Screen Saviors
10/14-10/20
Downtown scores a world-class film festival this week, thanks to the Film Society of Greater Kansas City. More than 35 movies from around the world, including several from our sister cities in France, Italy and Wales, screen along with local filmmakers’ works and a big-studio premiere at FilmFest Kansas City. We’re hitting the red carpet for the Midwest opening of Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang, starring Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer and directed by Shane Black (who wrote the Lethal Weapon series). And local film director Don Maxwell presents his short feature based on an Ambrose Bierce story, One Kind of Officer, which was shot entirely in the Kansas City area and will be part of the soon-to-be-released feature Civil War Stories.
Even the Chucky Lou A/V Club gets in on the highbrow action with two decidedly lowbrow compilations, courtesy of Austin’s Alamo Drafthouse, 100 Best Kills! and 100 Best Sex Scenes!
Tickets can be purchased at the door at Screenland (1656 Washington). Single tickets are $8 ($6 for seniors and students); four-packs of tickets go for $25, and a full festival pass is $45. For schedules and more information, see www.filmkc.org or www.screenland.com. — Tim Henningsen
Going Out
Want to hear about gay history in KC? Get on the bus.
THU 10/13
The 1950s: Suburban sprawl is changing the landscape; everyone loves their new televisions; and wholesome couples party at the Jewel Box, near Troost and Linwood, where, thanks to the Mafia, they enjoy the best drag queens around. That’s historic Kansas City, despite laws that forbade homosexuals from congregating. “There’s been a lot happening here that people don’t know about,” says Tobi Leuthardt, who, as student services coordinator for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender services at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, helps Communiversity put on its second Uncovering Our Past tour on Thursday. A gay bar scene that flourished on account of kickbacks that provided mob protection from police raids is just the beginning of a story that covers the formation of early gay rights organizations and much more.
The 7 p.m. bus trip departs from UMKC’s University Center (5000 Rockhill Road). Seating is limited, and there’s a small fee for non-UMKC students. Call Communiversity (816-235-1448) for more information. — Kate Smith
Roll With It
Here’s how to avoid a first-date flop.
ONGOING
Sushi’s trendy, but trying to eat one of the big rolls can be problematic. Say you’re on a first date, staring at a generously proportioned, spicy tuna roll. Try taking that thing down in two bites and half of it’ll end up on your lap (amateur, he’s thinking); shove the entire thing in your mouth and Mr. Wonderful is left to enjoy dinner with Chubby Chipmunk Cheeks. It’s not fun. Trust us. Instead, invite your new love to Fuji Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar (556 Westport Road), which offers sushi-making classes every Saturday from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. You’ll learn how to make date-appropriate bites — together. Admission is $40; call 816-561-3888 for reservations. — Annie Fischer
Perfect Harmony
SAT 10/15
We’ve found a cure for bias, bigotry and racism: Take a walk. The newly merged HarmonyNCCJ, which combines the local pro-diversity organization Harmony with the National Conference for Community and Justice, hosts the Walk as One 5K. The goal is to unite seemingly disparate groups of Kansas Citians for a hike around Theis Park (Oak and 47th Street). Registration is at 8 a.m.; the walk starts at 9. Call 816-333-5059 or see www.nccjkc.org. — Rebecca Braverman
