SAVE THE DATE for Shaken Not Stirred: April 11, 2014 at Abode Venue!

TFA presents, Shaken Not Stirred, on March 27 from 6:30 to 9:30 pm at Abode Venue. The evening serves as a fundraiser for the Tallgrass Film Association, which fosters an appreciation of the cinematic arts by creating shared experiences around the international medium of film.

The evening includes a martini competition featuring mixologists from some of Wichita’s favorite watering-holes: The Anchor, Heroes Sports Bar & Grill, Larkspur, The Monarch, Mort’s, Public and Taste & See. Each will create a signature “shaken not stirred” martini with spirits sponsored by Leopold Brothers small batch distillery.

The winning mixologist, as voted on by attendees and a team of celebrity tasters (including Joe Schlimm of The Bar’s Open, Barry Schwan of House of Schwan and Denise Neil of The Wichita Eagle) will win an esteemed trophy, cash prize and their cocktail will be featured as the signature martini during the 11^th annual Tallgrass Film Festival in October.

Other highlights include premium cigars served at the cigar tent by Humidor East, food by Larkspur, and of course live-action entertainment featuring Bond – with a twist. Casual dress, Bond-attire welcome.

Proceeds from the event will support TFA, a 501(c)3 arts organization, which relies on corporate sponsorship and individual donations to provide funding for year-round cinematic programming, educational events and the annual Tallgrass Film Festival.

“Shaken Not Stirred” is sponsored by Leopold Brothers Small Batch Distillery, FIAT of Wichita, Abode Venue, Aces Estate Winery, B98 FM,  Howerton + White, Larkspur and The Humidor East. The evening is hosted by Susan Bowers and Keith Boscher, Stephanie Galichia and Theodore Troth and Sue Pearce.

Tickets are $77 and quantity is limited. Buy online by clicking here, or call 316.303.9292 to reserve your tickets via phone. Tickets also include a complimentary 2013 membership to the Tallgrass Film Association ($35 value. Cards may be picked up at event. Non-transferrable.) Click here to see all the exciting benefits of TFA membership.

About Tallgrass Film Association

TFA was founded in 2003 by Timothy Gruver, a Wichita native who studied filmmaking at Brigham Young University (often sneaking into Sundance Film Festival parties in Park City to mingle with the stars) before moving to Los Angeles for his first job with Dreamworks Animation, followed by Outfest and the Los Angeles Film Festival.

Gruver returned to Wichita in 2002 to found Tallgrass Film Association (known originally as the Wichita Association for Motion Picture Arts.) In January of 2003, he told the Wichita Eagle, “There are extraordinary possibilities here…When I heard Wichita did not have a major film festival, I set out to change that.”

Gruver believed Wichita could be the next Telluride — obvious geographical issues aside. “Film as an art form is so accessible. It’s such an easy thing for people to get into. Yes, the audience is here,” he said. “I want it to be done for the love of film, for the audience.” He amassed a dedicated board of directors and staff, many of whom remain with the organization today, and the country's most Stubbornly Independent film festival was born in October of 2003.

Tragically, Tim passed away suddenly at the age of 33, just prior the third festival. The board, staff and community united, determined that the show must go on. The group produced Shortgrass, a 24-hour celebration of his vision.

Since then, the festival has returned to its original 4-day format (the 11^th edition will span 5 days) and has become a hallmark of Wichita's fall event calendar. TFA has formed lasting partnerships with many of the city’s cultural attractions, arts and non-profit organizations and educational institutions; and activities have expanded to include year-round screenings and events, educational workshops, and a road show of Tallgrass films that travels the state of Kansas.