1) Labyrinthus (9:20 a.m, 96 mins) Director: Douglas Boswell; Starring: Spencer Bogaert, Emma Verlinden.
When a teenager stumbles upon a USB drive, he discovers a girl in distress. In order to have a chance at saving her, he needs to start playing a video game and not stop as he attempts to break the code that will set her free. Brussels-born director Douglas Boswell has directed several TV series and a few award-winning shorts too. The film has a terrific visual style. The director is in town for the festival.
2) Factory Boss (12:15 p.m., 104 mins) Director: Zhang Wie
This drama from China centers on the manufacturing culture there, and the crisis of a toy factory when a lack of orders leads to worker unrest and an undercover reporter exposes hazardous working conditions. Jam-packed with tension and social critique, this one got past the notorious Chinese censors and still managed to nab major acting awards at film fests around the globe. The director is in town for the festival.
3) Tab Hunter Confidential (2:40 p.m. 92 min.) Director: Jeffrey Schwarz
Way back in 2007, director Jeffrey Schwarz brought his terrific documentary about horror film director William Castle to CIFF. His latest effort documents the life and times of heartthrob Tab Hunter, who discusses “his family, his personal demons, and his secret Hollywood romances.”
4) All-Stars (2:45 p.m., 97 min.) Director: Lance Kinsey; Starring: Fred Willard, Richard Kind, Miriam Flynn
This Best in Show-style mockumentary written and directed by Cleveland-area natives should be a hoot. It centers on the trials and tribulations of a girls softball team, complete with families, coaches, players and the dramedy of youth athletics. Fred Willard was on-hand at the screening in Chagrin Falls and may be around today as well!
5) Kilbanetown Comeback (7:15 p.m., 54 min.) Director: Des Kilbane
Cleveland boxer and fighter Johnny Kilbane has left behind a real legacy — a statue has been erected in his honor at Battery Park. Distant cousin Des Kilbane profiled his life in 2013’s A Fighting Heart; he returns to the subject with this documentary film that focuses on the ways in which Cleveland has honored the man. A screening of the short Hidden in Plain Sight, a film about the Cleveland Cultural Gardens, precedes the showing of Kilbanetown Comeback. Director Des Kilbane is in town for the festival.
