At the Anchorage International Film Festival, which takes place Dec. 4-13, the cinematic fare ranges from serious to absurd, informative to atmospheric, animation to Alaskana.
If you like "Tim Burton-esque children's comedy," there's "The Incredible Adventures of Jojo (and his annoying little sister Avila)," which the makers say "is not for over-protective parents." If tough family drama is your thing, consider "The Descendants," a film from Iran in which a Muslim father searches for a son the family has lost track of in modern Europe.
The opening gala will feature "Eadweard," a psychological drama about Eadweard Muybridge, considered the father of moving images and also the man who took what are said to be the first photographs of Alaska.
Three dozen filmmakers from outside Alaska will travel up to see their work shown and talk with audiences. But there is plenty of local movie talent in the mix.
All-Alaska products include documentaries about Mount Marathon ("3022 Ft.") and the struggles of Tlingit veterans of the Vietnam War ("Hunting in Wartime").
Showings take place at Bear Tooth Theatrepub in Spenard, the Alaska Experience Theater in the Fourth Avenue Marketplace, the Snow Goose Theater and the Anchorage Museum. Check anchoragefilmfestival.org for specific venues, times and other information.
Here are a few picks about which we've heard good things.
THE INCREDIBLE ADVENTURES OF JOJO (AND HIS ANNOYING LITTLE SISTER AVILA) Two children left on their own in the woods have to survive on their own in a mix of adventure, danger and comedy. Winner of the Best Feature award at the Boston International Kids Film Festival. Noon Dec. 5, Bear Tooth.
THE DESCENDANTS Iranian drama in which a father travels to Scandinavia in search of his son, who lost contact with the family after going to Europe for education. 2 p.m. Dec. 5 and 8 p.m. Dec. 9, Alaska Experience Theater.
LOVE BETWEEN THE COVERS A documentary about a clique of women writers who have made a powerhouse business out of publishing potboiler romance novels. Director Laurie Kahn will hold a Q&A after the film. 2:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Bear Tooth; 8 p.m. Dec. 12, Alaska Experience Theater.
WHEN THE OCEAN MET THE SKY Three brothers take a wilderness trek to gain an inheritance. Director Lukas Huffman will hold a Q&A after the film. 2:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Bear Tooth.
STINK! A documentary in which a father tries to track down the chemicals in his daughters' pajamas and discovers some unregulated unpleasantness. 3:30 p.m. Dec. 6, Alaska Experience Theater; noon Dec. 12, Snow Goose.
HARRY & SNOWMAN A documentary about a Dutch immigrant who rescued a plow horse from the glue factory and turned it into a champion show jumper. Noon Dec. 6. Anchorage Museum; 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7, Alaska Experience Theater.
JASMINE A man struggles to come to terms with the unsolved murder of his wife in Hong Kong and reconnects with an old girlfriend played by Eugenia Yuan ("Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: The Green Legend"). Director Dax Phelan will hold a Q&A after the film. 8 p.m. Dec. 7, Bear Tooth; 8 p.m. Dec. 10, Alaska Experience Theater.
MAGIC UTOPIA A supernatural drama involving a girl who suddenly floats in the air and an old man who receives a phone message from the daughter he thought was dead. Directors Shoji Toyama and Shuichi Tan will hold a Q&A after the film. 8 p.m. Dec. 10, Bear Tooth.
WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE? A dejected nurse joins a co-worker in plot to help three senior citizens get out of their assisted living home and take a trip. 6 p.m. Dec. 12, Snow Goose.
GOLDEN OOSIKARS AWARD CEREMONY The big final party will take place at 6 p.m. Dec. 13 at Williwaw, 609 F St.
BEST OF FEST A showcase of favorites from the festival will be shown at 7 p.m. Dec. 18-19 at Alaska Experience Theater. Selected entries will go on tour to Homer, Fairbanks and Skagway at dates to be announced.