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Cinetopia Gives Detroit Community A Taste Of Acclaimed Film Festivals

So you missed the Sundance Film Festival in Utah or the Cannes are just too far away? Don't fret, Cinetopia International Film Festival has got you covered! Cinetopia International Film Festival, created by the Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor brings the world-class presentations of  indie films to our very own backyard.

"Cinetopia will bring the best films from the world's best film festivals to southeastern Michigan," says Russ Collins, Michigan Theater Executive Director and creator of Cinetopia.

Cinetopia, which will take place June 6-9, debuted last year and featured over 40 indie films from the Cannes, Sundance, Venice, Toronto and Berlin film festivals – all that were selected exclusively by the Michigan Theater's programming team.

There is something for everyone, explains Russ, with dramas, comedies, romance, documentaries, all from the celebrated film festivals from around the world and now they're here in metro-Detroit. Hear that, film fans?

So, why Detroit? Russ had an idea of making the metro-Detroit area one of the scenes for an international film festival. He adds that metro-Detroit has great cultural amenities, venues and he thinks that the community has a huge need for something like this. (We certainly agree!)

For the first year, they imagined a modest turnout, but were blown away when over 5,000 people came out to attend. That prompted Russ to reach out to Elliot Wilhelm, Detroit Film Theatre Director, Curator of Film and a long time friend to seek partnership with the Detroit Film Theatre at the Detroit Institute of Arts for this year's festival.

During the 4-day extravaganza that lives, breathes and feels as if you're at one of the renowned film festivals, Cinetopia also aims to honor the rich world history of cinematic culture and Michigan's proud, long legacy of outstanding screenwriters and filmmakers, through special pre and post events.

Cinetopia is also collaborating with the University of Michigan Department of Screen Arts and Cultures to honor Robert Altman, the legendary director of dozens of acclaimed films. Robert Altman has strong ties to the area as the university houses many of his archives he taught classes on film, directed a Stravinsky opera, and filmed Secret Honor there. The Robert Altman Symposium will bring Altman collaborators and scholars from around the globe to Ann Arbor, and will include screenings of several of his films.

Find the full schedule for events, films, screening times and ticket information here!

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