Schedule of the Event:

June 24, 2025

The Librarians – FILM

Run time: 1h 28m
Directed by Kim A. Snyder

ABOUT THE FILM
In Texas, the Krause List targets 850 books focused on race and LGBTQia+ stories – triggering sweeping book bans across the U.S. at an unprecedented rate. As tensions escalate, librarians connect the dots from heated school and library board meetings nationwide to lay bare the underpinnings of White Christian Nationalism fueling the censorship efforts. Despite facing harassment, threats, and laws aimed at criminalizing their work – the librarians’ rallying cry for freedom to read is a chilling cautionary tale.

Presented in partnership with the University of Kansas Libraries and Lawrence Public Library.

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June 25, 2025

Janis Ian: Breaking Silence – FILM AND MUSIC

At the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the mid-1960s, teenage singer-songwriter Janis Ian’s hit song about an interracial relationship, “Society’s Child,” launched her illustrious career but also ignited controversy. Over the next six decades, Ian jammed with Jimi Hendrix, partied with Janis Joplin, and played duets with Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. But she also had to work to overcome the stigma of her debut, homophobia, record industry misogyny, and a life-threatening illness to produce an indelible body of work that continues to draw large audiences around the globe. With access to Ian’s incredible body of music, her vast archive, family, friends, famed collaborators, and music journalists, this in-depth documentary balances the intimacy of a home movie against a sweeping historical and contemporary context.

This screening will be followed by a tribute concert led by Kirsten Paludan presented in partnership with the Lawrence Music Alliance.

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June 26, 2025

Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted – FILM AND MUSIC

FILM SCREENING, Q&A + PERFORMANCE BY SWAMP DOGG

ABOUT THE FILM
Hidden away deep in the suburban San Fernando Valley, legendary cult musician Swamp Dogg, alongside housemates Moogstar and Guitar Shorty, has transformed his home into an artistic playground. This documentary film follows the group as they navigate the tumultuous waves of the music industry, and forge a wonderfully bizarre and inspiring path across time and space.

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June 27, 2025

Short Film Trio – FILM

Experience a thoughtful evening of short film and conversation! We’ll screen three films and sit down with the filmmakers for engaging Q&As.

Stalking the Bogeyman (9min) directed by Markus Potter & Jack Dorfman
The true story of investigative journalist David Holthouse who plots to kill the man who sexually abused him when he was seven years old. A reconstruction of the intended murder and outcome, blending live-action, animation, and documentary elements. Based on the Outer Critics Circle Award nominated Off-Broadway play.

The Hope Chest Has a Secret Drawer (14min) written and directed by Laura Frenzer
What happens when you forget to forget? A stressed daughter working tirelessly to reach her mother lost in an Alzheimer’s haze accidentally uncovers a dark family secret. Produced and edited by a women-led team, including Lawrence native, Siobhan O’Neill.

Trauma: The New Epidemic (33min) directed by Backer Hamada & Matt Jacobson
This short documentary follows the journey of Dr. Abiy Worku and Dr. Solomon Goshu, two trauma surgeons from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, as they participate in the African Trauma Initiative, a revolutionary international physician fellowship program in Kansas City, Kansas. Together, they take on the challenge of combating the epidemic of orthopedic trauma affecting their homeland.

Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

Price: $12

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An Evening with Todd Barry – IDEAS

Enjoy an evening of stand up comedy live on the Arts Center stage! Todd Barry has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, The Late Show with David Letterman, Conan and Late Night with Seth Meyers. His acting credits include the feature films The Wrestler and Road Trip. He has also starred in several television series such as Flight of the Concords, Chappelle’s Show, Spin City, Sex and the City and many more. You may have heard his voice on the animated series Bob’s Burgers, Dr. Katz, Professional Therapist, and Aqua Teen Hunger Force.

Todd has released four one-hour stand-up specials including his latest one, Domestic Shorthair, is the author of the critically-acclaimed 2017 travel memoir Thank You For Coming To Hattiesburg.

Time: 8:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Price: $25

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June 28, 2025

Ninth Street – FILM

As a continuation of the Kevin Willmott Film Festival, we’re proud to partner with KU Department of Film & Media Studies to present a double bill of films by Oscar winner Kevin Willmott. First up- Ninth Street!

ABOUT THE FILM
Set in Junction City, Kansas (sometimes called ‘Junk Town’), this early film by Kevin Willmott reflects on the history of East Ninth Street during the 1940s when famous jazz musicians played the nightclubs. In 1968, the area deteriorated into strip clubs and cheap bars where Vietnam War draftees from nearby Fort Riley stop and drink. The strong ensemble cast features in this independent film memorable roles by Don Washington, Isaac Hayes, Queen Bey, Kaycee Moore and many others- including Martin Sheen!

Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Location: Lawrence Arts Center

Price: $12

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The Battle for Bunker Hill – FILM

As a continuation of the Kevin Willmott Film Festival, we’re proud to partner with KU Department of Film & Media Studies to present a double bill of films by Oscar winner Kevin Willmott. Second in the lineup- The Battle for Bunker Hill!

ABOUT THE FILM
Peter Salem, a former Wall Street executive recently released from prison, returns to his ex-wife and children in the small town of Bunker Hill, Kansas. Soon after he arrives, the town’s electricity and power are shut off, and there is no way to communicate with authorities outside of town. The town’s militant past is reawakened and forces coalesce to protect citizens from an unseen enemy. The town’s fear leads to the creation of a posse of gunmen, resulting in torture, illegal searches and eventually, murder, against which Salem must stand.

Time: 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm

Location: Lawrence Arts Center

Price: $12

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A Taste of Cinema: Culinary Pairings – FILM

Put away the popcorn and bring out the crackers and veggies… We’re dipping into a smooth selection of light comedies, heavy dramas, and experimental works of art paired with tasty selections of spreadable goodness.

Short film selections:

25 Movements (5min) by Mari Watson Walker
Imperfecta (6min) by Davis DeRock & Chad Crenshaw
Lost in Translation (3min) by Yachan Yuan
Ya Hanouni (3min) by Lyna Tadount & Sofian Chouaib
[Subtext] (11min) by Erin Brown Thomas

Time: 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Location: 10th & Mass Studios

Price: $25

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June 29, 2025

Free Leonard Peltier – FILM

Film Screening + Q&A with Director Jesse Short Bull & Producer Jhane Myers.

Directed by Jesse Short Bull (Lakota Nation vs. the United States) and David France (How To Survive a Plague, The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson, and Welcome to Chechnya), and produced by Bird Runningwater. Leonard Peltier, one of the surviving leaders of the American Indian Movement, had been in prison for 50 years following a contentious conviction. A new generation of Native activists committed to winning his freedom before he dies.

Time: 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm

Price: $12

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Hot Dogs for Breakfast with Jeff Eaton – IDEAS

Meet us in the gallery for art, dogs and conversation with exhibiting artist (and Split Lip Rayfield musician) Jeff Eaton. Not your traditional artist. Not your traditional art talk.

ABOUT THE ARTIST
Borrowing from vintage advertising, carnival aesthetic, and car/tattoo culture, Jeff Eaton, AKA Pride of Gumbo, employs traditional sign painting techniques to make bold and colorful works, while keeping it lighthearted and off-beat. Like the hot dog, this exhibition is a combination of parts and pieces that might be overlooked or discarded on their own, but when refined and exquisitely combined into the sweet casing, the viewer’s experience is nothing short of a fulfilling delight.

Time: 2:30 pm - 3:30 pm

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Split Lip Rayfield: Never Make It Home – FILM

In collaboration with the Kaw River Roots Festival’s Split Lip Rayfield 30th Anniversary Celebration, we are proud to present a screening of the documentary, Split Lip Rayfield: Never Make it Home followed by a Q&A.

4pm: Music by Frightened Stag with Special Guests
4:30pm: Film Screening
6:00pm: Q&A

ABOUT THE FILM
Kirk Rundstrom is the electric, hell-raising singer/guitarist of the band Split Lip Rayfield, and he’s been given two months to live. Set across America’s heartland, this moving documentary captures the rowdy, heart-wrenching, and ultimately joyous performances of Kirk Rundstrom’s “Final Tour” where each show was played as it would be the last.

Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm

Price: $12

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Date: June 24-29, 2025

Locations:
Lawrence Arts Center, 940 New Hampshire Street, Lawrence, KS 66044
10th & Mass Studios, 1000 Massachusetts St Suite D, Lawrence, KS 66044

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