The annual Philadelphia Film Festival was founded by the local Film Society. This two-week fall event showcases films of various genres from around the globe. During this time, a host of celebrity guests travels to Philadelphia, and for a small price, anyone can buy tickets to see new films that have a great chance of soon becoming box-office hits. We’re telling you more about this Philadelphia festival at philadelphiaski.
What’s the Story Behind the Philadelphia Film Festival?
This event was founded in 1991. In the 21st century, it is held in October and lasts for about two weeks. Additionally, the organizers sometimes hold a short, three-day spring version of the festival in June. The program includes premiere screenings of international and local films, as well as various retrospectives and themed parties.
The venues change from year to year. Over the years, sites for the film festival have included the PFS Roxy Theatre, the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Landmark’s Ritz Theatres, and other local venues.
In the 21st century, the film festival has become a well-known and highly anticipated event. It has gained industry popularity thanks to its star-studded programs and its track record of screening films that go on to win numerous awards and worldwide recognition. For example, it was in Philadelphia that audiences first saw such acclaimed pictures as “Nomadland,” “Birdman,” “12 Years a Slave,” “Lady Bird,” and “La La Land,” among many others.
Furthermore, the film festival always attracts many guests, including famous actors, directors, producers, and other industry professionals. Here, they have the opportunity to network, share ideas, and watch one another’s work. Guests of the festival in various years have included M. Night Shyamalan, Bruce Willis, Jason Reitman, Kevin Smith, Rian Johnson, and Robert Zemeckis.
The festival organizers select over 100 films for the program, which are shown at various locations throughout the city. Interesting special events are also planned, such as themed parties, VIP receptions, and festival lounges. These informal events facilitate networking and conversation among guests and are one of the reasons for the festival’s popularity. There’s always an opportunity to have fun and relax.
Festival Awards
Of course, an event of this magnitude cannot happen without prizes and awards. Festival participants who submit their work can compete for top honors in the following categories:
- Best Narrative Feature
- Best Short Film
- Best Documentary Feature
- Best Local Short Film
- Best Local Feature
- Student Choice Award
- Audience Award
The organizers select films according to these categories and assemble a competent jury to determine the winners. This way, filmmakers have the chance not only to present their work to the public but also to compete for top prizes.
Why Should You Attend the Philadelphia Film Festival?
The Philadelphia Film Festival, which runs for 11 days, brings together famous actors, directors, producers, and over 25,000 fans of the art form who are eager to see new movies.
The programming committee curators select films from various countries, both new releases and those that have already been shown at other renowned film festivals. So, here you can watch pictures from Europe and Latin America, as well as American and local productions of different genres. The selection of documentary, feature, short, and animated films is always impressive.
In addition, the festival always hosts exclusive events, such as VIP receptions and talks by famous representatives of the film industry.
Until 2009, the festival was held in early April, but it was later moved to October. The number of attendees and guests grows each year. For example, during the 20th film festival, there were over 250 screenings, and organizers sold about 35,000 tickets.
It’s worth noting that the film festival did not cease its activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The program was formed, and the selected films were shown virtually in October 2020. In addition, the organizers used the popular American drive-in format and showed a series of pictures at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. That same year, MovieMaker magazine included the festival in its list of the “50 Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.”
In October 2021, the 30th anniversary Philadelphia Film Festival took place. It was marked by screenings of such famous films as “Belfast,” “The French Dispatch,” “King Richard,” and “Spencer.”
The organizing committee continues its work to this day. Thus, the annual film festival remains one of Philadelphia’s renowned traditions. This event unites movie lovers and is an exciting attraction for visitors to the city, which becomes even more vibrant and lively during the festival. For two weeks, many stars come to the city, and the magical world of cinema reveals its secrets, inviting everyone to enjoy interesting screenings.