Observer Editor
61st Annual Ann Arbor Film Festival.
Mar. 21–26. The oldest and one of the most prestigious avant-garde film festivals in North America, showcasing new experimental and independent films in a wide range of genres. Also, “Off the Screen” round-table discussions, exhibits, and parties (see aaFilmFest.org for full schedule). Tickets: $150 (buy before Mar. 1, $125; members, students, & seniors, $100) for the entire festival; $85 (buy before Mar. 1, $75) for weekend passes, or $60 (buy before Mar. 1, $60) for an online-only pass in advance at aafilmfest.org. $12 (students, seniors, & members, $8) per screening at the door. All feature films eligible for online viewing are available Mar. 21–29. 995–5356. Michigan Theater (except as noted), various times.
Mar. 23: “Blood of the Family Tree.” Experimental animated film by festival juror Christine Panushka that explores hidden family history, disease, and ties to the past. 1 p.m., State Theatre.
“Berbu: The Wedding Parade.” Sevinaz Evdike’s competition drama about 3 young Kurdish women planning their weddings in a city threatened by war. 5 p.m., State Theatre.
“Sam Green: 32 Sounds” See 23 Thursday Events listing. 5:30 p.m.
“Remembrance/Vacancy: The Films of Edward Owens.” Screening of late-1960s short films by the Black NYC experimental filmmaker Owens. Followed by discussion with program curator Emily Martin and U-M film professor Jessica Ruffin. 7 p.m., State Theatre.
“Films in Competition 4.” Highlights include electricity pylons, meat processors, mysteries that heal wounds, and the spirits of space test dogs. 7:30 p.m.
“Radical Curiosity: Short Films by Sam Green.” Screening of short documentaries (2000-2021) about Hells Angels, pet cemeteries, fog, and experimental music by Green, who’s known for feature documentaries that include The Weather Underground (2003) and 32 Sounds (2022). 9 p.m., State Theatre.
“Films in Competition 5.” A program highlighting LGBTQ+ films submitted this year includes films about growing up in rural Wales, research in bioarchaeology, and a visit to the grocery store. 9:30 p.m.
