A small robot desperately wants to venture off his desktop in "Stretch"
Polson prepares to celebrate its fourth annual Flathead Lake International Cinemafest, or FLIC for short, Jan. 22-24 at the Showboat Cinema. Film screenings begin at 8 p.m. Friday and continue through the awards/closing party on Sunday. Filmmakers are often on hand for post-screening Q&A sessions.
Last year’s event was recognized as one of the top 15 Winter Film Festivals in the U.S. by the Audience Awards. This year’s festival continues that tradition of excellence with a variety of full-length features, shorts, animated films, and documentaries from around the world. This year’s entries come from Australia, Canada, Spain, Korea, Germany, India, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
Several standout films have caught the eyes of FLIC judges this year, including:
• The Flathead Lakers-sponsored film, “Driven: A Glimpse Inside the World of Marathon Swimming,” a documentary about marathon swimmers and their breathtaking challenges, trials, heartaches and accomplishments;
• “The Galloping Vet,” an unexpectedly nutty Turkish comedy about a veterinarian who’s on the lookout for a special elixir for animals;
• “Rising Voices,” which effectively warns of the imminent peril to the Lakota language, culture and history; and
• The delightful animated short, “Stretch,” which tells the heartfelt story of a small robot who desperately wants to venture off his desktop home to see the big, beautiful world.
FLIC kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday with an Opening Night Party at KwaTaqNuk Resort. This year’s theme is “Cinema Royale – 00FLIC,” and attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite James Bond attire (hero or villain). Screenings begin at 8 p.m. at the Showboat.
The festival continues Saturday morning with a screening of a free family movie; attendees are encouraged to show up in pajamas and enjoy a free breakfast served by the Polson Rotary Club.
The festival closes on Sunday with an Awards Show. Other special events include the After Party, 9 p.m. Saturday at the Vine and Tap.
Tickets are $105 for an all-event pass; tickets to individual events and screenings are also available. Call 883-2248 or visit www.flicpolson.com for details.