Film Festival News

Reporting on film festivals

Tallgrass International Film Festival 2021 Announces Films for 19th edition of fest

By John Wildman 5 years ago

“With our procurement of a grant called Reimagined Spaces, we took the idea to heart, reimagining a lot of the festival this year as we continue in year two of the pandemic,” said Executive Director Melanie Addington. “At the core of Tallgrass, we remain a festival focused on filmmakers finding their audience and creating community around film. Movies are the great bridge-builder that unites us as people. The 19th annual Tallgrass may look different but the core remains always the same.”

The Double Exposure Investigative Film Festival expands programming for October fest in Washington DC

By John Wildman 5 years ago

“The outpouring of work by filmmakers and journalists who reside at the intersection between both cultures has never been more prolific, nor more creative” said Sky Sitney, festival co-creator and co-director. “Whether excavating a dormant archive, meticulously piecing together citizen-created content, turning to animation as both a storytelling device and a protective measure, or boldly entering the frontlines of an ICU during a pandemic or forests ablaze with fire, the filmmakers and journalists featured in this year’s program are reaching extraordinary new heights with their craft, and telling vital stories that go well beyond headline news.”

Julianne Hough’s Canary House Prods. announces 4th LIGHT IT UP networking panels series

By John Wildman 5 years ago

“Light It Up has proven to be a true connective platform for women in entertainment, benefiting them and furthering their ideas and careers via conversations with the people who are finding success with their new ideas,” Hough said. “This is our fourth season of finding the best minds and personalities happy to share their experiences and knowledge to foster the growth of self and others throughout the industry.”

Peeter Rebane’s Firebird Opens Atlanta’s LGBTQ film festival, Out on Film, rolls out film lineup for next month’s hybrid presentation

By John Wildman 5 years ago

wonderful knowing we have such an expansive, international lineup of films to present both in-theater as well as virtually. As one of the few film festivals that are still growing despite all of the challenges present, we are thrilled with this international lineup, including our world premieres and more films we can’t wait to introduce our audiences to.”

John Carlucci and Brandon Laganke’s Drunk Bus Opens 2021 Festival of Cinema NYC brings world cinema and in-theater screenings to Queens next month

By John Wildman 5 years ago

Festival of Cinema NYC Founder and Executive Director Jayson Simba, said, “In our 5th year, and despite the pandemic, we still continue to grow by nearly every metric – submissions, films selected, screenings, and more. We could not be more excited to return to our home at the Regal and to see these amazing films on screen and meet all of the 85 filmmakers we are expecting to join us here in Forest Hills. We pride ourselves on bringing world cinema to the many film lovers here in Queens, and this year’s lineup really delivers on that front.”

Onur Tukel’s That Cold Dead Look in Your Eyes: Sidewalk Film Festival 2021 — Keeps adding more and more and more films, panels, and people!

By John Wildman 5 years ago

and at the very last minute. Every year we work to create a well balanced and diverse line-up and we think the Festival weekend is more fun when there’s a very, very full schedule of amazing things to choose from, choices are best when they’re difficult – Tennis, overachieving co-athletes, Florida road trips and Onur Tukel are great additions to an already stellar line-up!”

Jeff Daniels’ Television Event Opens Sidewalk Film Festival 2021 welcomes fans back into theaters with highly anticipated films and special events

By John Wildman 5 years ago

Sidewalk Film Festival Creative Director and Lead Programmer, Rachel Morgan, said, “We are beyond excited to be back downtown for Sidewalk 2021! We believe that we’ve crafted a balanced line-up filled with the best, recent, theatre-worthy indie films spanning all genres, along with the occasional throwback and special event. It’s been quite a couple of years and we think the 23rd annual Sidewalk schedule reflects such in a variety of ways – from provoking thought to celebrating humanity to providing an opportunity for shared commiseration. As always we also have a lot of surprises planned, after all, everyone is overdue for a super fun week (with safety in mind, of course); we hope you’re as excited as we are!”

Chris White’s Electric Jesus leads Deep in the Heart FF 2021 — wraps banner edition of fest and celebrates with filmmaker awards presentations

By John Wildman 5 years ago

“We like to say that we bring the world to Waco, but with the Deep in the Heart online encore, Waco reaches out to the world,” said, Thomas. “For us, the combination of in-person and online events is so important to the success of the festival. Not only are we able to meet our communities where they are, it enables us to enlarge our footprint in the festival landscape,” added Hunter.

THELMA & LOUISE 30th Anniversay Screening: Bentonville Film Festival 2021 Announces Competition Films

By John Wildman 5 years ago

“We are proud to offer audiences an inspirational line up celebrating diversity and inclusion on screen and behind the camera, to demonstrate the power of intersectional equity in entertainment media. Through our unique inclusion qualifiers, we are giving voice to directors who are 71% Female, 75% BIPOC or AAPI and 33% LGBTQIA+,” said Geena Davis, Bentonville Film Festival Chair. “We were excited last year to see our audience grow globally as a result of our virtual component. Come to our Festival this year, in person or virtually, and be transported into stories that can change the world,” said Davis.