Cleveland International Film Festival gets a taste of Akron with four movies
The 48th Cleveland International Film Festival will have a bit of Akron on its screens when it begins April 3 at Playhouse Square.
Four films of note will shine on screens in the historic district’s theater, including those from an Akron music legend and another from a popular rock band set to set things ablaze with the release of a new album. Both will have prominent places in the festival.
“This is a Film About The Black Keys,” a documentary directed by Jeff Dupre will debut at 7:30 p.m., April 5 at the KeyBank State Theatre and “Devo,” a film that won raves at the Sundance Film Festival will close the festivities at 7:30 p.m. at the Connor Palace Theatre.
The four films focus on music and athletics through unique perspectives.
'All You Hear is Noise'
(7:25 p.m., April 4; 12:10 p.m., April 5, Connor Palace Theatre)
Produced by LeBron James and Maverick Carter’s SpringHill Productions, this documentary looks at the Special Olympics through the eyes of athletes Trent Hampton, Melanie Holmes and Chris Wines as the compete in the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. But it also examines the challenges they face every day as they try to navigate everyday life. Directed by Ned Castle and Matt Day.
'This is a Film About the Black Keys'
(7:35 p.m., April 5, KeyBank State Theatre)
Akron’s native sons of rock ‘n’ roll get the documentary treatment from Dupre who takes the audience through more than 20 years with the band led by guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney along with its ups and downs and evolution from club band to one that sells out arenas nationwide. It possesses authenticity and, of course, great music.
'False Positive'
(4:55 p.m., April 6 and 2:20 p.m., April 11, Connor Palace)
Directed by Ismail Al-Amin, this ESPN Films production looks at the career of Akron native Butch Reynolds and how his prestigious (winner of a silver and gold medal in the 1988 Olympics, world record holder) and lucrative track career was ruined by a drug test that falsely showed he tested positive for steroids.
'Devo'
(7:30 p.m., April 13, Connor Palace)
Before The Black Keys made waves with its blues-tinged rock, Devo, led by Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale, this Akron-based band took its theory of devolution gave it a techno synth soundtrack and political message and produced gold. Director Chris Smith’s film looks at the band’s origin and its lasting effect. The film earned rave reviews from the likes of “Variety” after premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. It helps to highlight why Devo belongs in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame just up I-77 in downtown Cleveland.
More: Akron native Mark Mothersbaugh lends '80s sensibilities to 'Cocaine Bear' soundtrack
How to purchase Cleveland International Film Festival tickets
Members can purchase tickets in advance for films. The general public can buy tickets beginning Friday at clevelandfilm.org, where the schedule of films can also be seen. Note: a spokeswoman said the screening for “Devo” is garnering a lot of interest from members.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland International Film Festival gets a taste of Akron
