Wednesday, Feb 27 • Thursday, Feb 28 • Friday, Mar 1 • Saturday, Mar 2 • Sunday, Mar 3
Wednesday, Feb 27
- 9:00pmEastside Kick-Off ConcertThe Eastside Kick-Off Concert will quickly get your blood pumping with the driving rock of Columbia natives Maxito Lindo and The Sweaters, along with Shady Bug from St. Louis. Free for Super/Silver Circle, Lux, & Stay Up Late passholders; $5 general admission.
Thursday, Feb 28
- 4:30pm'Now something is slowly changing'Spiritually adrift Dutch turn to therapy and coaches in this puckish, provocative look at self-help culture.
- 4:30pmAmazing GraceAt peak stardom, Aretha Franklin goes back to her family’s gospel roots, live-recording at a Baptist church while backed by a famed community choir.
- 4:45pmN/N: MysterionSet in a polluted corner of Estonia, Pirjo Honkasalo's first documentary feature lovingly explores the lives of Russian Orthodox nuns who spend their days working the land and praying to the heavens. Screens for free as a part of the Neither/Nor Film Series. Neither/Nor is presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
- 5:15pmLet It BurnA gritty observation of precarious romance, debauchery, and heartbreak between addicts living in a SĂŁo Paulo hotel.
- 5:30pmThe JubileeFor our opening night, we kick off the festivities with a masquerade gala at Missouri Theatre right before diving into Knock Down the House. Don your favorite power pantsuit, black tie, little black dress, or whatever makes you feel ready to take on the establishment, and of course don’t forget your mask.
- 7:00pmKnock Down The HouseAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez headlines a group of insurgent politicians and tireless activists taking on The Establishment.
- 7:00pmTreasure IslandBrimming with thrill-seeking discovery and nostalgia, this barmy delight captures all of the summer fun at a suburban Parisian water park. Supported by the Cultural Service at the Consulate General of France in Chicago
- 7:00pmOver the RainbowDirector Jeffrey Peixoto meets active members of the Church of Scientology in a mesmerizing exploration of our attraction to radical religion.
- 7:15pmNo data planThe American road movie is renewed by a director whose undocumented mom carries two phones, one solely for calls regarding immigration. Plays with "I Signed the Petition" (dir. Mahdi Fleifel; 2018; 10 min.).
- 7:15pmChinese PortraitOver a decade, renowned director WANG Xiaoshuai records his country in upheaval.
- 7:30pmAPOLLO 11Our miraculous first trip to the moon is conjured through 70mm footage finally uncovered from the NASA vaults. Presented by Veterans United Home Loans
- 7:30pmThe CommonsAn intrepid film crew takes us inside an intense battle over a Confederate monument on UNC-Chapel Hill’s public commons. Plays with "The Changing Same" (dirs. Michèle Stephenson & Joe Brewster; 2018; 21 min.)
- 7:45pmThe Hottest AugustBrett Story's visionary look at New York City as it braces for an uncertain future. Supported by the Consulate General of Canada, Chicago
- 8:00pmBerlin Thursday Night ShowcaseTrue/False proudly welcomes Nashville indie sensation Soccer Mommy to the Cafe Berlin stage, with support from dreamy psych pop outfit Jaunt and hometown heroes It’s Me: Ross. Free for Super/Silver Circle, Lux, & Stay Up Late passholders; $15 general admission.
- 9:30pmThe Edge of DemocracyPetra Costa’s personal take on the coup that remade Brazil ignites a signal flare for those who live in so-called stable democracies. Presented by The Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy
- 9:45pmChez Jolie CoiffureConversations intertwine with hair-braiding at a Brussels hair salon, which serves as a safe haven for African refugees.
- 9:45pmThe Magic Life of VVeera becomes the hero of her own story by using LARPing (live-action role-playing) to escape and transcend her difficult everyday life.
- 10:00pmUntitled Amazing Johnathan DocumentaryA magician's final tour triggers a twisty-turny, cat-and-mouse, hall-of-mirrors, inside-out, funhouse game between subject and filmmaker.
- 10:00pmMidnight in ParisThe intense anticipation of prom week lights up this warmhearted, sometimes cheeky look at the teenagers of Flint, Michigan.
- 10:30pmThe Grand BizarreA colorful tour of the world's great textile traditions and a celebration of the pattern language of human inventiveness.
- 10:30pmShort Circuit PartyIn honor of True/False’s 18 shorts filmmakers we host an electric celebration in which they hold court (or in this case, drink tickets). Spark up a conversation and maybe if you ask nicely they'll offer you a round. Open to Supers, Silvers, and Guests/Artists.
- 11:00pmThe Blue Note Afterparty with Dan Deacon (DJ Set)Get weird on The Blue Note dancefloor to the warped and erratic sounds of musician Dan Deacon as he performs a DJ set. It’s an afterparty with good music, what more could you want than that? Free for Super/Silver Circle, Lux, & Stay Up Late passholders, $10 general admission.
Friday, Mar 1
- 11:00amThe Hottest AugustBrett Story's visionary look at New York City as it braces for an uncertain future. Supported by the Consulate General of Canada, Chicago
- 11:00amUp The MountainThe charismatic painter Shen Jianhua’s remote mountain studio hosts a group of unconventional students, eager to learn more about his eye-popping, hyperreal approach to art and life. Presented by North Villiage Arts District
- 11:00amDark SunsA towering investigation into decades of the disappeared in Mexico. Supported by the Consulate General of Canada, Chicago
- 11:00amThe Magic Life of VVeera becomes the hero of her own story by using LARPing (live-action role-playing) to escape and transcend her difficult everyday life.
- 11:00amThe Naked RoomThis minimalist wonder from True Vision recipient Nuria Ibáñez Castañeda empathetically observes tormented children in therapy sessions.
- 11:30amThe Grand BizarreA colorful tour of the world's great textile traditions and a celebration of the pattern language of human inventiveness.
- 11:30amIsland of the Hungry GhostsOn far-off Christmas Island, therapist Poh Lin Lee counsels immigrants who are detained while millions of red crabs enjoy free rein during mating season.
- 11:30amMidnight TravelerArmed only with cellphone cameras, Hassan Fazili and his family flee from the Taliban, capturing every step of their high-stakes search for a new home. Presented by The Crossing
- 1:30pmField Session: I Thought I Heard SomethingThese close encounters between artists provide an unsurpassed intimacy that can’t be achieved in a multiperson panel. Each session is a deep dive into the ideas that shape nonfiction filmmaking in 2019.
- 1:30pmKnock Down The HouseAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez headlines a group of insurgent politicians and tireless activists taking on The Establishment.
- 1:30pmSegunda VezThis radical reimagining of the biopic re-enacts the “happenings” and “anti-happenings” of Argentinian psychoanalyst Oscar Masotta.
- 1:45pmThe CommonsAn intrepid film crew takes us inside an intense battle over a Confederate monument on UNC-Chapel Hill’s public commons. Plays with "The Changing Same" (dirs. Michèle Stephenson & Joe Brewster; 2018; 21 min.)
- 2:00pmLandlessFacing an uncaring legal labyrinth, rebellious farmers in rural Brazil commandeer corporate-owned land.
- 2:00pmShorts: Tea 65Dark, private spaces are illuminated in these five standout films. Supported by the Consulate General of Canada, Chicago
- 2:15pmChinese PortraitOver a decade, renowned director WANG Xiaoshuai records his country in upheaval.
- 2:15pmCold Case HammarskjöldThis engrossing gonzo film starts as a hell-bent investigation of the death of the U.N. secretary-general in 1961 then takes on long-lingering mysteries on the African continent.
- 2:30pmAmerican FactoryDizzying, hilarious, and devastating, American Factoryis a landmark story of globalization. Presented by The District
- 2:45pmCelebrationA disquieting peek behind the wardrobe of Yves Saint Laurent, the most distinguished couturier of the last century. Supported by the Cultural Service at the Consulate General of France in Chicago
- 3:00pmField Session: Within ReasonThese close encounters between artists provide an unsurpassed intimacy that can’t be achieved in a multiperson panel. Each session is a deep dive into the ideas that shape nonfiction filmmaking in 2019.
- 3:05pmQ(uench) & A(nswers)A convivial reception spotlighting each short film program with eponymous complimentary beverages. Attendees can ask questions one-on-one and indulge in the libations. A True/False programmer will be present at each Q(uench) & A(nswer) to introduce filmmakers and briefly facilitate discussion. Open to ticketholders of the preceeding screening as well as Super/Silver Circle passholders.
- 3:45pmOur Time (Nuestro Tiempo)Maverick director Carlos Reygadas' latest, filmed at his Mexican ranch, offers an audacious fiction about an open marriage that goes sour.
- 4:00pmThe Edge of DemocracyPetra Costa’s personal take on the coup that remade Brazil ignites a signal flare for those who live in so-called stable democracies. Presented by The Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy
- 4:15pmCaballerangoA haunted look into the soul of a rural Mexican town in the wake of the death of a horse wrangler.
- 4:30pmOne Child NationNanfu Wang uncovers her own revelatory history within China's far-reaching one-child policy.
- 4:45pmChez Jolie CoiffureConversations intertwine with hair-braiding at a Brussels hair salon, which serves as a safe haven for African refugees.
- 4:45pmA Wild StreamTwo fishermen eking out a living on the Sea of Cortez form an ambiguously close relationship in this majestic work from the 2019 True Vision Award recipient Nuria Ibáñez Castañeda. Presented by Restoration Eye Care
- 5:15pmMarch MarchWhat better way to encourage the tremulous start of spring than to lead by example and march into March?
- 5:30pmReality BitesA tradition as old as the fest itself, Reality Bites is our communal breaking of bread (and other delectables) directly following the March March. No ticket required; open to Super/Silver Circle and Lux passholders.
- 5:30pmReality BitesA tradition as old as the fest itself, Reality Bites is our communal breaking of bread (and other delectables) directly following the March March. No ticket required; open to Super/Silver Circle and Lux passholders.
- 6:00pmEastside Happy Hour ShowcaseSet the tone for a transcendent weekend with the dreamy stylings of Midwestern projects Extravision, Nicholas Naioti, and Summer Like the Season at Columbia’s quintessential happy-hour dive, Eastside. Free & open to the public.
- 6:30pmUp The MountainThe charismatic painter Shen Jianhua’s remote mountain studio hosts a group of unconventional students, eager to learn more about his eye-popping, hyperreal approach to art and life. Presented by North Villiage Arts District
- 6:45pmMidnight in ParisThe intense anticipation of prom week lights up this warmhearted, sometimes cheeky look at the teenagers of Flint, Michigan.
- 6:45pmAmazing GraceAt peak stardom, Aretha Franklin goes back to her family’s gospel roots, live-recording at a Baptist church while backed by a famed community choir.
- 7:00pmOver the RainbowDirector Jeffrey Peixoto meets active members of the Church of Scientology in a mesmerizing exploration of our attraction to radical religion.
- 7:00pmThe GameDeep in the forests of southwest France, cult-like aficionados anticipate—and set traps for—the arrival of their quarry. Plays with "Crannog" (dir. Isa Rao; 2018; 15 min.) Supported by the Cultural Service at the Consulate General of France in Chicago
- 7:00pmHome, Sweet HomeA monumental achievement of long-term documentary filmmaking: 35 years in the life of Nao, whom doctors expected to die before she turned 20 years old. Presented by Boone Supported Living
- 7:15pmMike Wallace is HereThe epitome of the brash, merciless investigative reporter, Mike Wallace (60 Minutes) lived his life on air.
- 7:30pmAPOLLO 11Our miraculous first trip to the moon is conjured through 70mm footage finally uncovered from the NASA vaults. Presented by Veterans United Home Loans
- 7:45pmShorts: Tequila 62Filmmakers repurpose archival remnants and interrogate social status in these four short films.
- 8:30pmBerlin Friday Night ShowcaseA bill filled with with technical skill and sonic bliss, the world-renowned talents of Tomeka Reid will be joined by Philadelphia post-rockers Square Peg Round Hole and Chicago duo SUN SPEAK. Free for Super/Silver, Lux, & Stay Up Late passholders, $8 general admission.
- 8:47pmQ(uench) & A(nswers)A convivial reception spotlighting each short film program with eponymous complimentary beverages. Attendees can ask questions one-on-one and indulge in the libations. A True/False programmer will be present at each Q(uench) & A(nswer) to introduce filmmakers and briefly facilitate discussion. Open to ticketholders of the preceeding screening as well as Super/Silver Circle passholders.
- 9:15pmThe TightropeA bare-bones outfit of five family members tours Mexico in a ramshackle traveling circus. By 2019 True Vision Award recipient Nuria Ibáñez Castañeda.
- 9:15pmAmerican FactoryDizzying, hilarious, and devastating, American Factoryis a landmark story of globalization. Presented by The District
- 9:30pmCampfire StoriesGather round the hearth and come hear some stellar storytellers spin yarns in our cozy forest clearing. Homemade s'mores will be served courtesy of Good Food Co. Reserved ticket required; open to all passholders. PRESENTED BY ITVS
- 9:45pmLet It BurnA gritty observation of precarious romance, debauchery, and heartbreak between addicts living in a SĂŁo Paulo hotel.
- 9:45pmNo data planThe American road movie is renewed by a director whose undocumented mom carries two phones, one solely for calls regarding immigration. Plays with "I Signed the Petition" (dir. Mahdi Fleifel; 2018; 10 min.).
- 10:00pmKnock Down The HouseAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez headlines a group of insurgent politicians and tireless activists taking on The Establishment.
- 10:00pmFinding FrancesTelevision host Nathan Fielder attempts to help an eccentric Bill Gates impersonator reunite with his long-lost love. Supported by the Consulate General of Canada, Chicago
- 10:00pmrefr@ction dance partyBack to its OG slot on Friday night, this legendary party is in your home away from home. No ticket required; open to Super/Silver Circle and Lux passholders.
- 10:15pmN/N: Tanjuska and the 7 DevilsWhen a 10-year-old girl stops speaking, her family desperately turns to an intimidating priest who claims she has seven demons inside her. Screens for free as a part of the Neither/Nor Film Series. Neither/Nor is presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
- 10:15pmTreasure IslandBrimming with thrill-seeking discovery and nostalgia, this barmy delight captures all of the summer fun at a suburban Parisian water park. Supported by the Cultural Service at the Consulate General of France in Chicago
- 10:15pmMr. SOUL!An electric exploration of SOUL!—the revolutionary unsung classic of American television that spotlighted soul legends and shattered conventions. Presented by Fresh Ideas
Saturday, Mar 2
- 9:30amMidnight in ParisThe intense anticipation of prom week lights up this warmhearted, sometimes cheeky look at the teenagers of Flint, Michigan.
- 9:30amUp The MountainThe charismatic painter Shen Jianhua’s remote mountain studio hosts a group of unconventional students, eager to learn more about his eye-popping, hyperreal approach to art and life. Presented by North Villiage Arts District
- 9:30amIsland of the Hungry GhostsOn far-off Christmas Island, therapist Poh Lin Lee counsels immigrants who are detained while millions of red crabs enjoy free rein during mating season.
- 9:30amHome, Sweet HomeA monumental achievement of long-term documentary filmmaking: 35 years in the life of Nao, whom doctors expected to die before she turned 20 years old. Presented by Boone Supported Living
- 9:30amReasonLegendary director Anand Patwardhan puts his life on the line in this tenacious, incisive response to the rise of Hindu nationalism.
- 9:30amKnock Down The HouseAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez headlines a group of insurgent politicians and tireless activists taking on The Establishment.
- 9:30amCelebrationA disquieting peek behind the wardrobe of Yves Saint Laurent, the most distinguished couturier of the last century. Supported by the Cultural Service at the Consulate General of France in Chicago
- 9:45amThe Hottest AugustBrett Story's visionary look at New York City as it braces for an uncertain future. Supported by the Consulate General of Canada, Chicago
- 10:00amDark SunsA towering investigation into decades of the disappeared in Mexico. Supported by the Consulate General of Canada, Chicago
- 11:30amUn-Field Session: Funders' Fireside ChatReverting back to a more conventional panel format, this un-Field Session features three representatives from documentary funders being questioned by a rockstar filmmaker-moderator who is a bit rascally driving honest conversation around catalytic open questions such as, "What are you waiting for?" Free and open to the public.
- 12:00pmThe Art RambleA mind-expanding poetic improvisation masquerading as a conventional downtown walking tour, The Ramble returns in 2019, stranger than ever. Free and open to the public.
- 12:00pmLet It BurnA gritty observation of precarious romance, debauchery, and heartbreak between addicts living in a SĂŁo Paulo hotel.
- 12:00pmUntitled Amazing Johnathan DocumentaryA magician's final tour triggers a twisty-turny, cat-and-mouse, hall-of-mirrors, inside-out, funhouse game between subject and filmmaker.
- 12:30pmN/N: AtmanA devout Hindu man whose legs have been paralyzed since childhood heads on a 3,000-mile pilgrimage up the Ganges river in honor of his recently deceased mother. Screens for free as a part of the Neither/Nor Film Series. Neither/Nor is presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
- 12:30pmMidnight TravelerArmed only with cellphone cameras, Hassan Fazili and his family flee from the Taliban, capturing every step of their high-stakes search for a new home. Presented by The Crossing
- 12:30pmA Wild StreamTwo fishermen eking out a living on the Sea of Cortez form an ambiguously close relationship in this majestic work from the 2019 True Vision Award recipient Nuria Ibáñez Castañeda. Presented by Restoration Eye Care
- 12:30pmAPOLLO 11Our miraculous first trip to the moon is conjured through 70mm footage finally uncovered from the NASA vaults. Presented by Veterans United Home Loans
- 1:00pmField Session: Politics, DittoThese close encounters between artists provide an unsurpassed intimacy that can’t be achieved in a multiperson panel. Each session is a deep dive into the ideas that shape nonfiction filmmaking in 2019.
- 2:00pmN/N Master ClassMaster Class with 2019 Neither/Nor series director, Pirjo Honkasalo. Reserved ticket required; free via the Q.
- 2:30pmTIM TalkIn TIM Talk, True/False 2016 critic-in-residence and noted On Cinema at the Cinema scholar, Nick Pinkerton, facilitates a conversation with On Cinema co-creator Tim Heidecker, in which the two discuss the evolution of the project, and if we're lucky, offer a taste of what's to come. No recording allowed. Reserved ticket required; free via the Q.
- 2:30pmThe Art RambleA mind-expanding poetic improvisation masquerading as a conventional downtown walking tour, The Ramble returns in 2019, stranger than ever. Free and open to the public.
- 2:30pmOver the RainbowDirector Jeffrey Peixoto meets active members of the Church of Scientology in a mesmerizing exploration of our attraction to radical religion.
- 2:30pmLandlessFacing an uncaring legal labyrinth, rebellious farmers in rural Brazil commandeer corporate-owned land.
- 2:45pmMike Wallace is HereThe epitome of the brash, merciless investigative reporter, Mike Wallace (60 Minutes) lived his life on air.
- 3:00pmChinese PortraitOver a decade, renowned director WANG Xiaoshuai records his country in upheaval.
- 3:00pmField Session: Step into the ChamberThese close encounters between artists provide an unsurpassed intimacy that can’t be achieved in a multiperson panel. Each session is a deep dive into the ideas that shape nonfiction filmmaking in 2019.
- 3:15pmTreasure IslandBrimming with thrill-seeking discovery and nostalgia, this barmy delight captures all of the summer fun at a suburban Parisian water park. Supported by the Cultural Service at the Consulate General of France in Chicago
- 3:15pmOne Child NationNanfu Wang uncovers her own revelatory history within China's far-reaching one-child policy.
- 3:45pmThe Edge of DemocracyPetra Costa’s personal take on the coup that remade Brazil ignites a signal flare for those who live in so-called stable democracies. Presented by The Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy
- 4:00pmUpstream Showcase at Logboat BreweryNot just for beer enthusiasts, this happy-hour showcases local favorites Loose Loose and welcomes back rootsy crooners The River Arkansas to tickle your ears while you delight in some of Columbia’s best brews. Free & open to the public.
- 4:00pmFilmmaker FêteThe Fête is our banquet to honor visiting Fimmakers. Hosted by our friends at Orr Street Studios and featuring artful culinary creations from our friends at Sycamore restaurant. Open to Super/Silver Circle passholders; ticket included in packet.
- 4:15pmThe Naked RoomThis minimalist wonder from True Vision recipient Nuria Ibáñez Castañeda empathetically observes tormented children in therapy sessions.
- 4:45pmNo data planThe American road movie is renewed by a director whose undocumented mom carries two phones, one solely for calls regarding immigration. Plays with "I Signed the Petition" (dir. Mahdi Fleifel; 2018; 10 min.).
- 5:15pmSegunda VezThis radical reimagining of the biopic re-enacts the “happenings” and “anti-happenings” of Argentinian psychoanalyst Oscar Masotta.
- 5:30pmThe GameDeep in the forests of southwest France, cult-like aficionados anticipate—and set traps for—the arrival of their quarry. Plays with "Crannog" (dir. Isa Rao; 2018; 15 min.) Supported by the Cultural Service at the Consulate General of France in Chicago
- 5:30pmShorts: & Tonic 67The difference between what is seen and unseen drives these five films, from which our eyes will never recover.
- 5:30pmThe Magic Life of VVeera becomes the hero of her own story by using LARPing (live-action role-playing) to escape and transcend her difficult everyday life.
- 5:45pmCelebrationA disquieting peek behind the wardrobe of Yves Saint Laurent, the most distinguished couturier of the last century. Supported by the Cultural Service at the Consulate General of France in Chicago
- 6:15pm'Now something is slowly changing'Spiritually adrift Dutch turn to therapy and coaches in this puckish, provocative look at self-help culture.
- 6:30pmAmerican FactoryDizzying, hilarious, and devastating, American Factoryis a landmark story of globalization. Presented by The District
- 6:37pmQ(uench) & A(nswers)A convivial reception spotlighting each short film program with eponymous complimentary beverages. Attendees can ask questions one-on-one and indulge in the libations. A True/False programmer will be present at each Q(uench) & A(nswer) to introduce filmmakers and briefly facilitate discussion. Open to ticketholders of the preceeding screening as well as Super/Silver Circle passholders.
- 7:00pmSanctuary ShowcaseSeek refuge from the weekend’s hyperactivity in the walls of the Sanctuary, where singer-songwriters Lomelda & Peter Collins will regale audiences with tales of love, heartbreak and redemption. Free & open to the public.
- 7:00pmOne Child NationNanfu Wang uncovers her own revelatory history within China's far-reaching one-child policy.
- 7:15pmCaballerangoA haunted look into the soul of a rural Mexican town in the wake of the death of a horse wrangler.
- 7:30pmChez Jolie CoiffureConversations intertwine with hair-braiding at a Brussels hair salon, which serves as a safe haven for African refugees.
- 7:45pmN/N: MysterionSet in a polluted corner of Estonia, Pirjo Honkasalo's first documentary feature lovingly explores the lives of Russian Orthodox nuns who spend their days working the land and praying to the heavens. Screens for free as a part of the Neither/Nor Film Series. Neither/Nor is presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
- 8:00pmBerlin Saturday Night ShowcaseExperimental soul man Jon Bap will be joined by the surfing grooves of The Slaps and poetic vibes of St. Louis’ pinkcaravan! for this diverse sampling of The Fest’s sonics. Free for Super/Silver Circle, Lux, & Stay Up Late passholders, $8 general admission.
- 8:00pmMike Wallace is HereThe epitome of the brash, merciless investigative reporter, Mike Wallace (60 Minutes) lived his life on air.
- 8:15pmN/N: AtmanA devout Hindu man whose legs have been paralyzed since childhood heads on a 3,000-mile pilgrimage up the Ganges river in honor of his recently deceased mother. Screens for free as a part of the Neither/Nor Film Series. Neither/Nor is presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
- 9:00pmOur Time (Nuestro Tiempo)Maverick director Carlos Reygadas' latest, filmed at his Mexican ranch, offers an audacious fiction about an open marriage that goes sour.
- 9:30pmDark SunsA towering investigation into decades of the disappeared in Mexico. Supported by the Consulate General of Canada, Chicago
- 9:30pmMr. SOUL!An electric exploration of SOUL!—the revolutionary unsung classic of American television that spotlighted soul legends and shattered conventions. Presented by Fresh Ideas
- 9:30pmRose Saturday NightAcclaimed Puerto-Rican, electro/Afro-Caribbean project ÌFÉ, R&B-soul voyagers Mesonjixx, St. Louis genre-blender, play out Saturday night with singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tonina. Free for Super/Silver Circle, Lux, & Stay Up Late passholders, $8 general admission.
- 9:45pmCold Case HammarskjöldThis engrossing gonzo film starts as a hell-bent investigation of the death of the U.N. secretary-general in 1961 then takes on long-lingering mysteries on the African continent.
- 10:00pmUntitled Amazing Johnathan DocumentaryA magician's final tour triggers a twisty-turny, cat-and-mouse, hall-of-mirrors, inside-out, funhouse game between subject and filmmaker.
- 10:00pmGimme Truth!America's favorite documentary game show challenges the audience plus a panel of esteemed contestants to determine whether these two-minute docs made by local non-professional filmmakers are totally true or totally false. Reserved ticket required; general admission via the Q.
- 10:15pmShorts: Tea 65Dark, private spaces are illuminated in these five standout films. Supported by the Consulate General of Canada, Chicago
- 10:30pmAmazing GraceAt peak stardom, Aretha Franklin goes back to her family’s gospel roots, live-recording at a Baptist church while backed by a famed community choir.
Sunday, Mar 3
- 9:30amTreasure IslandBrimming with thrill-seeking discovery and nostalgia, this barmy delight captures all of the summer fun at a suburban Parisian water park. Supported by the Cultural Service at the Consulate General of France in Chicago
- 9:30amOne Child NationNanfu Wang uncovers her own revelatory history within China's far-reaching one-child policy.
- 9:30amChautauquaJoin our piquant Provocateurs, host Martina Castro, and some surprise guests for a variety show featuring provocations, music, and storytelling. Immediately following, the conversations continue in the Bingham Gallery (across the hall) with a high tea. Reserved ticket required; general admission via the Q.
- 9:30amMike Wallace is HereThe epitome of the brash, merciless investigative reporter, Mike Wallace (60 Minutes) lived his life on air.
- 9:45amMr. SOUL!An electric exploration of SOUL!—the revolutionary unsung classic of American television that spotlighted soul legends and shattered conventions. Presented by Fresh Ideas
- 9:45amShorts: & Tonic 67The difference between what is seen and unseen drives these five films, from which our eyes will never recover.
- 10:15amChez Jolie CoiffureConversations intertwine with hair-braiding at a Brussels hair salon, which serves as a safe haven for African refugees.
- 11:00amPost-Chautauqua ElevensesThis post-Chautauqua event gives attendees the opportunity to meet and greet the provocateurs. The High Tea spread is provided by Kaldi's. What could be more provocative than tea and scones? Open to Chautauqua ticket-holders and Supers/Silvers only.
- 12:00pmThe Art RambleA mind-expanding poetic improvisation masquerading as a conventional downtown walking tour, The Ramble returns in 2019, stranger than ever. Free and open to the public.
- 12:00pmUp The MountainThe charismatic painter Shen Jianhua’s remote mountain studio hosts a group of unconventional students, eager to learn more about his eye-popping, hyperreal approach to art and life. Presented by North Villiage Arts District
- 12:00pmThe CommonsAn intrepid film crew takes us inside an intense battle over a Confederate monument on UNC-Chapel Hill’s public commons. Plays with "The Changing Same" (dirs. Michèle Stephenson & Joe Brewster; 2018; 21 min.)
- 12:00pmShorts: Tequila 62Filmmakers repurpose archival remnants and interrogate social status in these four short films.
- 12:15pmLandlessFacing an uncaring legal labyrinth, rebellious farmers in rural Brazil commandeer corporate-owned land.
- 12:30pmRadio Atlas: The Night WatchmanPlays with "Fainting Spells" (Dir. Sky Hopinka; 2018; 11 min) Reserved ticket required; general admission via the Q.
- 12:30pmMidnight TravelerArmed only with cellphone cameras, Hassan Fazili and his family flee from the Taliban, capturing every step of their high-stakes search for a new home. Presented by The Crossing
- 12:45pmFinding FrancesTelevision host Nathan Fielder attempts to help an eccentric Bill Gates impersonator reunite with his long-lost love. Supported by the Consulate General of Canada, Chicago
- 1:00pmA Wild StreamTwo fishermen eking out a living on the Sea of Cortez form an ambiguously close relationship in this majestic work from the 2019 True Vision Award recipient Nuria Ibáñez Castañeda. Presented by Restoration Eye Care
- 2:00pmLet It BurnA gritty observation of precarious romance, debauchery, and heartbreak between addicts living in a SĂŁo Paulo hotel.
- 2:30pmNo data planThe American road movie is renewed by a director whose undocumented mom carries two phones, one solely for calls regarding immigration. Plays with "I Signed the Petition" (dir. Mahdi Fleifel; 2018; 10 min.).
- 2:30pmThe Art RambleA mind-expanding poetic improvisation masquerading as a conventional downtown walking tour, The Ramble returns in 2019, stranger than ever. Free and open to the public.
- 2:30pmCelebrationA disquieting peek behind the wardrobe of Yves Saint Laurent, the most distinguished couturier of the last century. Supported by the Cultural Service at the Consulate General of France in Chicago
- 2:45pmCold Case HammarskjöldThis engrossing gonzo film starts as a hell-bent investigation of the death of the U.N. secretary-general in 1961 then takes on long-lingering mysteries on the African continent.
- 3:15pmThe GameDeep in the forests of southwest France, cult-like aficionados anticipate—and set traps for—the arrival of their quarry. Plays with "Crannog" (dir. Isa Rao; 2018; 15 min.) Supported by the Cultural Service at the Consulate General of France in Chicago
- 3:15pmOur Time (Nuestro Tiempo)Maverick director Carlos Reygadas' latest, filmed at his Mexican ranch, offers an audacious fiction about an open marriage that goes sour.
- 3:30pmMidnight in ParisThe intense anticipation of prom week lights up this warmhearted, sometimes cheeky look at the teenagers of Flint, Michigan.
- 3:30pmThe Magic Life of VVeera becomes the hero of her own story by using LARPing (live-action role-playing) to escape and transcend her difficult everyday life.
- 4:00pmThe CommonsAn intrepid film crew takes us inside an intense battle over a Confederate monument on UNC-Chapel Hill’s public commons. Plays with "The Changing Same" (dirs. Michèle Stephenson & Joe Brewster; 2018; 21 min.)
- 4:30pmN/N: Tanjuska and the 7 DevilsWhen a 10-year-old girl stops speaking, her family desperately turns to an intimidating priest who claims she has seven demons inside her. Screens for free as a part of the Neither/Nor Film Series. Neither/Nor is presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences.
- 5:00pm'Now something is slowly changing'Spiritually adrift Dutch turn to therapy and coaches in this puckish, provocative look at self-help culture.
- 5:00pmSegunda VezThis radical reimagining of the biopic re-enacts the “happenings” and “anti-happenings” of Argentinian psychoanalyst Oscar Masotta.
- 5:30pmCaballerangoA haunted look into the soul of a rural Mexican town in the wake of the death of a horse wrangler.
- 6:00pmClosing Night ReceptionA common meal for all who attend Amazing Grace at Missouri Theatre. Ticket required; the film ticket includes the reception.
- 6:00pmAmerican FactoryDizzying, hilarious, and devastating, American Factoryis a landmark story of globalization. Presented by The District
- 6:00pmUntitled Amazing Johnathan DocumentaryA magician's final tour triggers a twisty-turny, cat-and-mouse, hall-of-mirrors, inside-out, funhouse game between subject and filmmaker.
- 7:00pmAmazing GraceAt peak stardom, Aretha Franklin goes back to her family’s gospel roots, live-recording at a Baptist church while backed by a famed community choir.
- 7:30pmHome, Sweet HomeA monumental achievement of long-term documentary filmmaking: 35 years in the life of Nao, whom doctors expected to die before she turned 20 years old. Presented by Boone Supported Living
- 7:30pmAPOLLO 11Our miraculous first trip to the moon is conjured through 70mm footage finally uncovered from the NASA vaults. Presented by Veterans United Home Loans
- 7:30pmThe Hottest AugustBrett Story's visionary look at New York City as it braces for an uncertain future. Supported by the Consulate General of Canada, Chicago
- 7:45pmCold Case HammarskjöldThis engrossing gonzo film starts as a hell-bent investigation of the death of the U.N. secretary-general in 1961 then takes on long-lingering mysteries on the African continent.
- 7:45pmIsland of the Hungry GhostsOn far-off Christmas Island, therapist Poh Lin Lee counsels immigrants who are detained while millions of red crabs enjoy free rein during mating season.
- 8:30pm
- 8:45pmOver the RainbowDirector Jeffrey Peixoto meets active members of the Church of Scientology in a mesmerizing exploration of our attraction to radical religion.
- 9:00pmBuskers Last StandLink arms with your festival friends and join True/False Buskers under the stars in The Sculpture Yard (and for those who prefer a quieter farewell, in the lobby of Missouri Theatre), as we throw an instant wake for T/F 2019 following the Q&A after Amazing Grace. No ticket required; open to all passholders.
- 9:00pmEncore: Mike Wallace is HereA festival fave brought back by popular demand for one final screening! Tickets are not available through passholder reservations, but can be picked up at the T/F Box Office starting at 9am on Sunday morning. There will be no Q&A following the screening. (Free for passholders, $12 for non-passholders at the Box Office & $14 at the Q.)
- 10:00pmHitt Rexx SessionsClassical guitar innovator Andreas Kapsalis and experimental composer Aaron Martin provide the perfect tonic after a weekend full of gleeful pandamonium. Free & open to the public, though donations are greatly appreciated!
- 12:30amToastedToasted is a free-wheeling talk show (with breakfast!) where Nic Rapold trades repartee with other critics for the Film Comment podcast. Event is free to all, breakfast is not.