What does it mean to foster a chosen family? To find a community so welcoming, it becomes another unit of intimacy altogether? For film producer Edgar Rosa, it meant cultivating a hub of artistry at an early age. Born in California, but raised in Iowa, Rosa was involved with the Des Moines Playhouse by age […]
FilmScene
Posted inArts & Entertainment
On the Big, Big Screen: Five movies you’ve gotta go see in local theaters this month
LV film columnist Benjamin McElroy recommends five screenings happening this month at Iowa’s independent movie theaters.
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Iowa’s indie theaters have a flurry of David Lynch screenings in store for February
“Believe it or not, the answer is yes, I do have a fondness for David Lynch,” begins Ben Godar, Executive Director of Varsity Cinema in Des Moines. Losing Lynch, who passed away on Jan. 15, 2025, has highlighted just how many people agree with this sentiment.
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Little Big Screen: ‘The Beast,’ ‘The Substance’ and more of 2024’s best movies to stream and go see
Little Big Screen has the best of both screens from the year that almost was. First up, five new-release recs sitting and waiting to be streamed on your own little big screen. Then five could-be bests that’ll be making their way to the big, big screen before the year ends. That adds up to 10 movies. Just like you want from a “best of the year” thing.
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Are film critics artists? Of course! Jonathan Rosenbaum and Marya E. Gates compare ideas on what makes a good movie — and a good movie review
During last month’s Refocus Film Festival, Little Village film columnist Ariana Martinez had the opportunity to chat with renowned film critics Jonathan Rosenbaum and Marya E. Gates in a panel entitled “Writing on Film.” The trio’s discussion ranged from career highlights and how to approach interviewing different directors to what it means to call yourself […]
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Deliberately scratched frames, disquieting docs, dreamy shots of Iowa: Reviews of 10 films featured at Refocus
It is officially a wrap on the 2024 Refocus Film Festival, which means it is time to unpack all I was able to see and experience following opening night.
Posted inRecreation
Bumper Crops: You don’t have to bowl to ball at SpareMe, home of plentiful pinball machines and friendly competition
October Pinball TournamentSpareMe Bowling & Arcade, Wednesday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m. As an increasingly older, increasingly grumpy Iowa City townie, I have never been more hesitant to write a glowing review of a place. But my god, if you haven’t been hanging out at SpareMe, especially on Wednesdays, what are you even doing with your […]
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There are 52 quintillion versions of the ‘Eno’ documentary. Iowans will see two of them this week.
The new documentary about glam rocker, pop producer and non-musician Brian Eno has been dubbed the “first generative feature film.” No two viewings are ever one and the same.
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Iowa is steeped in cinema history — and historic cinemas. But keeping an indie theater ticking isn’t easy
In Tommy Haines’ and Andrew Sherburne’s 2017 documentary Saving Brinton, Iowa history teach Mike Zahs discovers a treasure trove of old film reels in a farm basement, including rare footage of Teddy Roosevelt and a never-before-seen film by Georges Méliès (A Trip to the Moon, The Impossible Voyage). Zahs then embarks on an international odyssey […]
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Harper Steele shares thoughts on camping chairs, clothes shopping, growing up in Iowa City and having a love-hate relationship with home as ‘Will & Harper’ hits FilmScene
Joy can often be found in the most unassuming places. In roadside diners, biker bars, even parking lots. It’s nestled between our relationships with friends, family and even the strangers one tries to make laugh.
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Refocus Film Festival’s second year displays ‘very promising’ trajectory for future
The fall film festival season is upon us, and thanks to the dedicated organizers at FilmScene, Iowa finally has a venue to participate. This year’s Refocus Film Festival provided Hawkeye State cinephiles the chance to see exciting films, hear from a panoply of artists and bolster a thriving community of people whose passion has been […]
Posted inArts & Entertainment
Werner Herzog joins John Irving in lineup for Refocus Film Festival
Organizers announced on Friday that renowned film director Werner Herzog (Aguirre, the Wrath of God, Fitzcarraldo, Grizzly Man, Cave of Forgotten Dreams) is coming to Iowa City as part of the Refocus Film Festival, Infinite Dream and the Iowa City Book Festival on Sunday, Oct. 15. His appearance, scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Englert […]
