Founded in 1991, the Philadelphia Film Festival is one of the longest-running film festivals in the city. Presented annually by the Philadelphia Film Society (PFS), the Festival is an outstanding showcase of cinematic excellence and imagination, featuring over 200 films with more than 50 filmmakers and industry guests at seven unique venues throughout the Greater Philadelphia Area.
As one of Philadelphia’s most important cultural events, the Festival is eagerly anticipated by its enthusiastic and devoted audiences, including students, film lovers, and arts supporters. Critically acclaimed by industry professionals, the Festival aims to promote domestic and international films that might not otherwise be seen in Philadelphia. The two-week event showcases thought-provoking narrative features, live action and animated shorts, locally-produced films, and theatrical documentaries. Industry panels, director Q&As, special event screenings, and networking opportunities enhance the Festival experience, providing Philadelphia audiences with unrivalled access to world-class films and the talent responsible for creating them.
The twenty-first annual Philadelphia Film Festival will be held from October 18-28, 2012.
See below for a full overview of last year’s critically-acclaimed 20th Anniversary festival:
DATES:
October 20 – November 3, 2011
LOCATIONS:
Old City: Ritz East (2 Screens) and Ritz Five (1 Screen)
Center City: Prince Music Theater
University City: Rave, International House, Zellerbach Theater (Annenberg Center)
PROGRAM & ATTENDANCE:
Approximately 35,000 tickets sold to over 250 Screenings of 145 domestic
& international narrative, documentary and short films.
Thematic Categories:
Galas & Special Events Screenings
Masters of Cinema
World Narratives
Greater Filmadelphia (local)
Sight & Soundtrack
New French Film
American Independents
Sports in Motion
Spotlights
Documentary Showcase
The Graveyard Shift
From the Vaults
Spanish Language Cinema
Shorts Programs
Docs for Kids
HIGHLIGHTS:
Opening Night: LIKE CRAZY, directed by Drake Doremus: A powerful story about two young lovers whose relationship is threatened by international borders, followed by the Opening Night Party at the Agora in the Annenberg Center
Closing Night: THE DESCENDANTS, directed by Alexander Payne: An emotional and inspiring film of a man forced to accept his role as sole parent to two young daughters following a tragic accident, followed by the Closing Night Party at Sigma Sound Studios.
Galas: ANONYMOUS, THE ARTIST, JEFF, WHO LIVES AT HOME, MY WEEK WITH MARILYN, SHAME
SPECIAL PROGRAMS:
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS, written and directed by Peter Berg: A special retrospective screening followed by an in-depth and captivating conversation with writer/director Peter Berg and author Buzz Bissinger.
I’M CAROLINE PARKER: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE BEAUTIFUL: A screening of the powerful new documentary followed by an incredible Q&A discussion with renowned director Jonathan Demme (PHILADELPHIA, THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS).
Docs for Kids sidebar, including FIRST POSITION, SHAKESPEARE HIGH, TO BE HEARD and BEING ELMO: A PUPPETEER’S JOURNEY, featuring a Q&A with Kevin Clash, the puppeteer behind Elmo.
Social Impact films and extended post-screening discussions curated by Festival Founding Director Linda Blackaby, featuring BETWEEN TWO WORLDS, GIVE UP TOMORROW. TO BE HEARD and WHERE SOLDIERS COME FROM
PANEL DISCUSSIONS:
Free panels, featuring local and national industry professionals on topics such as, “After the Shoot: What Happens Next in the New World of Distribution?” and “Go Local: Making a Film in Philadelphia.”
AWARDS:
Tributes to luminaries in the industry and the Festival’s annual honors:
Best Feature Film (Narrative): POLICEMAN
Best Feature Film (Documentary): WHERE SOLDIERS COME FROM
“Archie” Award for Best First Feature: MICHAEL
Best Local Feature: RACE TO THE BOTTOM OF THE EARTH
Audience Award: STAGING HOPE
GUESTS:
Over 100 filmmakers, actors and entertainment industry guests, including:
Drake Doremus, co-writer/director and Felicity Jones, actress, of LIKE CRAZY.
Mark Duplass, co-writer/co-director of JEFF, WHO LIVES AT HOME.
Martin Donovan, writer/director/actor, and David Morse, actor, of COLLABORATOR
Chuck Wepner, former heavyweight champion and subject, along with director Jeff Feuerzeig and producer Mike Tollin of THE REAL ROCKY
George Parra, producer of THE DESCENDANTS