This fall marks the 15th anniversary of the Tallgrass Film Festival, which will be held Oct. 18-22 in Wichita. Founded by Wichita-native Timothy Gruver, the festival has been named one of the “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” by MovieMaker Magazine for the past three years.  

Gruver, who passed away in 2005, had experience with organizing and marketing two festivals in California, which dealt with everything from grassroots outreach to problem solving for individual filmmakers. He thought Wichita held extraordinary possibilities, which fueled his drive to develop the Tallgrass Film Festival.  

The festival features almost 200 films and hosts dozens of visiting and local filmmakers. Creative director Lela MeadowConner says anyone who is interested in film production should attend the festival. Plus, the festival shows off the city’s attractions and undiscovered gems to residents and visitors alike.  

“The festival takes place in many different venues throughout downtown Wichita,” says MeadowConner. “During the event, we always invite filmmakers to join us and of course, movie lovers as well. These movies are for everyone.”  

In addition to film screenings, the festival features filmmaker labs, roundtables, VIP receptions, galas and educational opportunities open to the public.  

Whether you’re watching a narrative film or a documentary, you’ll experience the world through another lens at the Tallgrass Film Festival. Visit tallgrassfilm.org for the full line-up of films.