March 25, 2016
The alternative film festival Cinedelphia, presented by Philadelphia Mausoleum of Contemporary Art (PhilaMOCA), will return for the fourth year beginning on Thursday, April 7.
Each year, the mix of kooky, offbeat, one-of-a-kind films being showcased grows. This year, there are 30 film events in the lineup, plus a pre-festival screening of "VHS Massacre."
Luckily for the alternative film lover, none of the screenings overlap, so it's completely possible to see each one on the Cinedelphia Film Festival schedule.
If you don't have that kind of time, there are a few highlights to take note of before choosing which to go view.
Eric Bresler, director and curator at PhilaMOCA, helped narrow down the list to eight events with either local ties or surging popularity.
Pat Mastroianni, who played Joey Jeremiah on "Degrassi," will host a look back at the teen show. He'll share rare home video footage and behind-the-scenes stories. Afterward, audience members can take part in a trivia contest.
Friday, April 8
7:30 p.m. | $12
Filmmaker Trent Harris, one of the leading American independent filmmakers of the 1980s, will be in attendance for a screening of his film "Beaver Trilogy."
Afterward, the Philly premiere of the new Sundance documentary "Beaver Trilogy Part IV," narrated by Bill Hader will air. The documentary gives audiences a look at the real people behind "Beaver Trilogy."
Saturday, April 9
7:30 p.m. | $12
"Adult Swim" favorite DJ Douggpound, contributor to "The Eric Andre Show," "Portlandia" and "Tim & Eric Awesome Show" will perform live with a special guest comedian and opening acts.
Monday, April 11
8 p.m. | $12
Watch an experimental presentation of a little-known 1977 Frankenstein film with a new fictional commentary track.
Philly-based co-writer Jay Kirk, who works at the University of Pennsylvania and Kelly Writers House, will be in attendance.
Wednesday, April 13
7:30 p.m. | $12
This will be the Philly premiere of the Nigerian remake of Prince's "Purple Rain," starring self-taught Tuareg guitarist Mdou Moctar.
Thursday, April 14
7:30 p.m. | $12
From 1979 through the early 1990s, the show "Stairway to Stardom" showcased the best and worst of amateur singers, dancers and uncommon talents. The show took place in Manhattan, but the creator of the show was actually a Philly native.
This screening will take a look back at the show's highs and lows, and the band that composed the show's theme song will reunite to perform live.
Friday, April 15
7:30 p.m. | $12
Chicago's family-friendly dance party will tape a live episode at PhilaMOCA in celebration of the show's 20th anniversary. Special guest performers are local punk legends Dead Milkmen and Philly soul legend Bunny Sigler.
Saturday, April 16
2:30 p.m. | $5
13-year-old Lil Sean Coleman presents the follow-up to his 2014 short. The story follows a good cop driven to extremes.
Also, there will be free ice cream courtesy of Little Baby's.
Saturday, April 23
6 p.m. | $5 suggested donation
These are only eight of the varied film events, though. Find a documentary on a Finnish heavy metal band, director Frank Henenlotter's true story of a group trying to steal a Banksy and a range of other rare, odd films.
