The Fredericksburg film festival has become a staple in the region, with its second annual event drawing in a diverse crowd of filmmakers, judges, and enthusiasts alike. The festival’s organizers, led by Dalton Okolo, have been working tirelessly to bring together a unique lineup of films that showcase the best of Virginia-based filmmakers.
Festival Support and Organization
The Fredericksburg Film Festival is supported by the Fredericksburg Office of Economic Development and Tourism, as well as several local businesses. This partnership has enabled the festival to provide a platform for local filmmakers to showcase their work, fostering a sense of community and cooperation.
| Organizational Team | Roles and Responsibilities |
|---|---|
| Dalton Okolo | Director, Writer, Producer, and Event Organizer |
| Wa’ad Adam | Executive Producer & Experience Designer |
| Carlos Naranjo | Producer |
| Antonella Membreno | Producer |
| John Heyn | Producer |
Film Lineup Highlights
The festival’s lineup is a diverse and exciting mix of films, including:
* Skategoat: A young boy dreams of becoming a professional skateboarder while escaping the grip of gang life in Venice Beach. * 500 Fireflies: A single father and his daughter relocate and rebuild their lives in a new town. * Beacon: A shipwrecked survivor and a lighthouse keeper form an unlikely bond. These films, along with several others, showcase the talent and creativity of Virginia-based filmmakers, offering audiences a unique glimpse into the world of cinema.
Film Workshops and Q&A Sessions
Each film block typically begins with a hands-on workshop, followed by a Q&A session with the filmmaker. This format provides audiences with a deeper look into the creative process, allowing them to engage with the filmmakers and gain a better understanding of their craft.
Documentary Films
The festival also features a selection of documentary films, including:
* Calamity and Mercy: A film about Ukrainian refugees
* Escape from Extinction: Rewilding: A documentary about rebuilding ecosystems
* All Things Metal: A film about a family-run iron forge, heavy metal music, and a shared disability
These documentaries offer a unique perspective on various topics, from environmentalism to social issues, and provide a platform for filmmakers to share their stories and experiences.
Local Filmmaker Robert Kendzie
Local filmmaker Robert Kendzie has a film in the festival, The Wychwood Cycle, which explores a fantasy character who lives in the woods. Kendzie had to travel to far western Maryland to film in the snow, but was surprised when Fredericksburg had several inches of snow, which came in handy in his film. Kendzie supports local filmmakers with various programs and filmed part of his film at Loriella Park in Spotsylvania County.
Fredericksburg Film Festival Schedule
The Fredericksburg Film Festival runs through Sunday, with screenings and workshops taking place at various venues across the city. The schedule includes:
*
Thursday:
- Shorts Block
- Workshops and Q&A Sessions
*
Sunday:
- Feature Films
- Closing Ceremony
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