the Cinetopia International Film Festival: The Michigan Theater proudly presents the first-ever Cinetopia International Film Festival, presented by AT&T, featuring specially selected independent and foreign cinema from the festival circuit and across the globe. Themes of the festival include 3D filmmaking, Michigan screenwriters, and a diverse selection of celebrated contemporary comedies, documentaries and dramas.

With screenings of more than 30 films over four days, Cinetopia will take place at the Michigan Theater’s historic auditorium, as well as screens at the State Theater and the University of Michigan’s Angell Hall.  Great film happens here – join us May 31-June 3 for the inaugural Cinetopia International Film Festival!  More information coming soon at http://www.michtheater.org/cinetopia.

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