The nonprofit Sundance Institute, founded by actor Robert Redford, selected Tropic Cinema in part because of its ongoing commitment to independent film, filmmaker events and diverse programming, said Benjamin Egnatz, chair of Tropic Cinema’s board.
“Our members are some of the most knowledgeable and discerning filmgoers anywhere. I can’t think of a more engaged and receptive community for the films of these emerging filmmakers,” Egnatz said.
Screenings in Key West are scheduled Thursday, Jan. 28, through Tuesday, Feb. 2, at three venues: The Warehouse at Manley deBoer Lumber Yard and Strunk Ace Hardware Inc.,1109 Eaton St.; Tropic Cinema, 416 Eaton St.; and the Lighthouse & Keeper’s Quarters, 938 Whitehead St.
Opening night’s film is “Strawberry Mansion,” a surreal romantic fantasy set in the near future, Thursday, Jan. 28, at 10 p.m. at The Warehouse.
The life of performer Rita Moreno and her embodiment of the American Dream are explored in “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It,” Friday, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m. at the Lighthouse.
Closing films Tuesday, Feb. 2, are “At the Ready” at the Lighthouse at 6:30 p.m. by director Maisie Crow, who brought her film “Jackson” to Tropic Cinema two years ago; and “Marvelous and the Black Hole” at The Warehouse at 9 p.m., with actor Rhea Perlman as a coming-of-age mentor.
Other premieres include “Luzzu” Friday, Jan. 29; “Superior” and “Sabaya” Saturday, Jan. 30; “Cusp” and “Misha and the Wolves” Sunday, Jan. 31; and “Users” and “Life in a Day 2020” Monday, Feb. 1.
In addition, Tropic Cinema is contributing to the festival’s Beyond Film programming featuring virtual discussions with film directors Terry George of “Hotel Rwanda,” Jim Sheridan of “My Left Foot” and filmmakers Lance Oppenheim of Sundance 2020 and Jenifer McShane of Sundance 1996.
All venues are to adhere to social distancing guidelines with restricted seating capacities and sanitization stations. Masks must be worn during screenings and related events. Reservations, via cashless transactions, are required, said Carla Turner, Tropic Cinema’s executive director.
“We’re very excited about the festival, but our primary concerns are the health and safety of everyone involved and preventing the spread of coronavirus,” Turner said.
Starting Friday, Jan. 15, tickets are to be on sale priced from $15 for Tropic Cinema members and $20 for nonmembers for individual films; $25 and $35 for day passes; and $150 and $200 for all-access Key West screening passes; with $5 discounts for Tropic’s premium members.
Event information, scheduling and ticketing: tropiccinema.com or call 305-396-4944