MIDDLETOWN – Coyote Film Festival, Lake County’s own independent film festival, is thrilled to announce two screenings of the award winning film, “Cats of Mirikitani” and provide an audience question and answer with New York director Linda Hattendorf during her first visit to Lake County.

There is a 1:30 p.m. matinée and 7:30 p.m. evening screening on Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center in Middletown.

Eighty-year-old Jimmy Mirikitani survived the trauma of World War II internment camps, Hiroshima and homelessness by creating art. But when 9/11 threatens his life on the New York City streets and a local filmmaker brings him to her home, the two embark on a journey to confront Jimmy's painful past.

An intimate exploration of the lingering wounds of war and the healing powers of friendship and art, this documentary won the Audience Award at its premiere in the 2006 Tribeca Film Festival and has continued to receive awards at festivals across the country.

Hattendorf has been working in the New York documentary community for more than a decade. Her editing work has aired on PBS, A&E and The Sundance Channel as well as in theatrical venues and many festivals. She was born in Cincinnati and holds degrees in literature, art history, and media studies. “Cats of Mirikitani” is her directorial debut.

The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote of her film, “Poignant beyond words, 'The Cats of Mirikitani' is comparable to finding a pearl in a pile of oyster shells ...”

The New York Times noted, “The title may suggest a wildlife documentary, but 'The Cats of Mirikitani' is entirely, vibrantly human …”

Calpine Geothermal Visitors Center is located at 15500 Central Park Road in Middletown. There is plenty of parking, restrooms, great sound and a great screening room. Tickets are $10 at the door and $5 for kids 16 and under. Fresh popcorn and concessions will also be available.

Coyote Film Festival is a fundraising arm of EcoArts of Lake County, a 501(c)3 nonprofit arts organization dedicated to bringing visual art opportunities and ecologic stewardship to the residents and visitors of Lake County.

For information visit: www.EcoArtsofLakeCounty.org or www.CoyoteFilmFestival.org .