The Cleveland International Film Festival returns to the Akron Art Museum, the Akron-Summit County Public Library and the Nightlight Cinema for Knight and Day in Akron.

Knight and Day in Akron film screenings will be held on April 8 (at the Akron-Summit County Public Library) and April 9 (at the Akron Art Museum and the Nightlight Cinema).

For Tickets and Additional Information, visit www.clevelandfilm.org/Akron or call 877.304.FILM (3456).
Use the code AKRON to receive a $2 discount off each ticket purchase.

CIFF ticket holders get FREE admission to the Akron Art Museum galleries on Saturday, April 9 during our regular gallery hours (11:00 – 5:00 pm).

Screenings at the Akron Art Museum:

11:30 AM
Family Shorts Program I
International 2015 • 97 minutes I Code AFAM09

1:45 PM
Little Gangster
Directed by Arne Toonen
NETHERLANDS 2015 • 105 minutes I Code LITT09

The perfect father can intimidate people, drive super fast cars, and be a hit with the ladies. Rikkie Boskamp’s dad is not that. In fact, Rik’s dad is quite the opposite of all. But not anymore. Tired of being constantly bullied at school, Rik sees an opportunity for a new life when his dad “accepts” a promotion to a new town. While Dad’s out doing nerd things, Rik gets inspiration from a mob flick and decides it’s time he and his dad become the “Boskampi” family: Italian Mafiosos who are about to own this new town. Rik’s ruse really takes off as the whole town is making way for the Boskampi’s. But when their past catches up to them, it’s time for Rik to either face the music or swim with the fishes. LITTLE GANGSTER is the hilarious “local kid makes bad” mob film with swag we’ve all been waiting for. With nods to the original “Scarface,” James Dean, and pretty much every child’s perception of cool dudes, LITTLE GANGSTER will charm you and take your lunch money. (In English and Dutch with subtitles)

4:15 PM
Country: Portraits of an American Sound
Directed by Steven Kochones
USA 2015 • 88 minutes I Code COUN09

Cowboy hats. Boots. Rhinestones. Johnny Cash’s obsession with black. Dolly Parton’s not-so-subtle dresses. These are just a few of the fashion phases that country music has inspired throughout the years. We often think of music only in terms of its sound, but its visual style can be just as integral to its appeal. This engaging documentary chronicles the history of the genre through the lenses of such notable photographers as Les Leverett, Raeanne Rubenstein, and Henry Diltz. It also features interviews with Merle Haggard, Lyle Lovett, LeAnn Rimes, The Band Perry, Tanya Tucker, Garth Brooks, Keith Urban, Roseanne Cash, Marty Stuart, and Kenny Rogers (the latter two are actually skilled photographers themselves). From its humble beginnings in the Appalachian Mountains, to the glitz and glamour of modern stars like Taylor Swift, country music has always maintained a large presence in American culture. As the film demonstrates, the artists who had the biggest influence were those who stayed true to themselves, giving the camera an honest glimpse of their souls. COUNTRY: PORTRAITS OF AN AMERICAN SOUND tackles the beloved genre from another angle, making for one truly unique music documentary.

6:30 PM
I Am Sun Mu
Directed by Adam Sjöberg
USA, SOUTH KOREA, CHINA 2015 • 87 minutes I Code IAMS09

I AM SUN MU introduces us to Sun Mu, a North Korean defector who originally escaped the country simply because he was starving, not to rebel against its extreme dictatorship. In fact, Sun Mu was championed by the government for his artistic skills, which they utilized to create propaganda posters. But even for a valued citizen, life in North Korea was rough. Food was scarce, and the constant hunger was crippling. It wasn’t until he made it to China that he discovered the dire conditions back home were intentional. This shocking revelation led Sun Mu on a mission to use his art to protest the lies and atrocities committed by leaders like Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un. Now living with his family in South Korea, Sun Mu has to remain anonymous to avoid the danger of retaliation. When a Chinese art gallery offers him an exhibition, Sun Mu will come face to face with his biggest fear. While he may be physically free of the shackles of North Korea, the evil forces there could overshadow his art and jeopardize his promising career. (In English, Chinese, and Korean with subtitles)

8:30 PM
Beyond Laughter and Tears: A Journey of Hope
Directed by Doug Blush, Lisa Klein
USA 2015 • 82 minutes I Code BEYN09

PseudoBulbar Affect, or PBA, is a neurological disorder that causes uncontrollable outbursts of laughter or crying. It occurs in people who have suffered traumatic brain injuries or strokes, or who have conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Multiple Sclerosis. It is still not widely known or spoken of, yet it afflicts nearly two million Americans. They include: Scott, a charming single parent who has MS and is stricken with sudden bursts of hysterical laughter; Dyanna, a retired deputy sheriff and nurse who had a stroke and is now prone to frequently bursting into tears; and Bobby, a truck-driver and biker raised in a hyper-macho culture, who had a traumatic brain injury and is now so emotional he cries at TV commercials. These and other extraordinary men and women open up about the physical challenges, medical ignorance, and social stigmas they now face in everyday life. Deeply moving and ultimately triumphant, BEYOND LAUGHTER & TEARS: A JOURNEY OF HOPE is an intimate film that raises awareness.

10:40 PM
After Hours Shorts: Program I
INTERNATIONAL 2015 • 93 minutes I Code ASHR09

Presented with the generous support of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation