The Virginia Film Festival began last night with the 17th annual Opening Night Gala at the University's Bayly Art Museum.
The gala officially launches a festival for which ticket sales have dramatically increased this year.
"Comparing Internet ticket sales from this year to last year, which was a comparable year, we have done twice as much," said Logan Byers, the Virginia Film Festival box office manager. Byers added that in-person and telephone sales also have considerably increased this week.
Full-time University students are offered 15 free ARTS dollars toward the purchase of tickets at the festival.
At the gala, director Nicole Kussell, who made this year's anchor film "The Woodsman," said she was happy to see a large turnout.
"It's thrilling," Kussell said. "It's exciting to see how well the festival is attended."
The premiere of "The Woodsman" last night was sold out a week ago.
"This is a film, by all accounts, that Kevin Bacon is sure to get an Academy Award for," Virginia Film Festival Director Richard Herskowitz said.
Festival organizers responded to the demand by expanding film showings and other events.
"The Woodsman" will air a second time on the Downtown Mall tomorrow.
"Most of the events with film festival guests have sold especially well, particularly those with ties to the local community and Virginia," Byers said.
U.S. Sen. John Warner, a Virginia Republican, will introduce "The Golden Era of NASCAR" tomorrow. He narrated the documentary, which his son directed.
Festival officials said they have focused on uniting University students and actors.
Although a drama workshop hosted by Sandra Bullock is restricted to drama students, Herskowitz recently announced a free film-acting workshop Saturday that is open to all University students. The program will be hosted by Ray McKinnon, costar of the HBO series "The Everwood," and Walton Goggins, costar of the FX hit series "The Shield."
"These guys are really entertaining and accomplished," Herskowitz said. The two men were brought to the festival by University drama department alumnus David Koplan, who produced their upcoming film.
Other departments at the University also are participating in the festival.
The Fringe Festival, a showcase of work completed by University art students, reflects the festival's theme of speed.
"The art students have really adopted this event," Herskowitz said.
Read More
Professor and researcher Daniel Flannery discusses youth violence and prevention
By Jackie Bond | 2 hours agoDr. Daniel Flannery discussed the cycle of violence from adolescence to adulthood, and the correlation between unrestricted gun access and mass violence.
Board of Visitors ends support for racial diversity goals
By Brendon Bordwine | 14 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 | 17 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.
