Academy Award winning filmmaker John Ridley will make an appearance at the 2014 Milwaukee Film Festival, which debuted on Thursday.
Ridley, a Milwaukee native who won an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay for “12 Years a Slave,” will attend the screening of “Jimi: All Is By My Side” at the Oriental Theatre on Saturday. Ridley wrote and directed the film, which traces the life of music icon Jimi Hendrix from 1966-1967. Hendrix is played by Andre Benjamin of the band Outkast.
Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele, who is also co-founder of Milwaukee Film and a member of its board, played a critical role in arranging transportation for Ridley’s visit to Milwaukee. Ridley is currently working in Austin, Texas on the production of a new television drama, “American Crime,” that is expected to premiere on ABC mid-season.
According to film festival organizers, “Jimi: All Is By My Side” will serve as the “centerpiece” of the entire arts event. The film is scheduled to run at 7 p.m. on Saturday.
The Milwaukee Film Festival, in its sixth year, will run through Thursday, Oct. 9. The festivities kicked off Thursday night with the screening of the documentary “1971” at the Oriental Theatre, followed by an opening night party at Kilworth Square East.
Films will be presented at the Landmark Oriental Theatre, the Landmark Downer Theatre, Fox-Bay Cinema Grill and the Times Cinema.
For the film festival lineup, show times and ticket information, visit www.mkefilm.org.
