The Freep Film Festival, the Free Press’s annual documentary film festival, features two short programs Saturday, a live recording of a popular radio show, a documentary about a prolific novelist who made Metro Detroit his home, and a host of other programs. Information on all films is available at www.freepfilmfestival.com.
In addition to the personal films listed below, several of this year’s film screenings at the festival are available for online streaming.
Here are just a few of Saturday’s festival offerings:
‘The Treatment’ live recording
Elvis Mitchell, a former film critic for the Detroit Free Press, will host a live recording of his radio show, The Treatment, known for Mitchell’s interviews with some of the most influential figures in art, entertainment, sports and fashion. Mitchell’s guest will be legendary actor Laurence Fishburne, who stars in Mitchell’s debut film, Is That Black Enough for You?!?. The nationally syndicated show and popular podcast is produced by KCRW, NPR’s flagship Los Angeles network, and aired on WDET-FM in Detroit. WDET is a partner of the event. Mitchell holds the position of Bob Allison (Allesee) Endowed Chair in Media at WSU, effective May 2023.
7 p.m. tonight, April 29, Detroit Film Theater at the Detroit Institute of ArtsTickets and more info here.
“Elmore Leonard: But try not to write”
Elmore Leonard, author of more than 40 novels, is well known in the literary scene. The documentary ELMORE LEONARD: ‘But Don’t Try to Write’ explores the prolific author’s legacy and his impact on generations of writers. The film includes exclusive images and previously unreleased footage, family photos and in-depth interviews with literary experts and those who knew him well, including colleagues, family and childhood friends.
After the movie: ML Elrick of The Free Press speaks with John Mulholland, the film’s writer and director, Richard Zampella, the film’s editor and producer, and Peter Leonard, novelist and son of Elmore Leonard.
Today, April 29, 3 p.m., Michigan Science Center (IMAX Theater)
Tickets and more information here.
“Shorts #1: Creative Guys”
These short films put artists from Detroit and Michigan in the spotlight. They work with wood, with paint, with their imagination. Among the featured artists were muralist Sydney James, actor Daron Colbert, visual artist Senghor Reid and woodworker Dan Baker from Northern Michigan.
After the movie: Freep Film Festival co-founder and 2023 short film programmer Steve Byrne speaks to the filmmakers.
Tickets and more information here.
Short film #4: Our Voices, Our Communities
Both behind the camera and on screen, female voices play a major role in this collection of short films, touching on the notions of community and hearing in different ways.
After the movies: Kayla Cockrel, Web Editor at Free Press, speaks to the filmmakers.
8 p.m., Tonight, Ari 29, Michigan Science Center (Planetarium)
Tickets and more information here.
“With Peter Bradley”
79-year-old and overlooked since the 1970s, abstract painter Peter Bradley reflects on life and shares his artistic process on the cusp of his rediscovery. A pioneering artist, Bradley had spent some of his formative years in Detroit. Bradley built an incredible resume early in his career, but then fell on hard times. When filmmaker Alex Rappoport met Peter Bradley in 2020, he hadn’t had a big show in over four decades, but he still painted every day.
After the film: Free Press writer Georgea Kovanis speaks with director Alex Rappoport.
Today, April 29, 2 p.m., Michigan Science Center (Planetarium)
Tickets and more information here.
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