The Cinetopia International Film Festival Announces Documentary Lineup

The Cinetopia International Film Festival presented by AT&T, announced today the documentary portion of the inaugural event, taking 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.

Of the more than 30 films that will screen over the four days of the event, eight feature-length documentaries, as well as a program of short documentary films, will be featured. These films were created by veterans and first-time filmmakers from across the globe and represent some of the best non-fiction films of the past two years.

JIG - the remarkable story of the fortieth Irish Dancing World Championships, where three thousand young dancers descend upon Glasgow for one drama-filled week. The film uncovers a unique insiders’ world of dedication, obsession, success, and failure. Playing Friday, June 1 at 2:00 PM at the Michigan Theater.

THE AMBASSADOR - What happens when a very white European man buys his way into being a diplomat in one of Central Africa's most failed nations? Welcome to the bizarre and hidden world of African diplomacy, where gin and tonics flow and diamond hustlers and corrupt politicians run free. Playing Friday, June 1 at 4:30 PM at the Michigan Theater and Saturday, June 2 at 9:30 PM at the State Theater.

BESTIAIRE - A meditation on the mutual regard of man and beast: as we regard them, they regard us and each other, initiating a shift in consciousness. Playing Friday, June 1 at 5:00 PM at Angell Hall.

LOUDER THAN LOVE: THE GRANDE BALLROOM STORY - While the West Coast was groovin' to the sounds of the "Summer of Love" in 1967, Detroit was pumping out a hard-driving, gritty and raw sound at the Grande Ballroom. Playing Friday, June 1 at 9:30 PM at the Michigan Theater.

5 BROKEN CAMERAS - A Palestinian journalist chronicles his village’s resistance to a separation barrier being erected on their land and in the process captures his young son’s lens on the world. Playing Saturday, June 2 at 2:00 PM at Angell Hall.

SOUTHERN FOODWAYS SMORGASBORD - Each year, the Southern Foodways Alliance produces several films with the University of Mississippi’s Center for Documentary Projects. From bacon to buttermilk and chicken to cheese, we’re pleased to present a selection of six mouth-watering shorts: Cured  /  Dori/ Ride That Pig To Glory / Buttermilk: It Can Help / To Live and Die in Avoyelles Parish / Phát Tài / Hot Chicken.  Playing Saturday, June 2 at 5:00 PM at Angell Hall.

THE QUEEN OF VERSAILLES - Beginning with the triumphant construction of the biggest house in America and with epic proportions of Shakespearean tragedy, the film follows two unique characters, whose rags-to-riches success stories reveal the innate virtues and flaws of the American Dream. DirectorLauren Greenfield won the U.S. Directing Award (Documentary) at the Sundance Film Festival in 2012. Playing Saturday, June 2 at 7:00 PM at the Michigan Theater.

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.

PUTIN’S KISS - 19-year-old Marsha is a model spokesperson in a strongly nationalistic Russian youth movement that aims to protect the country from its enemies. When she starts recognizing the organization’s flaws, she must take a stand for or against it. Playing Sunday, June 3 at 7:00 PM at Angell Hall.

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 michtheater.org/cinetopia, facebook.com/CinetopiaInternational,Twitter.com/CinetopiaA2

Support for this inaugural festival program comes from presenting sponsor AT&T and charter sponsors Zingerman’s Community of Businesses, Dickinson Wright of Ann Arbor, Money Source Financial Services, Weiser Center for Europe and Eurasia, Whole Foods Market of Ann Arbor and the International Institute at the University of Michigan. Media sponsors for Cinetopia include The Ann Arbor Observer, Detroit Jewish News, The Metro Times, and Michigan Radio.

Tickets: $15.00 ($12.00 members) for individual films; Cinetopia Voucher Book: $120.00 ($96 members) for a book of 10 vouchers = buy 8, get 2 FREE!  
Gold Card Cinetopia pass: $100.00 – only available to current Michigan Theater Gold Card members
Cinetopia Mogul pass: $500.00
Gold Card and Mogul passes includes admission to ALL screenings, including the opening night party and access to the Cinetopia Hospitality Retreat.

About the Michigan Theater:
Now celebrating its 85th year, the Michigan Theater is Ann Arbor’s not-for-profit historic center for fine film and performing arts. Winner of the 2006 Outstanding Historic Theater award, it was designated as an official venue of the Sundance Film Festival for the past three years. The theater is located in downtown Ann Arbor at 603 East Liberty Street. Please visit www.michtheater.org for more info. The 24-hour information line is (734) 668-TIME.

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