Magic, humor and the meaning of life will be on display this Friday at the Historic Malco Theatre when the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival presents a gala screening of "Untitled Amazing Johnathan Documentary."
The Amazing Johnathan is a stand-up comedian and magician who was a headline act in Las Vegas from 2001 to 2014. HSDFF Executive Director Jennifer Gerber caught a showing of the documentary at the Sundance Film Festival and said she immediately wanted to bring it to Hot Springs.
The film, Gerber said, opens with Johnathan being told that he has one year to live. While the film has a lot of humor in it, Gerber said Johnathan wrestles with his mortality at the same time. As a result, the film shows Johnathan's existential journey and gets audiences thinking about the meaning of life and why they exist.
In addition to enjoying the film, Gerber said she wanted to bring it to Hot Springs because a big part of the HSDFF's mission is education. This film, Gerber said, shows a lot of the behind-the-scenes aspects of filmmaking, showing an "intimate peak on the journey of the filmmaker, as well."
Following the showing, The Amazing Johnathan -- who survived his one-year diagnosis -- will speak to the audience via Skype, and the film's editor, Scott Evans, will also attend in person. Gerber said she is glad that they have the editor at the event, since his hand is evident throughout the film. Next there will be a reception at the Superior Bathhouse Brewery.
The film was a hit at Sundance and was purchased by Hulu for $2 million, which prevented it from being shown at the local film festival this October, she said. However, Gerber said she has wanted to expand the festival's offerings to the city.
This will likely be the only screening between now and the festival, but Gerber said her hope is that they start doing screenings quarterly and then eventually monthly.
Gerber said she was happy the event will be held at the Malco Theatre, since it is associated with magician Maxwell Blade and the film revolves another magician.
The film will be shown at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. The event at the Superior will begin at 9 p.m.
Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.hsdfi.org/, or at the box office day on Friday. Gerber said they are expecting a large showing, so it would be better to preorder tickets. Tickets are $20, and they include the Gala toast, the screening and the Q and A that will follow.
Local on 04/18/2019