Reel Winners On The Big Screen

For many movie aficionado’s the thought of seeing the latest big money blockbuster on Delaware Avenue would make their skin crawl. They prefer the nice, cushy, reclining seats and clean, non-soda-covered floors of say, The Ritz rather than an AMC. And while action packed CGI created effects are great, these movie buffs would prefer a nice documentary any day of the week. Luckily, this week marks the start of the 19th Annual Philadelphia Film Festival, presented by the Philadelphia Film Society.

The 10day event begins this Thursday, October 14 and runs until Sunday, October 24, featuring 216 different screenings of over 100 different domestic and international narratives, documentaries and short films. The films will be featured on 11 different screens in 6 venues throughout Philadelphia and Bryn Mawr.

Though the star of the festival will be up on the big screen the festival will also be full of VIP receptions and events including a variety of panels with industry professionals and special guests. Tickets for all of the screenings are available online and festival organizers do suggest purchasing ahead of time. Print them out and take them with to avoid box office lines and sold out shows. There’s even a twitter feed keeping film lovers constantly in the know about sell-outs, changing schedules, special guests and event information. And for the next 10 days, the events are nearly non-stop (listed below) and even star studded.

Highlights include the Stewart Bradley Charity Event, a pep rally / cocktail party, that will be held at the Sumo Lounge at Raw on Tuesday, October 19, from 8:30pm – 10pm to support the Philadelphia Film Society’s Annual Fund. For just $25 at the door, that covers drinks and light hors d’oeuvres, mingle with Eagles Middle Linebacker, Stewart Bradley and support the cause that has brought Philadelphia this festival for the past 19 years.

There is also a 10th anniversary screening of M. Night Shyamalan’s Unbreakable on Thursday, October 21 at 7:30pm at the Prince Music Theater. General admission tickets for the screening are just $12 each, followed by a Q&A hosted by the director himself.

There are also many free admission events that would be great for movie lovers or even film students like the Sigma Sound Industry Panels, which will be held this Saturday, October 16 and Sunday October 17 from 12noon – 2pm at Sigma Sound Entertainment on North 12th St, where industry professionals will give their insights on current hot topics of the film world – like Saturday’s panel discussion on "Making a Film in Philadelphia."

So check out the links, pick your poison, sit back, relax and enjoy the show. But FYI - there are no trailers before the movies, so assuming there’s time to grab some snacks and hit the head before the movie will leave you out in the lobby – there are no seating guarantees after the screenings begin.

This article was written for and can be viewed at philly2night.com.