Cinema Showdown

BIG SCREEN CHUTZPAH

Kicking off this week of movie madness, the Tucson International Jewish Film Festival is celebrating its 24th year beginning on Thursday, Jan. 15. The ten-day movie event will have its opening night event at The Loft featuring the film "Little White Lie." Filmmaker Lacey Schwartz will be at the screening of her film, which examines race, religion, and identity through the story of one family. Tickets for the opening night event are $10

Other films on the festival line-up include Gabriela Bohm's new film "Raquel: A Marked Woman," the documentary "The Outrageous Sophie Tucker," and "Broken Branches." With 19 different movies, there's plenty to see during the event with insightful Q&A opportunities throughout. Best of all, you can even get free popcorn at every screening.

The Tucson International Jewish Film Festival, which runs Jan. 15 until 24, will screen a range of award-winning films from all over the world in different venues around town. For a full list of films, showtimes, locations, and to buy tickets, visit www.tucsonjewishfilmfestival.org.

SUPER CINEMA SATURDAY

Saturday, Jan. 17 is really shaping up to be a busy day for Tucson's devoted movie nerds:

•SCARE THE PANTS OFF OF YOU

If you're a horror fan, you'll want to head to The Screening Room for the Arizona premier of Meet Me There. Austin-based director Lex Lybrand will be presenting his film, which he classifies as a hard R, despite being unrated technically. If you're wondering what hard R means exactly, think plenty of naughty words, naked people, violence and illicit substances. All of that isn't really surprising when you find out the movie is about a couple trying to resolve issues in the bedroom with a visit to the better half's messed up hometown. In fact, the plot pretty much demands some risqué content. The screening will begin at 8 p.m. and tickets are available online in advance for $8 via www.screeningroomtucson.com.

•SONG AND DANCE ... AND FILM

However, maybe you'd prefer to spend your Saturday in a little less tense circumstances. Over at Exploded View, the micro-cinema crew has ended their winter holiday hiatus and is back in action with experimental works that blend film and live performances. Filmmakers Jeremy Moss and Patrick Cain will be in town for the night with a program featuring local violinist and composer Vicki Brown, analog tape mixing, and "dynamic abstract dance." Tickets are just $5 for the one-of-a-kind night with the show starting at 7:30 p.m.

•AND ONE MOORE

Last but not least, The Loft is offering the opportunity to ask infamous documentary maker Michael Moore a question via Skype at the screening of his flick "Roger & Me." As a celebration of the film's 25th anniversary, you can revisit General Motors chairman Roger Smith courtesy of Moore's now iconic caustic wit and humor. If you haven't seen the film yet, this is the perfect opportunity to see why Moore has become the household name he is today. The movie starts at 7 p.m. with the Q&A to follow the screening. You can snag tickets in advance by visiting www.loftcinema.org.

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