Classes are in full swing, leaves are beginning to fall from the trees and the air has gotten that extra crisp in it that makes you think, “Yes, fall is here.” And with the ushering in of the new season comes one of the most celebrated cultural events of the year, the third annual West Chester Film Festival. Playing host to over 90 independent short films from around the world, the festival is set to take place the weekend of Oct. 5 through Oct. 8. Films are broken down into genres ranging from animation to documentaries and can be seen in four different locations within walking distance of campus. These venues include the Masonic Lodge on Church Street, Chester County Historical Society on North High Street, The Knights of Columbus on Market Street and The Baptist Church on South High Street.
Seeing these unique films can also be done at a price that won’t leave your wallet empty. All films are under 30 minutes long and are shown together in one-hour blocks for the student price of only $6 per block. Tickets are available online at www.westchesterfilmfestival.com or at the door of all venues (cash only at door).
The festival will also be hosting a variety of free workshops where students and friends can come to show their creative aspirations. Leading the workshop series on Friday is the highly acclaimed Philadelphia based sketch comedy group, Secret Pants. This interactive workshop will split audience and troop members into two groups to see who can produce a more hilarious film by the end of the weekend.
On Sunday, professional actor and 16-year-old West Chester native, Charlie McDermott will give his insight into showbiz. Charlie has appeared in various films including “The Village” and has just wrapped filming on a supporting role in “The Ten” starring Winona Ryder and Jessica Alba. Charlie’s father will also be speaking at the workshop to give advice on the acting business as well as marketing strategies.
Also on Sunday, New York artist and filmmaker, George Bobby Jones will be hosting a workshop on experimental film. Jones will discuss video art and how to work outside the conventions of traditional film. He will also show his film, “A Conversation with Bill Viola,” which focuses on world renowned video artist Bill Viola. For more information regarding show times, locations and film descriptions, please visit the West Chester Film Festival Web site: www.westchesterfilmfestival.com.
Don’t let an opportunity like this pass you by!