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X-WR-CALNAME:Free State Festival
X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://freestatefestival.org
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Free State Festival
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240630T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240630T200000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20240513T084454Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240630T131019Z
UID:3472-1719770400-1719777600@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:The Heroic True-life Adventures of Alvin Brooks - FILM
DESCRIPTION:Directed by Academy Award winning filmmaker Kevin Willmott \nABOUT THE FILM\nA heartfelt\, inspiring documentary that shares engaging\, funny\, and tragic stories of the life and career of civil rights activist Alvin Brooks. Brooks was one of the city’s first Black police officers\, an educator\, Assistant City Manager\, and founder of Ad Hoc Group Against Crime. Brooks was appointed to organize and then lead the Kansas City Human Relations Department\, making him the first Black person to be a department Director in Kansas City government history. He was elected to City Council in 1999\, serving the 6th District At-Large. He was re-elected in 2003 and named Mayor Pro-Tem. For his work in public service\, he has been honored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)\, President George H.W. Bush\, the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce\, and many others. \n\nKevin Willmott\, Filmmaker\nThis film is presented in partnership with the University of Kansas Department of Film and Media Studies.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/alvin-brooks/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240831T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240831T170000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20240820T163642Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240820T164020Z
UID:3797-1725114600-1725123600@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Paper Plains Zine Fest presents MOXIE
DESCRIPTION:ABOUT THE FILM\nInspired by a confident new friend and her mother’s rebellious past\, a shy teenager publishes an anonymous zine calling out sexism at her school. \nScreening followed by conversation with Imani Wadud and Megan Williams. \nMore info about Paper Plains Zine Fest: https://www.paperplainszinefest.com/day-1-2024
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/paper-plains-zine-fest-presents-moxie/
LOCATION:10th & Mass Studios\, 1000 Massachusetts St.\, Lawrence\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film,Ideas
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20240927T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20240927T200000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20240820T163859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240920T120546Z
UID:3800-1727461800-1727467200@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:The Merc Co+op presents THE CO-OP WARS
DESCRIPTION:ABOUT THE FILM:\nAs The Merc Co+op celebrates their 50th anniversary\, enjoy this free screening of a documentary exploring the political and economic organizing efforts of a passionate group of people building an alternative food economy in Minneapolis in the 1970s — the same moment Lawrence’s own co-op was forming.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/the-merc-coop-presents-the-co-op-wars/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241107T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241107T200000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20240925T192135Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241007T185138Z
UID:3825-1731004200-1731009600@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Cat Video Fest
DESCRIPTION:Our fuzzy overlords return to the big screen! Each year\, CatVideoFest curates a compilation reel of the latest\, best cat videos carefully selected from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations\, music videos\, and\, of course\, classic internet powerhouses. \nScreening events take place all over the world in a host of venues and raise money for cats in need\, often through partnerships with local cat charities\, animal welfare organizations\, and shelters to identify how best to serve cats in the area. \nA portion of this screening’s proceeds will go to the Lawrence Humane Society! \nRun Time: 73 min
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/cat-video-fest-2/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20241206T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20241206T203000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20241101T210042Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241206T202450Z
UID:3837-1733511600-1733517000@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Lawrence Modern presents North by Northwest
DESCRIPTION:This film screening is SOLD OUT!  \nLawrence Modern presents an evening of film and conversation to celebrate mid century design as seen in Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest. \nABOUT THE FILM:\nCary Grant teams with director Alfred Hitchcock in this superlative espionage caper. Grant\, a Manhattan advertising executive\, is plunged into a realm of spy and counterspy. He’s abducted\, framed for murder\, chased\, and crop-dusted! \nABOUT LAWRENCE MODERN:\nLawrence Modern’s mission is to raise awareness of midcentury and modern architecture in Lawrence and promote its preservation to ensure that future generations will have significant examples to appreciate and/or to live in. \nThis screening is made possible by support from Lawrence Modern founder\, Tom Harper with Stephens Real Estate. \n \nPoster graphic designed by Tim Hossler
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/north-by-northwest/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film,Ideas
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250118T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250118T210000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20241206T144801Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241206T144801Z
UID:3864-1737226800-1737234000@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:An Evening with Gianmarco Soresi
DESCRIPTION:A Night of Live Comedy on the Lawrence Arts Center Main Stage! \nABOUT THE ARTIST \nGianmarco Soresi is a New York based stand-up comedian\, actor\, and creator known for his sharp societal observation and spry\, energetic stage presence. Gianmarco effortlessly commands a room with his animated style\, blending upbeat candor with dark comedic beats – which has garnered him critical acclaim from NPR\, Esquire\, The Atlantic\, Buzzfeed\, ABC News\, and many more. \nHe’s performed stand-up on The Late Late Show with James Corden\, Comedy Central\, Don’t Tell\, The Real Housewives of New York\, and was selected as a JFL New Face in 2022. Gianmarco has also acted in Billy Crystal’s Here Today\, Netflix’s Bonding\, Hustlers\, The Last OG\, and is the host of the popular podcast\, “The Downside with Gianmarco Soresi.”
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/gianmarco-soresi/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ideas
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250201T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250201T123000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250103T214343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250107T212556Z
UID:3870-1738407600-1738413000@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:NYICFF Little Kid Flicks
DESCRIPTION:Support the Lawrence Arts Center Early Childhood program with a screening of short films for the littlest moviegoers! \nWe’ll keep the lights low and the sound at a sensory-friendly level to welcome seat wigglers and joyous gigglers. Pajama-wearing is encouraged and popcorn will be available to keep the hungries away. \nThis special screening is presented in partnership with the New York International Children’s Film Festival. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Lawrence Arts Center preschool and kindergarten programs fostering learning through creative play. Enjoy film and support the arts in your community! \nTotal Run Time: 67 minutes\n \nPufferfish\nGermany\, 2022\, 4 min\, No dialogue\, Directed by Julia Ocker\nIn an ocean full of big\, bad fish\, the pufferfish must act as tough as possible\, but looks can be deceiving… \nForever Seven\nGermany\, 2024\, 9 min\, English\, Directed by Antje Heyn & Alexander Isert\nThe greatest treasure of the wooden crate Mouse finds may just be the possibilities it holds. \nCoquille\nFrance\, 2023\, 6 min\, No dialogue\, Directed by Justine Aubert\, Cassandra Bouton\, Grégoire Callies\, Maud Chesnea\, Anna Danton\, Loic Girault\, Gatien Peyrude\, & Justine Raux\nAfter losing his shell\, hermit crab Bernard must face the dangers of the beach to find a new home.  \nMy Name Is Edgar and I Have a Cow\nCzech Republic\, Slovakia\, 2023\, 8 min\, in Czech\, Slovak\, with English subtitles\, Directed by Filip Diviak\nWhen Edgar rescues a newborn calf from a food factory\, he learns that raising a cow isn’t as easy as it seems. \nHoofs on Skates\nLithuania\, 2024\, 12 min\, No dialogue\, Directed by Ignas Meilūnas\nTwo friends discover the joys of the ice—both above and below.  \nTabby McTat\nUnited Kingdom\, 2022\, 25 min\, English\, Directed by Jac Hamman & Sarah Scrimgeour\nThe Oscar-nominated Magic Light Pictures shares the adventure of a tabby street cat and his busking friend.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/nyicff-little-kids-flicks/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250328T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250328T210000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250225T234311Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250225T234311Z
UID:3907-1743188400-1743195600@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Thank You Very Much
DESCRIPTION:The Lawrence Arts Center’s Free State Festival presents a screening of THANK YOU VERY MUCH- the new documentary about comedian Andy Kaufman! \nABOUT THE FILM\nAndy Kaufman’s provocative comedy often outraged audiences\, challenging them to confront their own presumptions. Through never-before-seen footage and intimate recollections\, filmmaker Alex Braverman explores Kaufman’s brief but impactful life and career. As the lines between performance and reality blur in our present age\, Kaufman’s genius resonates more than ever. \nA Drafthouse Film Production.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/thank-you-very-much/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250410T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250410T200000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250328T190745Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250328T190745Z
UID:3919-1744311600-1744315200@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:An Evening with Filmmaker Kyle Bell
DESCRIPTION:Join us for an evening with Indigenous Arts Initiative visiting artist\, filmmaker Kyle Bell. \nBell will screen two of his short films: “Spirits (Poyvfeckv)” (2021) 9min\, and the documentary “Lakota”(2022)\, 16min\, followed by a Q&A moderated by KU Film and Media Studies Professor Joshua Miner. \nKyle Bell (Thlopthlocco Creek Tribal Town) is an Emmy award winning Director\, Editor and Cinematographer based in Tulsa\, OK. Bell is a 2019 Sundance Indigenous Program Alumni\, 2020 Tulsa Artist Fellow\, and is the Rolex Protégé to cinema legend Spike Lee. \nThis event is sponsored by the KU Powwow & Indigenous Cultures Festival and made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/an-evening-with-filmmaker-kyle-bell/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250418T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250418T210000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250317T205620Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250327T170417Z
UID:3913-1745002800-1745010000@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Lawrence Modern Presents Tokyo Drifter
DESCRIPTION:Lawrence Modern presents an evening of film and conversation to celebrate mid century design as seen in Tokyo Drifter! \nABOUT THE FILM\nTasked with making a vehicle for actor-singer Watari Tetsuya to croon the title song\, Suzuki concocted this yarn about a reformed yakuza on the run from his former comrades. The film is mainly an excuse to stage an escalating series of playful musical numbers and over-the-top fight scenes. Popping with garish colours\, self-parodic style\, and avant-garde visual design\, Tokyo Drifter embodies a late-1960s zeitgeist in which trash and art joyfully commingle. \nIn Japanese with English subtitles. \n \nABOUT LAWRENCE MODERN\nLawrence Modern’s mission is to raise awareness of midcentury and modern architecture in Lawrence and promote its preservation to ensure that future generations will have significant examples to appreciate and/or to live in. \nThis screening is made possible by support from Lawrence Modern founder\, Tom Harper with Stephens Real Estate.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/tokyo-drifter/
LOCATION:10th & Mass Studios\, 1000 Massachusetts St.\, Lawrence\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film,Ideas
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250531T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250531T190000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250430T194058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250528T021717Z
UID:4038-1748710800-1748718000@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Tacos & Trailers - A Free State Festival Launch Party
DESCRIPTION:Get the scoop on Free State Festival 2025 with this fun launch party with movie trailers from our lineup\, social time with fellow movie goers\, & a yummy taco bar from our friends at Taco Zone! \n5pm: Doors open for tacos + social time\n5:30pm: Movie Trailers \nTickets: $25 for General Public / FREE for FSF All Access Passholders\n(Passholder names will be at the door- no tix required!) \nNot a passholder yet? Click here to buy. \nEarly Bird pricing ends May 31!  \n 
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/tacos-trailers/
LOCATION:10th & Mass Studios\, 1000 Massachusetts St.\, Lawrence\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film,Ideas
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://freestatefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/fsf-Tacos-Trailers.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250624T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250624T203000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250427T135849Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T123920Z
UID:3961-1750789800-1750797000@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:The Librarians - FILM
DESCRIPTION:Film Screening + Q&A With Film Producer Janique L. Robillard\, Dean of KU Libraries Carol Smith and Robin Hastings of Northeast Kansas Library System. Moderated by Former Kansas Legislator and community leader Christina Haswood. \nRun time: 1h 28m\nDirected by Kim A. Snyder \nABOUT THE FILMIn Texas\, the Krause List targets 850 books focused on race and LGBTQia+ stories – triggering sweeping book bans across the U.S. at an unprecedented rate. As tensions escalate\, librarians connect the dots from heated school and library board meetings nationwide to lay bare the underpinnings of White Christian Nationalism fueling the censorship efforts. Despite facing harassment\, threats\, and laws aimed at criminalizing their work – the librarians’ rallying cry for freedom to read is a chilling cautionary tale. \nPresented in partnership with the University of Kansas Libraries and Lawrence Public Library.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/the-librarians/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film,Ideas
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://freestatefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/thelibrarians2.webp
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250625T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250625T183000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250611T150030Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250611T150030Z
UID:4147-1750870800-1750876200@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Lawrence Music Alliance Happy Hour
DESCRIPTION:Lawrence Music Alliance friends connect with festival goers in this informal happy hour before the 6:30pm screening of Janis Ian: Breaking Silence and performance by Kirsten Paludan + Friends! \nThe Happy Hour is free for all to attend. Cash bar will be available!
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/lawrence-music-alliance-happy-hour/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ideas,Music
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250625T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250625T210000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250427T144313Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T041759Z
UID:3971-1750876200-1750885200@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Janis Ian: Breaking Silence - FILM + MUSIC
DESCRIPTION:At the height of the Civil Rights Movement in the mid-1960s\, teenage singer-songwriter Janis Ian’s hit song about an interracial relationship\, “Society’s Child\,” launched her illustrious career but also ignited controversy. Over the next six decades\, Ian jammed with Jimi Hendrix\, partied with Janis Joplin\, and played duets with Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson. But she also had to work to overcome the stigma of her debut\, homophobia\, record industry misogyny\, and a life-threatening illness to produce an indelible body of work that continues to draw large audiences around the globe. With access to Ian’s incredible body of music\, her vast archive\, family\, friends\, famed collaborators\, and music journalists\, this in-depth documentary balances the intimacy of a home movie against a sweeping historical and contemporary context. \nThis screening will be followed by a tribute concert led by Kirsten Paludan presented in partnership with the Lawrence Music Alliance. \nMusic Lineup: \n\nKirsten Paludan (band leader) vocals\, acoustic guitar\nKarin Paludan-Sorey (guest artist) vocals\nAud Whitson (guest artist) vocals\, guitar\nBenjamin Cartel (guest artist\, band) vocals\, guitar\, drums\nNate Holt (band) keys\, accordion\nJuliana Wamelink (band) backing vocals\, keyboard\n\nBraden Young (guitar\, bass\, backing vocals)\n\n\nMike Alexander – (lead guitar)\n\n\n\n\n\n \nABOUT THE ARTIST\nMusician/actress Kirsten Paludan has been performing in the regional music/theater scene for over 20 years. She currently fronts four bands and has been critically recognized for her ‘genre defying’ voice\, garnering three nominations from the Pitch Weekly for Best Female Vocalist. Paludan has sung with Sheryl Crow and Alejandro Escovedo\, among others\, and performs her own compositions\, country & western hits\, musical theater\, jazz\, and modern classics with equal aplomb and dedication. As a songwriter/composer\, she has released two full length albums and one EP and has helped score several films.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/janis-ian/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film,Music
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250626T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250626T210000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250427T155659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T170115Z
UID:3977-1750962600-1750971600@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Swamp Dogg Gets His Pool Painted - FILM + MUSIC
DESCRIPTION:FILM SCREENING\, Q&A + PERFORMANCE BY SWAMP DOGG \nABOUT THE FILM\nHidden away deep in the suburban San Fernando Valley\, legendary cult musician Swamp Dogg\, alongside housemates Moogstar and Guitar Shorty\, has transformed his home into an artistic playground. This documentary film follows the group as they navigate the tumultuous waves of the music industry\, and forge a wonderfully bizarre and inspiring path across time and space. \nPresented with support from the Eighth Street Taproom.  \n\nABOUT THE ARTIST\n“Not a lot of people talk about the true origins of bluegrass music\, but it came from Black people. The banjo\, the washtub\, all that stuff started with African Americans. We were playing it before it even had a name.” – Swamp Dogg \nBorn Jerry Williams\, Jr.\, Swamp Dogg first encountered bluegrass music on the radio growing up in Portsmouth\, VA\, in the 1940s. Though he would go on to spend much of the ’50’s and ’60s immersed in the world of soul\, funk\, and R&B—both as an artist and as a A&R man/producer working with the likes of Patti LaBelle\, The Commodores\, and The Drifters—roots music would remain an important fixture in his life. By that time\, Williams had already traded in his birth name for the Swamp Dogg moniker\, partly as an act of rebellion against the confining racial and commercial politics of the music industry\, and partly as an embrace of his natural inclination towards irreverence and eccentricity. Beginning with 1970’s Total Destruction To Your Mind\, Swamp Dogg would go on to release a string of more than two dozen albums ranging from the radically subversive to the downright ridiculous\, developing an underground following in the process that would make fans of everyone from DMX to John Prine. Critics and audiences alike would eventually come to see Swamp Dogg for the visionary he was. The New York Times praised his “salty\, earthy Southern-soul storytelling;” Rolling Stone hailed his catalog full of “classics that have influenced generations of younger musicians;” The Independent dubbed him a “psychedelic soul original;” The Fader declared him a “legend;” Pitchfork called him “one of pop’s great cult acts;” and Vice crowned him “the unsung king of soul music.” 
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/swamp-dogg/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freestatefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/swampdogg-1.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250627T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250627T183000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250429T161517Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T170217Z
UID:3995-1751043600-1751049000@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Short Film Trio - FILM
DESCRIPTION:Experience a thoughtful evening of short film and conversation! We’ll screen three films and sit down with the filmmakers for engaging Q&As. \nStalking the Bogeyman (9min) directed by Markus Potter & Jack Dorfman\nThe true story of investigative journalist David Holthouse who plots to kill the man who sexually abused him when he was seven years old. A reconstruction of the intended murder and outcome\, blending live-action\, animation\, and documentary elements. Based on the Outer Critics Circle Award nominated Off-Broadway play. \nThe Hope Chest Has a Secret Drawer (14min) written and directed by Laura Frenzer \nWhat happens when you forget to forget? A stressed daughter working tirelessly to reach her mother lost in an Alzheimer’s haze accidentally uncovers a dark family secret. Produced and edited by a women-led team\, including Lawrence native\, Siobhan O’Neill. \nTrauma: The New Epidemic (33min) directed by Backer Hamada & Matt Jacobson\nThis short documentary follows the journey of Dr. Abiy Worku and Dr. Solomon Goshu\, two trauma surgeons from Addis Ababa\, Ethiopia\, as they participate in the African Trauma Initiative\, a revolutionary international physician fellowship program in Kansas City\, Kansas. Together\, they take on the challenge of combating the epidemic of orthopedic trauma affecting their homeland. \n 
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/short-trio/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250627T200000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250627T213000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250428T221809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T170449Z
UID:3988-1751054400-1751059800@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:An Evening with Todd Barry - IDEAS
DESCRIPTION:Enjoy an evening of stand up comedy live on the Arts Center stage! Todd Barry has appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert\, The Late Show with David Letterman\, Conan and Late Night with Seth Meyers. His acting credits include the feature films The Wrestler and Road Trip. He has also starred in several television series such as Flight of the Conchords\, Chappelle’s Show\, Spin City\, Sex and the City and many more. You may have heard his voice on the animated series Bob’s Burgers\, Dr. Katz\, Professional Therapist\, and Aqua Teen Hunger Force. \nTodd has released four one-hour stand-up specials including his latest one\, Domestic Shorthair\, is the author of the critically-acclaimed 2017 travel memoir Thank You For Coming To Hattiesburg. \nOpening for Todd will be Tom Peters!\nTom Peters is a New York comedian and contributor for The Onion and Reductress. He has appeared in the New York Comedy Festival and is co-creator of the benefit show Musicians Of Comedy. \n\n\n\n\n  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nView this post on Instagram\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n  \nA post shared by Todd Barry (@toddbarry) \n\n\n \n 
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/an-evening-with-todd-barry/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ideas
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250628T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250628T140000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250429T182013Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T170543Z
UID:4003-1751112000-1751119200@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Ninth Street - FILM
DESCRIPTION:As a continuation of the Kevin Willmott Film Festival\, we’re proud to partner with KU Department of Film & Media Studies to present a double bill of films by Oscar winner Kevin Willmott. First up- Ninth Street! \nABOUT THE FILM\nSet in Junction City\, Kansas (sometimes called ‘Junk Town’)\, this early film by Kevin Willmott reflects on the history of East Ninth Street during the 1940s when famous jazz musicians played the nightclubs. In 1968\, the area deteriorated into strip clubs and cheap bars where Vietnam War draftees from nearby Fort Riley stop and drink. The strong ensemble cast features in this independent film memorable roles by Don Washington\, Isaac Hayes\, Queen Bey\, Kaycee Moore and many others- including Martin Sheen!
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/ninth-street/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250628T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250628T173000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250429T162004Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T170616Z
UID:3992-1751122800-1751131800@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:The Battle for Bunker Hill - FILM
DESCRIPTION:As a continuation of the Kevin Willmott Film Festival\, we’re proud to partner with KU Department of Film & Media Studies to present a double bill of films by Oscar winner Kevin Willmott. Second in the lineup- The Battle for Bunker Hill! \nABOUT THE FILM\nPeter Salem\, a former Wall Street executive recently released from prison\, returns to his ex-wife and children in the small town of Bunker Hill\, Kansas. Soon after he arrives\, the town’s electricity and power are shut off\, and there is no way to communicate with authorities outside of town. The town’s militant past is reawakened and forces coalesce to protect citizens from an unseen enemy. The town’s fear leads to the creation of a posse of gunmen\, resulting in torture\, illegal searches and eventually\, murder\, against which Salem must stand.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/bunker-hill/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250628T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250628T193000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250429T201113Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250622T155033Z
UID:4008-1751133600-1751139000@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:A Taste of Cinema: Culinary Pairings - FILM
DESCRIPTION:THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT \nPut away the popcorn and bring out the crackers and veggies… We’re dipping into a smooth selection of light comedies\, heavy dramas\, and experimental works of art paired with tasty selections of spreadable goodness by Cellar Door Cafe! \nShort film selections:\n \nLost in Translation (3min) by Yachan Yuan \nImperfecta (6min) by Davis DeRock & Chad Crenshaw \n25 Movements (5min) by Mari Watson Walker \nYa Hanouni (3min) by Lyna Tadount & Sofian Chouaib \n[Subtext] (11min) by Erin Brown Thomas
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/a-taste-of-cinema/
LOCATION:10th & Mass Studios\, 1000 Massachusetts St.\, Lawrence\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250629T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250629T140000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250429T204725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T170731Z
UID:4024-1751198400-1751205600@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Free Leonard Peltier - FILM
DESCRIPTION:Film Screening + Q&A with Director Jesse Short Bull & Producer Jhane Myers. \nDirected by Jesse Short Bull (Lakota Nation vs. the United States) and David France (How To Survive a Plague\, The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson\, and Welcome to Chechnya)\, and produced by Bird Runningwater. Leonard Peltier\, one of the surviving leaders of the American Indian Movement\, had been in prison for 50 years following a contentious conviction. A new generation of Native activists committed to winning his freedom before he dies. \nPresented in partnership with the Spencer Museum of Art. 
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/leonard-peltier/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250629T143000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250629T153000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250430T190944Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250612T042931Z
UID:4034-1751207400-1751211000@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Hot Dogs for Breakfast with Jeff Eaton - ART
DESCRIPTION:Meet us in the gallery for art\, dogs and conversation with exhibiting artist (and Split Lip Rayfield musician) Jeff Eaton. Not your traditional artist. Not your traditional art talk. \nJack’s Franks will be on hand with hot dogs for sale! \nABOUT THE ARTIST\nBorrowing from vintage advertising\, carnival aesthetic\, and car/tattoo culture\, Jeff Eaton\, AKA Pride of Gumbo\, employs traditional sign painting techniques to make bold and colorful works\, while keeping it lighthearted and off-beat. Like the hot dog\, this exhibition is a combination of parts and pieces that might be overlooked or discarded on their own\, but when refined and exquisitely combined into the sweet casing\, the viewer’s experience is nothing short of a fulfilling delight.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/hot-dogs-for-breakfast/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art,Ideas
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freestatefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/hot-dogs-for-breakfast-web-banner-copy.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250629T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250629T180000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250430T185615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250625T170802Z
UID:4029-1751212800-1751220000@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Split Lip Rayfield: Never Make It Home - FILM
DESCRIPTION:In collaboration with the Kaw River Roots Festival’s Split Lip Rayfield 30th Anniversary Celebration\, we are proud to present a screening of the documentary\, Split Lip Rayfield: Never Make it Home followed by a Q&A. \n4pm: Music by The Frightened Stag with Special Guests\n4:30pm: Film Screening\n6:00pm: Q&A with Director G.J. Echternkamp and band members Jeff Eaton\, Wayne Gottstine and Eric Mardis \nABOUT THE FILM\nKirk Rundstrom is the electric\, hell-raising singer/guitarist of the band Split Lip Rayfield\, and he’s been given two months to live. Set across America’s heartland\, this moving documentary captures the rowdy\, heart-wrenching\, and ultimately joyous performances of Kirk Rundstrom’s “Final Tour” where each show was played as it would be the last.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/never-make-it-home/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film,Music
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250801T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250801T210000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250707T212807Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250727T142953Z
UID:4243-1754074800-1754082000@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Lawrence Modern Presents Mon oncle
DESCRIPTION:The Lawrence Arts Center and Lawrence Modern present an evening of film and conversation to celebrate mid century design as seen in the 1958 film Mon oncle. \n\nABOUT THE FILM\nSlapstick prevails again when Jacques Tati’s eccentric\, old-fashioned hero\, Monsieur Hulot\, is set loose in Villa Arpel\, the geometric\, oppressively ultramodern home of his brother-in-law\, and in the antiseptic plastic hose factory where he gets a job. The second Hulot movie and Tati’s first color film\, Mon oncle is a supremely amusing satire of mechanized living and consumer society that earned the director the Academy Award for best foreign-language film. \nRunning time: 1 hour 56 minutes\nIn French with English Subtitles \nABOUT LAWRENCE MODERN\nLawrence Modern’s mission is to raise awareness of midcentury and modern architecture in Lawrence and promote its preservation to ensure that future generations will have significant examples to appreciate and/or to live in. \nThis screening is made possible by support from Lawrence Modern founder\, Tom Harper with Stephens Real Estate.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/lawrence-modern-presents-mon-oncle/
LOCATION:10th & Mass Studios\, 1000 Massachusetts St.\, Lawrence\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251024T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251024T203000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250819T175210Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250919T144145Z
UID:4269-1761332400-1761337800@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Join or Die
DESCRIPTION:Join or Die is a film about why you should join a club — and why the fate of America depends on it. In this feature documentary\, follow the half-century story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam\, whose groundbreaking “Bowling Alone” research into America’s decades-long decline in community connections could hold the answers to our democracy’s present crisis. \nFlanked by influential fans and scholars — from Hillary Clinton\, Pete Buttigieg\, and Surgeon General Vivek Murthy to Eddie Glaude Jr.\, Raj Chetty\, and Priya Parker — as well as inspiring groups building community in neighborhoods across the country\, join Bob as he explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? \nWhy is American democracy in crisis? And\, most importantly… What can we do about it? \nTickets: $10 or FREE for Lawrence Arts Center members! Click here to become a member. \nCome early for an adult Club Fair in the lobby! If you have a club and would like to table at this event\, please email: info@freestatefilmfest.com
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/join-or-die/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freestatefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Join-or-Die-900-x-450-px.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251108T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251108T200000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250819T190111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250819T190144Z
UID:4274-1762626600-1762632000@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Cat Video Fest 2025
DESCRIPTION:Our fuzzy overlords return to the big screen! Each year\, CatVideoFest curates a compilation reel of the latest\, best cat videos carefully selected from countless hours of unique submissions and sourced animations\, music videos\, and\, of course\, classic internet powerhouses. CatVideoFest is a joyous communal experience\, only available in theaters\, and raises money for cats in need through partnerships with local cat charities\, animal welfare organizations\, and shelters to best serve cats in the area. \nA portion of this screening’s proceeds go to the Lawrence Humane Society! \nRun Time: 75 min
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/cat-video-fest-2025/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://freestatefestival.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/CVFFSF.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251114T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251114T220000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20250924T204724Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251002T191333Z
UID:4281-1763146800-1763157600@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Lawrence Modern Presents Playtime
DESCRIPTION:The Lawrence Arts Center and Lawrence Modern team up to present an evening of film and conversation to celebrate mid century design as seen in the 1967 film Playtime. \nRun time: 2 hour 35 minutes \nIn French with English Subtitles \nABOUT THE FILM\nJacques Tati’s gloriously choreographed\, nearly wordless comedies about confusion in an age of high technology reach their apotheosis in this film. Tati again thrusts the lovably old-fashioned Monsieur Hulot\, along with a host of other lost souls\, into a baffling modern world\, this time Paris. Every inch of the super-wide frame is crammed with hilarity and inventiveness\, making PlayTime a lasting record of a modern era tiptoeing on the edge of oblivion. \nABOUT LAWRENCE MODERN\nLawrence Modern’s mission is to raise awareness of midcentury and modern architecture in Lawrence and promote its preservation to ensure that future generations will have significant examples to appreciate and/or to live in. \nThis screening is made possible by support from Lawrence Modern founder\, Tom Harper with Stephens Real Estate.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/lawrence-modern-presents-playtime/
LOCATION:10th & Mass Studios\, 1000 Massachusetts St.\, Lawrence\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film,Ideas
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251121T190000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251121T190000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20251105T224657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251108T144834Z
UID:4289-1763751600-1763751600@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Prairie Prophecy Documentary Screening
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a free screening of the documentary Prairie Prophecy about scientist and farmer Wes Jackson\, co-founder of The Land Institute. The film will be followed by a panel discussion with KU Professors Nathaniel Brunsell and James Bever\, and artist Lisa Grossman. \nCo-sponsors: Spencer Museum of Art\, the Lawrence Arts Center\, KU Environmental Studies\, and KU Department of Geography & Atmospheric Science. \nThis screening is part of a series of events across the Great Plains promoted by the NSF-funded Research Coordination Network: Building a Community of Practice for Co-Producing Resilient Socio-Ecological Systems in Grasslands.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/prairie-prophecy-documentary-screening/
LOCATION:10th & Mass Studios\, 1000 Massachusetts St.\, Lawrence\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film,Ideas
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251204T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251204T200000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20251114T160106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251126T164858Z
UID:4294-1764873000-1764878400@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story | Hallmark Movie Party
DESCRIPTION:Mark your calendars and fire up the group chat\, the Lawrence Arts Center is bringing you THE event to kick off the holiday season… A Hallmark Movie party! Admission to Holiday Touchdown: A Chiefs Love Story is FREE thanks to our friends at Hallmark\, so reserve your spot now for a joyful evening of festivities\, fandom\, and hot cocoa. Winter cocktails and themed bingo cards (with a chance to win cool prizes!) will be available for purchase. Wear your red and gold and we’ll see you at the movies! \nWHAT TO EXPECT: \n\nParty packs will be available for purchase with bingo cards\, interactive movie props & more!\nBingo card winners have a chance to win prizes from local businesses like: Third Planet\, ACME\, Phoenix Gallery\, KB & Co.\, Wonder Fair\, and more!\nSpecial awards will be given for the Best Dressed in Red & Gold and Best Holiday Outfit (including a prize by Swanson’s Lawrence)!\nTasty themed cocktails will be available for purchase at the concession stand.\nArtist Alycia Earhart will have jewelry for sale in the lobby before the film.\n\nABOUT THE FILM\nAlana Higman is sure that her family’s lifelong history as Kansas City Chiefs superfans makes them a frontrunner to win the team’s “Fan of the Year” contest. Derrick\, Director of Fan Engagement\, is tasked with evaluating how Alana and her family stack up against the other two finalists. As the pair spends time together\, it’s clear there’s a spark between them but when her grandfather’s vintage Chiefs good-luck winter hat goes missing\, Alana begins to doubt everything she believed about fate\, destiny and even questions her future with Derrick – unless\, that is\, a little Christmas magic can throw a Hail Mary.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/holiday-touchdown-a-chiefs-love-story-hallmark-movie-party/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Film
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20251218T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20251218T203000
DTSTAMP:20260618T203357
CREATED:20251201T204255Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251217T140817Z
UID:4304-1766086200-1766089800@freestatefestival.org
SUMMARY:Classics Remixed: Nanook of the North
DESCRIPTION:This event is SOLD OUT! Look for more film events in 2026. \nExperience Robert Flaherty’s 1922 film\, Nanook of the North\, in a whole new light. This interdisciplinary experience will feature live music by Alex Kimball Williams\, a multi-screen video edit by Marlo Angell & Peter Jasso\, and visual art by Alicia Kelly. \nABOUT THE FILM \nNanook of the North is often referred to as the first feature documentary ever made. The depiction of the life of an Inuit hunter includes moments of hunting\, kayaking\, dogsledding\, family life\, and home-building. While hailed for pioneering the artform of documentary filmmaking\, the film has come under scrutiny for its use of fictional elements that present an inaccurate image of Inuit cultures. \nThis special Classics Remixed presentation offers a re-edited version of the film\, a unique soundtrack\, and immersive art elements. This deconstructed film experience puts the viewer in a unique space in an effort to evoke conversation on the ethics of storytelling and the blurring of boundaries between authenticity and drama. \nRuntime:\n30 minute film followed by an artist talk back. \nContent warning:\nThis film contains images of animal hunting that may not be suitable for all viewers. \nThis event is made possible by the Creative Impact Alliance with grant support from the City of Lawrence Community Arts Grant program.
URL:https://freestatefestival.org/event/classic-remixed-nanook-of-the-north/
LOCATION:Lawrence Arts Center\, 940 New Hampshire St\, Lawrence\, KS\, 66044\, United States
CATEGORIES:Art,Film,Ideas,Music
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR