The 48th Cleveland International Film Festival announces a slew of exciting celebratory happenings surrounding this year’s 11-day in-person Festival, taking place April 3-13 at Playhouse Square.
Following the conclusion of the festival, CIFF48 Streams, sponsored by PNC, will take place April 14-21 online. Tickets go on sale to CIFF members on Friday, March 15 and to the public on Friday, March 22. For information on CIFF and to see the festival lineup, visit clevelandfilm.org.
CIFF CINEMA PREVIEW EVENTS
Leading up to this year’s Festival, CIFF is hosting three Cinemas Preview events giving film enthusiasts a sneak peek at some of the films that will be on screen at CIFF48. Each event will feature previews of select trailers of films in this year’s lineup, as well as complimentary film vouchers, Film Guides, and light snacks.
All events are free and open to the public.
Tuesday, March 19, 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
2355 E 89th St | Cleveland | 44106
Sponsored by: Equius
In partnership with: Karamu House, Greater Cleveland Urban Film Festival, and Fairfax Renaissance Develop.m.ent Corporation
Reservations are required:
eventbrite.com/e/ciff48-black-cinema-preview-sponsored-by-equius-tickets-854792396067
Saturday, March 23
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
2999 Payne Ave | Cleveland | 44114
In partnership with: OCA Greater Cleveland Chapter, Li Wah, Cleveland Asian Festival, and MidTown Cleveland
No reservations are required.
CELEBRATING THE SOLAR ECLIPSE
On April 8ta total solar eclipse will cross North America with the Cleveland area in the direct path of totality. In celebration, CIFF48 has partnered with Great Lakes Science Center to host special event film screenings and panel discussions as part of their Total Eclipse Fest, taking place April 6-8. These special events are free and open to the public, and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
SUNDAY, APRIL 7
MAESTRA
11 a.m. (88 minutes) Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater at Great Lakes Science Center
Directed by Maggie Contreras
Produced by Maggie Contreras, Neil Berkeley, Emma West, Melanie Miller, Lauren Lexton
Filmmaker Maggie Contreras follows five female conductors from different backgrounds as they compete in the first all-women competition for conducting.
The event will also include a post-film Q&A with the film’s director, Maggie Contreras. Following the Q&A, join in the festivities at Great Lakes Science Center where the Cleveland Orchestra will perform at 1:30 p.m.
On Monday, April 8, following the solar eclipse, Total Eclipse Fest attendees are invited to a free screening of CIFF48 film SMALL TOWN UNIVERSE.
MONDAY, APRIL 8
SMALL TOWN UNIVERSE
5 p.m. (90 minutes) Cleveland Clinic DOME Theater at Great Lakes Science Center
Directed by Katie Dellamaggiore
Produced by Katie Dellamaggiore, Nelson Dellamaggiore, Tracie Holder
Green Bank, West Virginia is the only place in the United States where cell phones and WiFi are not allowed, as they would interfere with the world-famous radio telescope with its sights set on the stars. Meet the residents and scientists who live side by side in the latest from CIFF alum Katie Dellamaggiore.
The event will also include a post-film Q&A with the film’s director, Katie Dellamaggiore and featured subject, Ellie White.
CIFF RETRO
The Festival is thrilled to introduce its newest program designed to celebrate retrospective films–CIFF Retro. The program features screenings of some of CIFF’s most talked about films, as well as eclipse-inspired blockbuster hits, giving film enthusiasts the opportunity to revisit or see these audience favorites for the first time.
Tickets for films in CIFF Retro are at a discounted price of $5.
CIFF RETRO SPECIAL SCREENINGS:
- MATT SHEPARD IS A FRIEND OF MINE
o Directed by Michele Josue
o Produced by Liam McNiff, Michele Josue
o Sunday, April 7 at 4:50 p.m. | Connor Palace
o Guests in attendance: Director Michele Josue, Featured Subjects Judy and Dennis Shepard
- 9TO5: STORY OF A MOVEMENT
o Directed by Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert
o Produced by Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert
o Wednesday, April 10 at 5:10 p.m. | KeyBank State Theatre
o Guests in attendance: Director Steven Bognar, Featured Subjects Anne Hill and more
CIFF RETRO ECLIPSE SCREENINGS:
- TWILIGHT SAGA: ECLIPSE
o Directed by David Slade
o Produced by Wyck Godfrey, Karen Rosenfelt
o Monday, April 8 at 6:00 p.m. | KeyBank State Theatre
- Comedy Shorts Retro Program
o Monday, April 8 at 6:15 p.m. | Upper Allen
- COHERENCE
o Directed by James Ward Byrkit
o Produced by Lene Bausager
o Monday, April 8 at 8:30 p.m. | Mimi Ohio Theatre
CELEBRATING JULIA REICHERT: HER LIFE AND LEGACY
The Cleveland International Film Festival is honored to present a special tribute to the late and remarkable documentary filmmaker Julia Reichert. Taking place Thursday, April 11 at 4:55 p.m. in the Connor Palace, the event will consist of three new documentary short films from Julia’s long-time partner Steven Bognar. Through never-before-seen footage of her life and work, the program will celebrate the legacy and spirit of Julia. Special guests will be invited to share remarks alongside Steven throughout the program.
The Cleveland International Film Festival is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Also, the Cleveland International Film Festival is made possible in part by state tax dollars allocated by the Ohio Legislature to the Ohio Arts Council (OAC). The OAC is a state agency that funds and supports quality arts experiences to strengthen Ohio communities culturally, educationally, and economically.
