EC Wisconsin News

The Sheboygan Film Festival will close its first edition with a screening of "Dead Man Walking," the 1995 film written and directed by Tim Robbins. The event is scheduled for Sunday, October 5, 2025, at the Stefanie H. Weill Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Sheboygan.

Beah Travis, Chair of the SFF Committee, commented on the choice: “Film and television lovers in Sheboygan County are already thinking about and enjoying Tim Robbins’ work, so it made sense for us to celebrate him as well. This film has aged very well, and many of the issues it addresses are even more relevant today. We’re very pleased to present this screening.”

"Dead Man Walking" is adapted from Sister Helen Prejean’s memoir and tells the story of Sister Helen (Susan Sarandon) helping a death row inmate (Sean Penn) with his appeal. Roger Ebert praised the film in his 1996 review: "With this film, [Tim Robbins] leaps far beyond his earlier work and has made that rare thing, a film that is an exercise of philosophy. This is the kind of movie that spoils us for other films, because it reveals so starkly how most movies fall into conventional routine, and lull us with the reassurance that they will not look too hard, or probe too deeply, or make us think beyond the boundaries of what is comfortable."

The following weekend on October 10 and 11, Tim Robbins will be in Sheboygan County for performances of his play "Topsy Turvy." These events are part of the Kohler Foundation’s Distinguished Guest Series at Kohler Memorial Theatre in Kohler. Both shows will be followed by discussions with Robbins.

"Topsy Turvy" combines elements from classical Greek tragedy with vaudeville and features gods like Dionysus alongside magicians and other characters. The play uses original music and humor to explore themes related to isolation during times of crisis.

Angela Ramey, Executive Director of Kohler Foundation Inc., said: “We’re very pleased to bring this special experience to our community. Our Distinguished Guest Series is known for bringing the world’s greatest artists, performers, and thought leaders to Sheboygan County.”

There will also be an interview session titled "An Evening with Tim Robbins and Tonya Mosley," featuring NPR Fresh Air co-host Tonya Mosley interviewing Robbins on Saturday evening.

The Sheboygan Film Festival runs from October 2-5 and is organized by Belladonna Film Project. The festival aims to highlight independent films from both regional filmmakers and broader audiences through screenings as well as filmmaker conversations and panel discussions each day.

The Kohler Foundation continues its support for arts initiatives throughout Wisconsin by hosting events such as these performances.

Tickets for festival screenings can be purchased online or through local ticket offices; tickets for theatrical performances are available via kohlerfoundation.org or by phone at 920-458-1972.