Wichita’s Big Read event incorporates a free film festival. Here’s the lineup.

The National Endowment for the Arts Big Read program — a partnership with Arts Midwest — intends to broaden our understanding of the world, our neighbors and ourselves through the power of a shared reading experience, according to its website. By showcasing a diverse range of themes, voices and perspectives, the NEA Big Read aims to “inspire meaningful conversations, artistic responses, and new discoveries and connections in each community.”

“Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant?” by cartoonist Roz Chast, is the featured book for NEA Big Read Wichita, presented by the Wichita Public Library.

A finalist for the National Book Award and winner of the Kirkus Prize, the National Book Critics Circle Award and the Books for a Better Life Award, Chast’s memoir tells the story of his parents’ final years through cartoons, family photos, found documents and narrative prose.

This year, the Big Read program also includes a film festival. Each film in the program, like Chast’s graphic novel, “explores caregiving and the universal challenges experienced as one cares for someone with a chronic illness, injury, medical trauma or nearing end of life.” It’s presented by the Wichita Public Library, the Tallgrass Film Association and Wichita State University Public Health Sciences.

The festival started March 16. It continues through March and April on Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. at the Advanced Learning Library, 711 W. Second St. Admission is free, but registration is encouraged at https://tallgrassfilmcenter.eventive.org/schedule. Snacks will be served and are free.

A free film chat follows each screening at 8 p.m. at the Monarch, 570 W. Douglas.

Film and popcorn sponsors include Central Plains Area Agency on Aging, Regent Rehabilitation and Healthcare, Alzheimer’s Association - Central & Western Kansas Chapter, KUSM-Wichita Family and Community Medicine, Good Shepherd Hospice, Larksfield Place, Wichita Medical Research and Education Foundation, Proud of Wichita, the LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Independent Living Resource Center and Wichita Urban Professionals.

Here’s the festival lineup:

Thursday, March 23: “Robot & Frank” (2012) In the near future, an ex-jewel thief (Frank Langella, in a great performance) receives a gift from his son: A robot butler programmed to look after him. But soon the two companions try their luck as a heist team.

March 30: “The Farewell” (2019) A headstrong Chinese-American woman (Awkwafina, who won a Golden Globe for her performance) returns to China when her beloved grandmother is given a terminal diagnosis. Her family decides not to tell the grandmother about the diagnosis, and instead stages a fake, impromptu wedding.

April 6: “Supernova” (2020) Two men, partners of 20 years, travel across England in their old RV visiting friends, family and places from their past. Since one of them was recently diagnosed with early-onset dementia, their time together is the most important thing they have. But their love and bond will be tested.

April 13: “The Upside” (2017) A comedic look at the relationship between a wealthy man with quadriplegia (Bryan Cranston) and an unemployed man with a criminal record (Kevin Hart) who is hired to care for him.

For more information go to https://tallgrassfilmcenter.eventive.org/schedule.

Reach Rod Pocowatchit at rodrick@rawdzilla.com.