The benefits may certainly outweigh the costs of attending next weekend's 16th annual Virginia Film Festival. This year's "$" theme promises attendees a deeper look into the role of money in art and society.
During the four-day festival, nearly 70 feature premieres, classics and short films will be shown. Additionally, over 60 guest speakers, performances, exhibits and discussions will complement the films.
Festival officials released the finalized schedule for next weekend's events earlier this week.
The Festival opens Oct. 23 with the Gala Party at the U.Va. Art Museum. This event will honor Oscar-nominated screenwriter Frank Pierson with the 2003 Virginia Film Award and opens with a screening of his acclaimed heist film, "Dog Day Afternoon." Also present will be John Wojtowicz, the bank robber on whom the film is based, and Pierre Huyghe, creator of the video installation "The Third Memory."
The Festival will close with the screening of Oscar-winning director Robert Altman's "The Company," starring Neve Campbell and Malcolm McDowell, which will not open in theatres until Dec. 25.
Other highlights during the festival include a screening of 1973's "The Spook Who Sat by the Door," a black classic film originally pulled from theatres following FBI complaints.
The "Stopping Shopping" program Saturday at Vinegar Hill will feature filmmakers Alexandria Searls and Katharina Weingartner, and includes a variety of films and presentations critiquing consumerism. Reverend Billy of the Church of Stop Shopping also will speak.
"Don't wear your Nikes to this sermon and leave your Visa at home," Virginia Film Festival Publicist Elizabeth Kiem said, referring to Billy's stance against rampant consumerism.
Kiem also emphasized the interactive nature of the festival.
"The vast majority of films are followed by discussion sessions at the end," she said. "This sets our festival apart from others. We do as much talking as watching."
Festival Director Richard Herskowitz described the "$" theme as not only relating to films about wealth and poverty, but issues of low-budget and high-budget filmmaking.
"Since last year's "WET" theme took care of the drought, perhaps "$" will take care of the economy," Herskowitz joked.
Complementing the Virginia Film Festival is the Fringe Festival, to be held Oct. 17 through 26 on McIntire Road across from the Omni in Charlottesville. The event showcases artwork by community members and University students, and includes dance parties and special exhibits.
Tickets and schedules for the Festival can be found on the Festival Web site at www.vafilm.com.
Read More
Board of Visitors ends support for racial diversity goals
By Brendon Bordwine | 7 hours agoThe newly approved resolution, titled “Advancing Free Inquiry and Viewpoint Diversity at U.Va.”, calls for efforts to create a campus environment that supports open political dialogue, constructive debate and respect for differing perspectives.
Student Council unanimously approves Summer 2025 budget
By Lauren Seeliger | 9 hours agoUtilization rates refer to the amount of money actually used within the allocated budget — increasing these rates to prevent wasted money has been a primary goal of Student Council.
Bert Ellis reflects on time as member of Board of Visitors
By Cecilia Mould | 16 hours agoWhile Ellis entered the Board with certain priorities in mind, he said that most had not been accomplished during his term, without a majority of Youngkin appointees on the Board.
