As the Free Range Film Festival in rural Wrenshall turns five this week, it's a tad more savvy, with new sounds (they scored a vintage electric organ at a sale recently), new seating (with 40 original Norshore Theater chairs) and an added night of films (FinnFest just had to get in on the action).
The roots of the event remain true, however, and it will once again deliver a "farm-fresh alternative to stale cinema" in an historic barn.
The formula the crew uses for choosing films is simple and effective, resulting in a viewing schedule that is sharp, fun and thought-provoking. They define a Free Range Film as "any film, video or kinescope nurtured without the use of pesticides, growth hormones or a distribution deal from a fancy-pants Hollywood studio."
And it seems, there are plenty of quality films to be seen without those aforementioned qualities.
The 27 films to screen this Thursday-Saturday will provide theater-goers, er, "barn"-goers, a kaleidoscope of local, national and international works.
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From full-length feature films in cutting edge genres like 'mumblecore' to animated 'shorts' and documentaries, it truly offers something for everyone.
The festival will even feature an animated film by local Cloquet students who tell an adorable story of three fairies who refuse to live in a world without color. The girls created the film as part of the first-ever REEL Youth Film Festival this spring. Several other movies with Carlton County and regional ties will be shown as well.
So, head out to rural Wrenshall this weekend and catch some fresh flicks in a cool barn. And when you pull out the pocketbook to purchase your popcorn, ante up the $10 suggested donation, too, in order to ensure that this unique, local venue stays fresh for years to come.
- Lisa Baumann
For details about the festival, visit www.freerangefilm.com .
