Twin Cities Film Fest 2020 to Showcase 70+ Movies Online and in Person. Opens with BLACK BOYS Documentary

Poet and activist Malcolm London in the documentary “Black Boys” directed by Sonia Lowman.

Twin Cities Film Fest, set to run October 22-31 via a ‘Hybrid’ format opens on October 22 with the acclaimed documentary Black Boys, an intimate, inter-generational story that offers profound insight into black identity and opportunity at the nexus of sports, education and criminal justice.

This year’s closing night selection is Nomadland, Chloe Zhao’s festival award-winning drama starring Frances McDormand as a displaced widow who chooses a nomadic lifestyle. The film won the coveted people’s choice award at the Toronto International Film Festival, instantly catapulting it into the Oscar conversation.

This year’s 11th anniversary edition of the festival will include online on-demand streaming through TwinCitiesFilmFest.org as well as select distanced screenings at the Kerasotes ShowPlace ICON Theatres at The Shops at West End.

2020 selections include Sound of Metal, Darius Marder’s directorial debut, which features a powerful performance from actor, rapper, and activist Riz Ahmed; Sylvie’s Love, Eugene Ashe’s new Harlem romance starring Tessa Thompson; and Uncle Frank, a comedy featuring an all-star cast including Paul Bettany, Steve Zahn and Sophia Lillis.

Every year, the Twin Cities Film Fest identifies a Social Justice Cause and programs a special series of films to call attention to a specific social issue. This year’s cause is “affordable living” and the film series includes stories spotlighting housing, healthcare, childcare and eldercare. Through the generosity of local companies (Spire Credit Union, Dominium Apartments, City of St. Louis Park and AARP Minnesota), all films in the Changemaker Series will be presented free to all viewers. Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan is being presented with the 2020 TCFF Changemaker Award at the festivals’ Virtual Gala (Oct 2^nd – 4^th) in recognition of her work towards affordability.

“There was never a doubt that TCFF was going to take place this year,” said Jatin Setia, TCFF’s Executive Director. “We know the positive impact that film arts, independent storytelling, and unique perspectives can have on the fabric of our culture and community. We wanted to lean into the opportunities and hit ‘fast forward’ on what our organization could bring to the wider arts conversation during this most difficult year. I’m so proud of my team and our supporters in making sure that TCFF not only happens this unprecedented year, but it leaps forward and innovates new ways to bring a cinematic community together to share a vision — and a conversation.”

2020 TWIN CITIES FILM FEST SCHEDULE

In Theater Films: ICON Theaters

(Only Available to Sponsors, Donors and Members)
(Reservation Required)

Thursday Oct 22nd
Black Boys, Sonia Lowman – 6pm and 8pm

Friday Oct 23rd
Sound of Metal, Darius Marder – 6pm and 8:45pm

Saturday Oct 24th
Sylvie’s Love, Eugene Ashe – 6pm and 8:45pm

Friday Oct 30th
Herself, Phyllida Lloyd – 6:30pm
Uncle Frank, Alan Ball – 8:30pm

Saturday Oct 31st
Nomadland, Chloé Zhao – 6pm and 8:30pm

Special Streaming Events on TCFF Website

Sunday Oct 25th
Inside Lets Deal Live, Steve Zahn/Rick Gomez – 5:30pm
The New Corporation: The Unfortunately Necessary Sequel, Jennifer Abbott/Joel Bakan – 7pm

Monday Oct 26th
Definition Please, Sujata Day – 7pm

Tuesday Oct 27th
Hollywood Fringe, Megan Huber, Wyatt McDill – 7pm

Wednesday Oct 28th
Through The Night, Loira Limbal – 7pm

Thursday Oct 29th
Women In Blue, Deirdre Fishel – 7pm

Saturday Oct 31st
Black Boys, Sonia Lowman – 5pm