Ann Arbor Film Festival announces special guest Pat Oleszko for Festival Week

Ann Arbor — The Ann Arbor Film Festival (AAFF) is pleased to announce that Pat Oleszko will present a series of short performances throughout festival week (March 24-29, 2020). Oleszko’s presence at the 58th AAFF is predicated upon her status as the guest of honor at the 4th Annual AAFF Director’s Fundraiser, celebrating her significance and impact upon the festival. An internationally known multi-disciplinary performance artist, Oleszko has contributed to and shaped the overall experience of AAFF since its early days.

Early in her career, Oleszko studied with filmmaker and AAFF founder George Manupelli. Her provocative costumed performances energized the atmosphere and prepared festival-goers for the cinematic delights to come. She is a self-described “spectacle,” and is intimately familiar with the artist’s struggle. Her work ranges from the street to the stage to the silver screen, and includes the use of intricate costumes, absurdly funny wit, and political commentary. From the personal to the political, her work is an “exorcise thru humor.”

Oleszko participated in the tribute to AAFF founder Geroge Manupelli at the 53rd AAFF after he passed away in 2014, and most recently returned to the AAFF in 2017. Similar to her participation in the early years, she will open several shorts-in-competition film programs with performances, including opening night Films In Competition 1 (8pm, Tuesday March 24, 2020).

Previous Guests of Honor of the director’s fundraiser include former festival directors Ruth Bradley, Vicki Honeyman, and Woody Sempliner. The director’s fundraiser will be taking place AAFF opening night, Tuesday, March 24th, 5:30-7:00pm at Savas in the mezzanine. Any and all parties interested in supporting the festival are encouraged to attend.

You can learn more about Oleszko’s art and career on her website.