The Sacramento Film Festival begins March 28 and will feature films like “Special,” starring Michael Rapaport and “Elephant King,” featuring Academy Award winner Ellen Burstyn. There are over 81 short, feature-length, international and documentary independent films being shown in four different theaters throughout Sacramento.

“You are going to find amazing works of cinematic art that you won’t find in your normal cineplex,” said Martin Anaya, executive director of the festival.

“Special” is an independent movie that doesn’t follow the Hollywood format. The movie asks: What would happen if a man thought he had super powers? Not only is the movie a dramatic comedy, but it has something to say. It’s a clinical study on depression.

“Independent movies give filmmakers and actors freedom to create movies with deeper meaning than Hollywood can give because they don’t have to satisfy the mainstream market,” Anaya said. The filmmakers featured in the festival will use movies like “Special” to bring culture to the Sacramento moviegoing audience.

“Uganda Rising” is a foreign documentary that is so intense and graphic, if it were to go through the Hollywood system it would have been rated X because of its violence. A typical Hollywood action movie might have more, but because the violence in “Uganda Rising” is actual footage, it won’t be shown in regular movie theaters, but can be seen at this year’s festival.

Not only will you be able to see independent films, but there will be parties and question and answer sessions with some of the filmmakers. At 10 a.m. on March 30, the festival is putting on “Producing 101,” where filmmakers will be available for conversation and questioning. Producer John Walker (The Incredibles, The Iron Giant) and screenwriter Rich Wilkes (xXx) are two of the filmmakers attending the event.

The diversity of the festival is one of its main attractions. On opening night, one $20 advanced purchase ticket will buy entrance to a catered prescreening party, a double feature and several shorts. On closing night, April 1, there will be a 60-minute awards ceremony followed by a wrap-up party. Student and group discounts are also available for every event.More information is available at www.sacramentofilmfestival.com. Read more about the festival, as well as reviews of the movies, online at www.statehornet.com. Brandon Van Meter can be reached at [email protected]