Local Newswire Brace yourselves: The Milwaukee Film Festival kicks off tonight

In case you haven’t noticed, or have been too busy tearing your hair out over Netflix’s whole “Qwickster” thing, the Milwaukee Film Festival kicks off tonight in high style. The fest’s first film, Natural Selection, will screen at the Oriental Theater at 7 p.m., while an Opening Night Party is set for 8:30 p.m. at Discovery World. It’s the first round of goodness in what’s sure to be another top-shelf event, and an excuse to finally get out of your apartment and hobnob with the hobnobbers. Oh, and see some films.

Here’s the official synopsis of Natural Selection, along with a scene from the film:

In Robbie Pickering’s multiple award-winning debut film, comedic actress Rachael Harris (The Hangover, “Modern Family”) stars as Linda White, a devoutly Christian Texas housewife whose life takes a dramatic turn when she discovers her husband has a son—from a sperm bank. The son in question, Raymond (Matt O’Leary), turns out to be a wild escaped con hiding in Florida. As the cloistered Linda sets out to find him, she begins an absurd journey of self-discovery that is both comical and touching. Part road trip, part oddly matched romance and part tale of the trials of marriage and morality, this quirky indie comedy nabbed seven trophies at SXSW earlier this year, including the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award. Breakthrough Performance honors went to actors Rachael Harris and Matt O’Leary, whose awkward chemistry as Linda and Raymond is hilarious, heartbreaking and utterly convincing.

As for the Opening Night Party, expect some surprises to go along with the booze and hors d’oeuvres. Music will be provided by Sex & Cigarettes, a Serge Gainsbourg-inspired band that features members of Juniper Tar and the late Decibully. And if you can find a better Serge Gainsbourg-inspired band playing a gig tonight, more power to you.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t also remind you of a few Midnight Movies that we, the humble A.V. Club, are sponsoring. On Friday, Sept. 23, The Last Circus will screen at midnight at the Oriental. A pre-party for this “psycho clown revenge tale” is set for 10 p.m. at The Hotel Foster. The following night, be sure to stop by the Oriental again and check out some whacked-out shorts in the “Best Damn F*#@ing Midnight Program Ever. Sh*t.”

There’s plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned, and enjoy some f*#@ing movies.