May 17, 2026 12:00 pm
Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Joybubbles”: Cinetopia International Film Festival

May 1317. This annual festival features narrative feature-length films and documentaries that recently premiered at international festivals such as Sundance and Berlin. Screenings are over 5 days at 2 local venues: Michigan Theater (Michigan) & State Theatre (State). Individual tickets, TBA; festival passes, $125–$150; in advance online at marquee-arts.org/cinetopia & at the Michigan Theater, and at the door.

“Joybubbles” (Rachael J. Morrison, 2025). Documentary about a blind Virginia boy with absolute pitch, who, in the 1950s, discovers he can control the global telephone system simply by whistling a specific tone, sparking a subculture that shapes the future of hacking and modern technology. Michigan (Sun. noon).

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