Director: Various
USA – 75 Minutes
Riverview Theater : Tickets
Urban Explorers: Into the Darkness - Preview - Melody Gilbert / 10 min.
Police think they are terrorists but urban explorers are actually a growing subculture of adventure seekers from around the world who explore places where most people would never dream of going.They crawl through storm drains, wander around raded tourist attractions, and rappel into long-forgotten US government sites. Some do it for the thrill of being where they’re not supposed to be and not knowing what lies ahead. Others do it to document history that is about to be demolished. We follow them on their “missions” to abandoned
mental hospitals, the former “House of the Future” in Orlando, and even the catacombs
in Paris. Will they get in? What will they find? Will they get arrested?
The Red Tail - Preview
Dawn Mikkelson / 7 min.
The Red Tail is a feature-length documentary film that looks beyond the headlines of the historic struggle between Northwest Airlines and the workers whose loyalty and dedication built the company. From a three-plane company
in 1926, Northwest Airlines has become the fourth largest airline in world.Through a combination of personal stories of mechanics, flight attendants, pilots, ground workers, and union organizers, The Red Tail will explore this battle over money, power, and pride.
What Is Art?
Mike Rivard / 8 min.
In this first edited segment of a project started in 1987, patrons of the newly renovated Walker Art Center are asked to weigh in on this basic yet challenging question.
If There Were No Lutherans Would There Still Be Green Jell-O?
Gayle Knutson / 12 min.
No matter how many church signs you’ve driven past, you’ve never seen one like this! Rev. Molin is a colorful pastor in a small Minnesota town who attracts 8,500 cars per day past his church just to see his latest sign. Messages like “Hell is hotter, but it’s a dry heat” brighten the days of the passerby in a small Minnesota town. See how a wacky pastor changes his corner of the world one church yard sign at a time.
Ride of the Mergansers
Steve Furman / 11 min.
The Hooded Merganser is a rare and reclusive duck found only in North America. Every spring, in the Great Lakes region, the wary hen lays and incubates her eggs in a nest high in the trees. Just 24 hours after hatching, the tiny ducklings must make the perilous leap to the ground below to begin life in the wild. This age-old rite is rarely observed by humans. Filmed entirely in northern Minnesota, Ride of the Mergansers offers a rare glimpse into the secret world of the Hooded Merganser. You’ll be entertained, educated, and inspired - and come away with a newfound appreciation of the phrase, leap of faith.
The World’s Most Dangerous Polka Band Sonya
“Sonny” Tormoen / 27 min.
With Special introduction from Channel 9 News anchor Robyne Robinson! The World’s Most Dangerous Polka Band might be called that due to its most ancient member — Al Ophus, aka “the drummer man.” At 88 years old, Al climbs up on stage with band members Joe Hayden (trumpet) and Ruth Adams (accordion) at one of the most popular lounge and supper clubs in the heart of Minneapolis — Nye’s Polonaise. Though he misses the beat frequently and often times changes song mid-tune, he gets away with it by the sheer fact that he’s there! Like most guys in bands, he loves the ladies and claims he kisses fifteen girls a night. Guys love him because it gives them hope for their own future! For job security, Al assumes the role of stocking the bar’s six bathrooms with rolls of toilet paper— his “job in the cans.” Rounding out the trio is Joe, a middle aged computer programmer who pursued playing trumpet in his 50s, despite being told he was too old and his lips were too big, and Ruth — the boss of the band because she’s been on the stage the longest (30 years... as long as Aerosmith). These fearless musicians and human beings take risks most people never have the balls to live out at any age. Ancient Al even tries to bribe his Film Director to a date and marriage. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry. You may even re-ignite your own dreams. Act your age? Never!
MINNESOTA DOCS SPONSORED BY:
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Minnesota Docs Polka Lounge
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Nye's Polonaise Room 112 E. Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis, MN 9:00 p.m. - Midnight "The World's Most Dangerous Polka Band" stars Ruth Adams and Joe Hayden will play live at the Riverview. Then, join us at Nye's for the official M-SPIFF Minnesota Docs Post-Screening Party. Partygoers with raspy yelps will have an opportunity to challenge top dog Ruth Adams in Nye's First Annual "The World's Most Dangerous Bark Off" with the opportunity to bark live with Ruth and the band during a crowd favorite - "The Barking Dog Polka." Contest sponsor Grain Belt Premium will award lots of beer to the winner (Human entrants only). Better drink it here, because in heaven there is no beer. |
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