KANNAPOLIS ó The Modern Film Fest is coming to the Gem Theater in Kannapolis Sept. 25-27.
The festival is the brainchild of artistic director, Michael Knox, a former Kannapolis resident now living in Asheville and working in the film industry. He is also the director of one of the films being featured, “Tearing Down the Tent.”
The goal of the festival is “to introduce a new event in the community at one of the most treasured venues in the Charlotte metro region. It is a showcase of independent films of all genres, from a diverse field of filmmakers.”
The historic Gem Theater, located at 111 W. 1st St., is the oldest single-screen movie theatre in operation today. It is also one of only a few movie theatres that offers balcony seating.
Individual tickets for each film are $4, available at the theater the day of the film. Day and weekend passes are currently available on the Website (www.modernfilmfest.net). Friday pass-$14; Saturday-$17.50; Sunday-$17.50; entire weekend-$42.
Film schedule
Friday, Sept. 25- 5 p.m. “Sons of Cuba” (2008 /U.K./88 minutes)
– 7 p.m. “Tearing Down the Tent” (2008/USA//90 minutes)
– 9 p.m. “Gigantic” (2008/ USA/98 minutes)
– 11 p.m. “Night of the Living Dead” (1968/USA/96 minutes)
Saturday, Sept. 26- 11 a.m. “Golden Blade III -Return of the Monkey’s Uncle” 2007/USA/90 minutes)
– 1 p.m. “Dear Zachary” (2008/USA/95 minutes)
– 3 p.m. “The Way We Get By” (2009/USA/84 minutes)
– 5 p.m. “Sita Sings the Blues” (2008/USA/82 minutes)
– 7:30 p.m. “Garrison Keillor: The Man on the Radio in the Red Shoes” (2008/USA/ 86 minutes.
– 9:30 p.m. “Miroir Noir” (2008/Canada/76 minutes)
Sunday, Sept. 27- 1 p.m. “Supermen of Malegaon” (2008 /India/52 minutes)
– 3 p.m. “Rocaterrania” (2009/USA/74 minutes)
– 5 p.m. “Man Maid” 2008/ USA/90 minutes)
– 7 p.m. “All About Dad” (2009/USA/80 minutes)
– 9 p.m. “Heart of Fire” (Feuerherz) 2008/Germany/92 minutes
Festival-related events- The City of Kannapolis is hosting bands in between films in Veterans Park, right across the street from The Gem Theatre. The music starts Friday night and goes all day Saturday during the festival.
– Veterans Appreciation Screening: For the showing of “The Way We Get By,” at 3 p.m. on Sept. 26, there will be free admission to anyone who serves or has served in the Armed Forces.
– Zombie’s Night Out: On Friday, Sept. 25, when Modern Film Fest is showing the original version of George A. Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” at 11 p.m. The Charlotte Zombie Walk, in conjunction with the film festival, will be hosting a zombie costume contest. Come dressed as the best zombie and win free passes for the rest of the weekend.
– $1 off ice cream: at Bruster’s Ice Cream just around the corner from The Gem Theatre, bring your ticket stub and get $1 off a sweet treat, then head back to the Gem for another flick.
– The N.C. Research Campus is hosting a gala reception Saturday night, Sept.26, at Restaurant 46 immediately following the screening of “Garrison Keillor: The Man on the Radio in the Red Shoes.” Celebrate this inaugural film festival in Kannapolis and meet and mingle with the regional film community. Hot and cold hors d’oeuvres will be served along with complimentary house wines and beers. A cash bar will also be available.
The Gem Theater is located adjacent to Restaurant 46. Tickets are $25 per person and space is limited.
Anyone who purchases a ticket to the gala reception will also get admission to “The Man on the Radio in the Red Shoes.”

For information about the films and tickets, go to www.modernfilmfest.net.