By OnMilwaukee Staff Writers   Published Aug 23, 2011 at 9:02 PM

Milwaukee Film today announced a tribute to Kartemquin Films as part of the 2011 Milwaukee Film Festival, Sept. 22 through Oct. 2. One film, "The Interrupters," truly stands out for its excellence and awards.  

Kartemquin Films is a Chicago-based non-profit documentary group that is celebrating 45 years of creating innovative documentaries and pursuing social justice through film.

The Milwaukee Film tribute will include the local premieres of two of Kartemquin's newest films, "The Interrupters" and "A Good Man," as well as a presentation of the landmark 1994 documentary "Hoop Dreams" and a preview of a work-in-progress, "American Arab."

"The Interrupters," directed by Steve James, examines violence in Chicago and was hailed by Slate Magazine as "the most necessary film of the year." Several key subjects of the film will join James for the Saturday, Sept. 24 screening at the Landmark Oriental Theatre.

"I am delighted that we are presenting Steve James latest masterpiece at the festival. I view the film as the most important documentary of the year," said Milwaukee Film Artistic and Executive Director Jonathan Jackson.

"We had great success last year with community engagement around screenings of 'Waiting for Superman' and are looking to do the same this year with The Interrupters."  

The full lineup and schedule for the festival will be announced Saturday, Sept. 3 and printed program books will be available to pick up for the first time at the Made in Milwaukee event in Cathedral Square Park.

Tickets for the Milwaukee Film Festival go on sale Sept. 8.