Philadelphia Film Festival Celebrates 30th Anniversary In Person | Movies

Each October, the Philadelphia Film Society hosts the Philadelphia Film Festival, which attracts nearly 25,000 moviegoers and dozens of budding filmmakers for eleven days of cinematic extravagance. PFS’s artistic team searches for the best film festivals in the world throughout the year, from Sundance to Berlin to Cannes and Toronto, in search of the most anticipated, critically acclaimed and most successful films. most stimulating of the year. The films are presented alongside unique events that showcase Philadelphia as a thriving center of the film industry. Meet and greet events with celebrities and industry guests are one of them. This year marks the festival’s 30th anniversary, making it an even more special occasion.

J. Andrew Greenblatt, CEO and Executive Director of the Philadelphia Film Society (PFS), said: “After reopening our theaters this summer, we are delighted to once again welcome Philadelphians and moviegoers around the world to our 30th anniversary. anniversary of the Philadelphia Film Festival which takes place for the first time in our history, exclusively in our own venues: the Philadelphia Film Center, the PFS Bourse Theater and the PFS Drive-In at Navy Yard. “

After a one-year hiatus, the festival is excited to be able to return to the experiences in person. Participants will have the opportunity to see films that will inspire, engage, educate and appeal to a wide range of audiences.

All participants must show proof of vaccination and masks should always be worn when viewing films in indoor locations. To ensure COVID-19 protocols are followed, they also enforce more stringent cleaning procedures and limit theater capacity to 50% with a seat between each spectator.

Greenblatt was also keen to point out that “we are also bringing back our digital streaming platform for festival-goers who are not ready to return to the cinema, making the festival as accessible as possible for everyone. “

The 30th anniversary lineup includes a host of award-winning films from various genres. In total, the festival will screen more than 130 feature and short films. Certain categories of the Festival will present an opening night film in addition to the opening night screening of the centerpiece to fully showcase the various titles of the festival.

Michael Lerman, artistic director of the Philadelphia Film Society, is excited not only about the festival but also about the state of cinema. “After a year of postponed release dates and societal confusion, I am happy to report that cinema is stronger than ever. This year’s lineup is truly one of our toughest and most explosive, ”he said.

The centerpiece of the festival this year is Sir Kenneth Branagh’s ode to his hometown “Belfast” on October 20. The semi-autobiographical film was written and directed by Sir Kenneth Branagh. It tells the story of a working-class family and their young son in Belfast at the end of the turbulent 1960s. The film also stars Dame Judi Dench and Jamie Dornan.

“Becoming Cousteau” will be the opening film for PFS ‘new environmental category, Green Screen; “Storm Lake” is the opening film for Non / Fiction; and “Loosen the Fists” for World View.

The closing film will be “The Same Storm,” which premieres October 29. During the lockdown, the film was shot creatively. Peter Hedges wrote and directed “The Same Storm” in response to the turmoil of 2020. Hedges had previously attended the festival for his 2018 opening film, “Ben Is Back”.

Black-centric films and black creatives have a lot to offer for this year’s festival. Some movies that should be on your radar include “King Richard” with Will Smith as the father of the legendary Venus and Serena Williams of tennis. “Soul Kids” highlights Stax Records, the legendary home of Otis Redding and the Staples Sisters, where a new generation of talented musicians are learning to respect each other and discover soul legends of the past. “Sisters of the Soil” tells the story of Harriet bookstore owner Jeannine Cook and her struggle for space and the sovereignty of black writers, activists and artists.

This year’s lineup includes two new categories. In honor of the Philadelphia Film Society’s first year of production at the Philadelphia Environmental Film Festival, a new environmental category, Green Screen, will be introduced – from animal welfare to the effects of climate change, these inspiring films address pressing environmental issues. . This year’s “Visions of” category focuses on Visions of Iran, showcasing a selection of outstanding films produced in Iran. These categories reinforce the festival’s goal of presenting films that are both timely and engaging.

The Filmadelphia category and shorts program underscore the Philadelphia Film Society’s continued commitment to filming in Greater Philadelphia, showcasing brilliant films from the region’s most captivating filmmakers. “All About My Sisters,” the groundbreaking debut feature from Chinese director Wang Qiong, is included. Qiong is a Philadelphia-based documentary filmmaker and photographer and a Temple University alumnus.

As Lerman pointed out, “We always like to say, ‘there is something for everyone’ but this year more than ever, that’s it for everyone.”

Tickets are on sale now for members of the Philadelphia Film Society and are open to the general public starting October 11. For more information on the festival, visit filmadelphia.org/festival