Alternative film events in Wichita heat up in July

Sure, blockbuster movies like “Top Gun: Maverick” are finally breathing new life into theaters, but there are also lots of local film events and screenings happening in July. Here’s a look:

TALLGRASS FILM CENTER AT THE LUX

120 E. First St.. Unit 113

https://tallgrassfilm.org/tallgrass-film-center/

“18½” In 1974, a White House transcriber is thrust into the Watergate scandal when she obtains the only copy of the infamous 18½-minute gap in Nixon’s tapes. Stubbornly Independent 2021 winner Dan Mirvish will participate in a Zoom Q&A after the screening. Showing at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 6. Tickets are $12.

“X” In 1979, a group of young filmmakers set out to make an adult film in rural Texas, but when their reclusive, elderly hosts catch them in the act, the cast members find themselves fighting for their lives. Showing at 8 p.m. July 8 and 9 and 2 p.m. July 10. Tickets are $12.

“Straighten Up and Fly Right” In a funk, Kristen, a physically disabled New York woman, walks dogs for a living but dreams of being a writer and as her life unravels, she must make a choice to fall apart or straighten up. The film will be an open captions screening. Showing at 7 p.m. July 22 and 24 and 4 p.m. July 23. Tickets are $12. Presented in partnership with Envision, a nonprofit that strives to improve the quality of life for people who are blind or visually impaired.

ORPHEUM THEATRE

200 N. Broadway

https://wichitaorpheum.com

Anniversary Film Series: “In the Heat of the Night” This 1967 mystery/drama is based on John Ball’s 1965 novel of the same name and tells the story of Virgil Tibbs, a black police detective from Philadelphia who becomes involved in a murder investigation in a small town in Mississippi. Starring Sidney Poitier, Rod Steiger and Lee Grant. Showing at 7 p.m. July 14. Tickets are $8, $7 for students, seniors and military.

Black Lens film Series: “Soul” Pixar’s 2020 animation follows a New York jazz pianist who finds himself trapped in a strange land between Earth and the afterlife. Showing at 7 p.m. July 29. Tickets are $8, $7 for students, seniors and military.

STARLITE DRIVE-IN

3900 S. Hydraulic

http://starlitefun.com/

Cars and Coffee Wichita presents Car Movies at the StarLite Drive-In: “Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby” Will Ferrell stars as NASCAR driver Ricky Bobby, whose talent and devotion are put to the test when a French Formula One driver makes a splash on the scene. Showing July 27. Tickets and showtimes TBA.

WAVE

650 E. Second St.

https://waveict.com/

Artists for Choice Film Screening and Concert 6:30 p.m. July 14. $10 admission. (50% of ticket purchase will be donated to Kansans for Constitutional Freedom.)

Reach Rod Pocowatchit at rodrick@rawdzilla.com.