William Forsythe, left, stars as boxer Jake LaMotta in the drama "The Bronx Bull," which co-stars Joe Mantegna. The real LaMotta is expected to attend the Long Beach International Film Festival, where this film is screening Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015. Photo Credit: Main Street Films
The boxer Jake LaMotta and the rapper Talib Kweli will be visible at this year's Long Beach International Film Festival, and not just on screen.
Both are the subjects of films at the festival, which begins Sept. 24, and are expected to attend. Their appearances could help raise the profile of an annual event that is now celebrating its fourth year. Aside from the celebrity guests, the lineup includes narrative features, documentaries, foreign films and several shorts programs -- including the outdoor Shorts on the Beach evening -- along with a new program, the Joan Jett Music in Film series, named for Long Beach's most famous rocker (and a regular festival attendee).
Below are several festival highlights. All times listed are afternoons.
LaMotta: The Bronx Bull (Sept. 24 at 5:30). William Forsythe plays the middleweight champion boxer Jake LaMotta. Both the actor and the real-life figure he portrays are expected to attend this screening, along with co-star Tom Sizemore. Directed by Martin Guigui.
Chasing Yesterday (Sept. 25 at 12:30). A once-promising track star (Eric Nelsen), now a washed-up drunk in his mid-20s, begins training for a marathon. Written and directed by Joseph Pernice.
Till We Meet Again (Sept. 25 at 7:30). Bank Tangjaitrong's drama follows two young travelers in Thailand whose romantic history is revealed in flashbacks. Starring Johan Matton, who is also the screenwriter, and Linnea Larsdotter.
Blood, Sweat & Beer (Sept. 25 at 8:45). A documentary about the uphill struggles facing two start-up beer breweries. Directed by Chip Hiden and Alexis Irvin.
Generosity of Eye (Sept. 26 at 6). Julia Louis-Dreyfus narrates a documentary about her father, William, who is selling his extraordinary art collection -- reportedly worth $10 million to $50 million -- and donating the proceeds to the Harlem Children's Zone.
Talib Kweli: Prisoner of Conscious, Live from Brooklyn(Sept. 26 at 10). The world premiere of a documentary about the sociopolitical rapper, who is scheduled to speak in person.
To Life (Sept. 27 at 2:45). Three women try to enjoy their reunion at a pleasant beach town but cannot forget Auschwitz, where they met. With Julie Depardieu, Johanna Ter Steege and Suzanne Clement. In French with English subtitles.
Shelter (Sept. 27 at 8). Paul Bettany makes his directorial debut in a film starring his wife, Jennifer Connelly, and his "Avengers" co-star Anthony Mackie as impoverished souls who meet on the streets of New York. Bettany also wrote the screenplay. This is the closing night film.
WHEN | WHERE
Sept. 24-27 at venues in Long Beach and Rockville Centre. Tickets to most screenings are $15. Passes are $150-$350. Visit longbeachfilm.com