FLIC returns for a silver screen weekend
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POLSON — Pray for softly falling snow on the weekend of Jan. 24, 25 and 26. That would make it a perfect weekend to settle in at the Showboat Cinema with some popcorn for the Flathead Lake International CineFest.
Dubbed “the most beautiful film festival in the world,” the 2nd annual FLIC features 79 films from the United States, Canada, France, Russia, South Korea, New Zealand, Austria, Australia and Italy, according to FLIC Co-chair Daniel Smith. The independent films will run at the Showboat Cinema, 416 Main Street in Polson.
FLIC also drew lots of filmmakers responsible for the weekend viewing. They are coming to Polson from Utah, Nevada, Canada, North and South Dakota, California and several from Montana.
FLIC kicks off with a tribute to the Great Gatsby from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 24 where people can don roaring ‘20s attire, do the Charleston, nibble hors d’oeuvres and sip champagne, beer or wine at the KwaTaqNuk Resort and Casino. As the party winds down, flappers and their zoot-suited escorts have time to make the 8 p.m. screening of “OK Breathe Auralee” by local filmmaker Brooke Pepion Swaney.
Especially for children is a free 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25 showing of “Despicable Me 2.” Kids can come in their jammies and even have breakfast at the theater. The tickets are first come, first serve, so get there early.
Another film making its debut has Montana ties. Titled “Ride the Sky,” by Paul Gorman, the film is about skydiver Joan Carson, who with her friends established the Lost Prairie Skydive Dropzone.
“Ride The Sky” retraces Carson’s skydiving footsteps, beginning in Montana and working its way backward, digging into her past and the events that motivated her, according to Gorman’s website. It comes to the big screen on Jan. 25 during the 10 a.m. to noon time slot.
An animation workshop with Emmy® nominated and Webby award winning animation and documentary filmmaker Jeff Chiba Stearns will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday. Stearns will discuss how to create the illusion of life through animation, followed by a collection of shorts curated by Stearns, including “Yellow Sticky Notes/Canadian Anijam.”
This 2013 film was made in the style of Stearns’ award-winning 2007 “Yellow Sticky Notes” original and is a collaboration of 15 of Canada’s most celebrated independent animators who used only 4-inch by 6-inch yellow sticky notes and black pens to create an animated film.
Ticket prices are just $5 per person for each two-hour block and $80 for an all-access pass or a $30 ticket just for the opening gala.
New this year, for those living south of Lake County, is a Picture Perfect Weekend package for $175. Smith said he hopes people will join the Polson community for the weekend. The package includes a round-trip bus trip from Missoula, a ticket to the opening gala, two nights lodging at the KwaTaqNuk Resort and Casino, a free shuttle between the KwaTaqNuk and the Showboat Cinema and a ticket to the awards ceremony.
The films are divided into two-hour blocks throughout the weekend.
To find a complete listing of films and a synopsis of each film, go to www.flicpolson.com. Tickets can be purchased in advance on the website.
