ALMOST FAMOUS • 8/22 • ORIENTAL THEATRE

What’s your name?
Chris Novoa

Something fun about yourself?
My favorite activity is going to concerts and Milwaukee is blessed with some great venues. An all-time highlight came last year at the Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds show at Miller High Life Theatre. Long story short, I found myself singing into the mic with him when he ventured out into the main house.

What’s your relationship with Milwaukee Film?
We relocated to Wisconsin from Chicago ten years ago and my first experience with Milwaukee Film was a screening of Purple Rain during the 2017 festival, and that was the onset of making the festival an annual destination. Fast-forward to last year when a board opening became available, I jumped at the chance to be considered and very recently completed my first year of service.

What’s your favorite thing about being on the board?
The members of the board are passionate about film and engaging the community through shared cinematic experiences. My favorite thing about being on the board is getting to see firsthand the active participation with the community and what goes into to making Milwaukee an artistic destination for film, film-makers, and fans alike. The annual Milwaukee Film Festival is world class and getting to play a small part in promoting and planning the direction of this organization has been a privilege.

What movie did you pick?
Almost Famous

When did you first see said movie?
The weekend of its initial release in 2000.

Who is your favorite actor/actress in your movie and why?
Amid several great performances, I select Patrick Fugit as William Miller notably because I believed him as a 15-year old rock critic on tour with a band he admires, traversing all the excitement and temptation as Cameron Crowe most likely did. He takes his hits but maintains his idealism and love for music in a truthful way. And of all the characters in the film, he is the one I would most like to go back in time and be.

In ten words or less, tell us why we HAVE to see this movie!
Portrays why we love music in a humorous compelling story

Okay, expand on that: Why did you make this your board pick?
Roger Ebert wrote it best in his review, “Oh, what a lovely film. I was almost hugging myself while I watched it. Almost Famous is funny and touching in so many different ways.” As a rock music fan who has never been on a tour bus, this movie captures what I imagine the excitement and fatigue of it must be like. So many great and memorable scenes.

Any words of wisdom you’d like to impart?
In spirit of the film, I will quote Lester Bangs character: “The only true currency in this bankrupt world is what you share with someone else when you’re uncool.”

Join Chris and the rest of Milwaukee at our one-night-only screening of ALMOST FAMOUS, Saturday, August 22 at 7 PM at the Oriental Theatre. Tickets on sale now!