Editor's Note

Celluloid Heroes

I've made no secret of my love for the Loft Cinema (and especially those new seats in the main auditorium), but now we're reaching one of my favorite times of the year: The Loft Film Fest.

It's not like we don't already have an overload of indie cinema available to us in Tucson—just check out our weekly Reel Indie column to see the crazy number of films that play each week outside your multiplexes—but the Loft Film Fest brings us some of the best alternative movies in circulation these days, along with some classics, such as Revenge of the Nerds, shot right here in Tucson (and with Booger himself, Curtis Armstrong, in attendance!). The Loft also brings in filmmakers to discuss their work and all sorts of other special touches. If you love movies, just go ahead and take the week off from work.

Emily Dieckman brings you all the details on the Loft Film Fest in this week's cover story.

Emily also previews a special reading from cancer survivors and brings us a story about the passing of Mick Willoughby, who served as the marshal of Old Tucson for 13 years. (You'll love the part about the murder-for-hire scheme involving cobra venom.) Danyelle Khmara takes us to a service for veterans who didn't have much in the way of family when they passed, and also tells us about some tough teen girls who are playing rugby in Tucson. Margaret Regan urges you to check out the retrospective of painter James G. Davis' work at downtown's Etherton Gallery before the show wraps up. Sherilyn Forrester explains why you should say "I do" to The River Bride, now on stage at Arizona Theatre Company. Linda Ray previews the laughs at the upcoming Tucson Comedy Arts Festival. Mark Whittaker goes fishing for sushi on Tucson's southside. Tirion Morris has a drink at downtown's new Royal Room. Brett Callwood tells you why you should go see The Devil Makes Three at the Rialto Theatre this week. And there's a whole lot more in the book that makes me feel lucky about working with such a bunch of talented folks, week in and week out.

— Jim Nintzel, Editor