Columbia, MO's True/False Film Fest

True/False Film Fest - Feb. 29 - March 3, 2024 - Columbia, Missouri

One of the most respected documentary film festivals in the nation will once again be adding buzz to the already vibrant scene in Columbia, Missouri. The True/False Film Fest will take place at various venues around the city beginning on Leap Day, February 29 and running through March 3, 2024. Dozens of feature-length films as well as numerous shorts made by filmmakers from the world over will be screened, covering a wide range of topics from "Alien Island," a "Twilight Zone-like investigation of a rumored island populated by friendly aliens" in Chile, "Union" about the formation of the Amazon Labor Union, "The Other Profile" about a man's search for someone masquerading as him on Facebook that leads to the Congo, and "Look Into My Eyes" which is about psychics in New York City. Some films will amuse with their weirdness while others will tug at the heartstrings. Films presented will represent filmmakers from Iran, Armenia, Denmark, Bhutan, Hungary, India, USA, Germany, Brazil, Lebanon, Australia, Japan and many other nations. Many directors will be in attendance and so will some of the folks who are the subjects of the documentaries and in most cases there will be Q&A sessions with them after the screening.

Music is also a big part of the True/False Film Fest. Bands and solo artists will be performing before and between screenings, at numerous parties that take place during the festival and also busking on the streets. There will also be concerts at some of Columbia's more popular music venues. Some of those scheduled to appear include the Balkan funk-brass collective Gora Gora Orkestar, cellist Lia Kohl, Randall & Rehm from the Hooten Hallers, acoustic guitarist Richard Edge, NYC-based tabla player Roshni Samlal, harpist Ruth Acuff, Celtic duo Two Fathoms, Columbia's own Blue-Eyed Mary and about 40 others.

One of the most-anticipated events that takes place during the True/False Film Festival is called Gimme Truth! This is loads of fun as short documentaries not screened elsewhere during the festival are shown, but there's a catch. Some are real documentaries while others feature subjects that are completely made up; a panel of filmmakers and other celebrities take their best guesses at which are which and the audience gets to guess along too. This signature event is in part why the festival is called True/False. Other special events that take place during the True/False Film Fest include the March March parade on March 1 where anyone can join in, The Jubilee opening night party, an art walk, Reality Bites which is where folks can sample the best of Columbia's restaurants, Campfire Stories (exactly what it sounds like), closing night reception and more. For additional information including how to purchase tickets go here.

For more information on other things to do while you're in Columbia go here.

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