Film Festival News

Reporting on film festivals

Daniel Lafrentz’s THE LONG SHADOW showcases at Oxford Film Festival; part of lineup for 2nd Weekly Film Festival

By John Wildman 6 years ago

“The importance of curating this weekly mix is to showcase the versatility of our filmmakers and highlight how global cinema unites us,” Executive Director Melanie Addington said. “Whether through a music documentary about fighting a conservative government with art, or Queer cinema from southern filmmakers, to gorgeous animation from Oxford Film Fest alumni like film professor and fest circuit favorite Geoff Marslett, this week’s virtual film festival again allows us to narrowly focus in on these great films and engage much longer detailed conversations about filmmaking.”

QUEERING THE QUARANTINE FILMMAKER CHALLENGE: OUTstream Film Fest Announces Short Film Contest

By John Wildman 6 years ago

OUTstream Film Fest (June 1-7) announced the QUEERING THE QUARANTINE FILMMAKER CHALLENGE, which is now open for submissions. Short films made while observing social distancing orders and submitted to OUTstream Film Fest will be screened on the fest’s website and shared on social media, with a “Best of” compilation screened together as part of the kick-off for the inaugural edition of the virtual film festival on May 29.

Brian Whisenant’s THE GOLDEN YEARS launches Oxford Film Festival Weekly Virtual Film Festival

By John Wildman 6 years ago

Executive Director Melanie Addington, said, “The Oxford Film Festival has become a vital showcase for independent film and filmmakers for close to two decades now, so rather than reducing the number of the films that routinely receive the benefits of having that platform, we decided to create these weekly presentations in lieu of a one-week online virtual film festival. We’re excited by the idea that we can give each film that much more of a focus. It is important for festival organizers to adapt in this pandemic to do what is best for their filmmakers as they are our partners and the only reason our industry exists.

Brett Falentine’s FIRE ON THE HILL: EarthxFilm 2020 rolls out virtual film festival this week emphasizing the “festival” with films, panels, music, dance, and VR

By John Wildman 6 years ago

“So many of the stories we share about conservation, climate change, and the heroes working to protect our planet are a testament to the triumph of the spirit, and our collective hope for the future.” David Holbrooke, EarthxFilm Artistic Director adds “We can’t think of a better time than now to gather (at a distance) and experience those stories, highlighting the difference we can play.”

FILM FESTIVAL NEWS: CineCina Film Festival donates more than 800 protective masks to New York State Department of Health

By John Wildman 6 years ago

CineCina Film Festival Founder and Director Vina Sun, added, “We have great pride in being a part of the film and film festival community of New York City. Our theme for this year’s edition of the CineCina Film Festival is “Love and Duty” and donating these masks – so needed at this time – most definitely comes from our sense of love and duty toward our beloved New York.”

Gary Lundgren’s PHOENIX OREGON Screens for Film Festival Alliance with Theatrical-At-Home to screen at first Film Festival Day on April 11

By John Wildman 6 years ago

“We’ve been looking for a way to emulate the iconic Record Store Day idea for years,” said Lela Meadow-Conner, Executive Director of Film Festival Alliance. “It was always a challenge for film festivals since not everyone has access to a theater at the same time. So now, we gladly take this opportunity to bring audiences from across the country together, at home, and celebrate what makes the film festival experience so unique: connecting people communities through cinema.”

OUTstream Film Fest announces Call for Entries for debut of online LGBTQIA+ film festival in June

By John Wildman 6 years ago

McCarthy added, “OUTstream Film Fest could reach people that want to have an understanding about LGBTQIA+ people or appreciation for queer cinema. It’s all about inclusivity. Films are made to tell someone’s unique story and if it’s only being seen by people that have “lived” that story, then it’s not reaching everyone that could legitimately connect with and be touched by that story.”

FILM FESTIVAL NEWS: Cine Las Americas cancels 23rd edition, but plans are in the works for alternative 2020 presentations

By John Wildman 6 years ago

CLA Executive Director Jean Anne Lauer, said, “I am confident I speak for our board, staff, volunteers, sponsors, venues, vendors and many more who work with us year-round in preparation for what would have been the 23rd edition of this wonderful film festival, that it is truly heart-breaking to make a decision like this. However, we know that this is the right course of action. We appreciate the love and support we receive from our CLA family, our Austin community, and – of course – our filmmakers. We appreciate everyone’s patience as well as we sort out a path forward that will allow us to share some exceptional films with our audiences and celebrate the filmmakers whose talent and voices we seek to champion.”

Jan Komasa’s Corpus Christi leads Oxford Film Festival and Film Movement team up for a Virtual Art House

By John Wildman 6 years ago

“While we work to reschedule our main film festival, we are so grateful for creative partners like Film Movement for teaming with us on special presentations and events like these to support our work in the film and film festival community. This Virtual Art House will create a wonderful opportunity for our audiences to both watch great cinema while also helping us to raise funds to bolster our budget as we move forward in our efforts to give Oxford film fans something to look forward to during uncertain times,” Executive Director Melanie Addington said.