'Meet Me at Magic Hour' shines bright at the Tallgrass Film Festival

In the sweet-faced indie "Meet Me at Magic Hour," writer-director Monica Honey projects a movie-within-a-movie coming-out tale of self-discovery. This Kansas-made gem will draw audiences with its gentle yet powerful exploration of identity, family and the spellbinding nature of cinema.

Ace Dionne is the centerpiece of what makes “Magic Hour” endearing as Jordan Daniels, a neurodiverse member of the LGBT community with an infectious passion for films of all eras. On the day of their mother Rosie's (Arietta Austin) homegoing celebration, Jordan is turned upside down — the way they process the world won’t let them be “normal.” 

Everyone misunderstands Jordan, except their faithful girlfriend Ari (Mirta Naomi Santana Morales). Because of his own grief, their brother Julius (Sheldon Mba) needs and urges them to conform, but Jordan simply cannot. When their lapse in judgment hurts Ari, their unique movie-inspired coping mechanisms help them understand their relationships and their responsibilities.

The loss, the learning to communicate effectively and the heart to demonstrate care are underscored by the special bond Jordan shared with their fiery, loving mother.

Honey's direction balances heavy themes with a delicate touch, Mba gives a fixating supporting performance, and Dionne grips your soul with their childlike doe eyes.

The right pluck upon the heartstrings vibrates throughout as we witness Jordan's journey toward realization and acceptance. The film's measured pacing allows these moments to breathe and bear their significance. 

"Meet Me at Magic Hour" reminds us that stories have the power to send us running to the theater and that every moment in its sanctuary is divine.

If you missed "Meet Me at Magic Hour" at the Tallgrass Film Festival, be sure to steam it online next week. Bring tissues and an open heart.

The Details

"Meet Me at Magic Hour" World Premiere at the Tallgrass Film Festival
1 p.m. Sunday, October 27, at the Mary Jane Teall Theater at Century II, 225 W. Douglas Ave. in Wichita

If you missed the premiere, you can purchase a ticket to stream "Meet Me at Magic Hour" online during the week after the in-person festival, beginning at 10 p.m. Sunday, October 27.

Learn more and buy an online streaming ticket on the Tallgrass website and follow the film on Instagram.

More film coverage from the SHOUT

Crime comedy ‘Start Up’ showcases some of Kansas’ most talented actors

The film by former Wichita TV personality Shane Konicki had its world premiere at the Tallgrass Film Festival. You can buy tickets to stream it online over the next week.

The SHOUTTeri Mott

In the Kansas-made indie thriller ‘Arrive Alive,’ execution lags behind ambition

In this Tallgrass Film Festival world premiere, a recently released ex-con goes on a murder spree to find his brother’s killer. ‘Arrive Alive’ screened at Tallgrass on October 25 and will be available online during the week after the festival concludes.

The SHOUTLonita Cook

In ‘Loud Enough – Surviving Justice,’ a Kansas college student takes on the justice system

The Tallgrass Film Festival documentary selection by director Hilary Klotz Steinman tells the story of a Bethany College student who fought to hold her rapist accountable. It screens at Century II on October 25.

The SHOUTKate Nance

Gordon Parks Academy students have a ‘trajectory-changing’ experience in the documentary ‘I Needed Paris’

‘I Needed Paris’ is a moving witness to one generation of Black Wichitans’ investment in the next. It screens at the Tallgrass Film Festival on October 24.

The SHOUTJeromiah Taylor