READING, Pa. — Reading FilmFEST revealed the official film selections ahead of its seventh annual international film festival held in Reading. The four-day event, which runs Sept. 30-Oct. 3, supports emerging filmmakers by screening their independent films to an audience who would not see them otherwise.
The film festival features over 80 films, including narratives, shorts, feature-lengths, and documentaries. Audiences appreciate the variety of films and the opportunity to connect with these unique and original content creators.
“We have a great selection of films that focus on current, hot-topic social issues, plus thrillers, comedies, and dramas—there’s something for everyone!” said Cammie Harris, executive director of Reading FilmFEST.
While the film festival selects filmmakers from around the world, its mission is to create a diverse and inclusive community by promoting the region as a location and destination for film and media production.
Cue, “Made in Reading.” This unique category aims to highlight films shot in the surrounding area or created by local filmmakers.
Among the chosen include: “The Stakeout,” directed by Federico Castelluccio, written and produced by Robert Morgalo; “Righteous Sunday,” directed by David Speace; “Fire on the Mountain,” directed by Patrick Corcoran; “Reading Cares for Puerto Rico,” directed by Mateo Toro; and “Follow Me and I Will Be Behind You, directed by Kyle Allison and Taryn Habel.
Two additional films also have a Reading connection: the short-dramas “Karma Latte: The Lenin Gutierrez Story” and “In the Balance.”
“The Made- in-Reading category cultivates opportunities and supports our region’s most talented filmmakers by showcasing their work and sharing their amazing stores. It is always fun and exciting for our film fans to see home-grown creatives on the big screen.” – Cammie Harris, Executive Director.
All films are presented in the Boscov Theater at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Reading Movies 11 & IMAX theaters, an outdoor film venue, and online viewing opportunities. Attendees can purchase tickets through readingfilmfest.com. Early bird specials are available for a limited time.
Reading FilmFEST integrates fine art, great food, music and dance, providing an unexpectedly rich experience for movie buffs, art enthusiasts and everyone in between.
Upcoming events include:
- StudentFEST, Thursday, Sept. 30, at 5:30 p.m., at Reading Movies 11 & IMAX theaters
- LUNFEST, a film festival fundraiser featuring seven compelling short films by lauded women filmmakers, presented by the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Thursday, Sept. 30, beginning at 6 p.m., at Reading Movies 11 & IMAX theaters.
- Outdoor Art Exhibit, Saturday, Oct. 2, from 12-5 p.m., in the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts parking lot. Admission is free, with artists on-site displaying their available artworks for purchase, live demonstrations, a fashion show, food trucks, and more.
- Script Table Read for “Love is Afoot” by the Reading Theater Project, Sunday, Oct. 3, at 2 p.m., with location to be announced.
- Closing Night Celebrations, including special film selection “Soy Cubana.” The evening concludes with performances by Latino artists, Wanda Holdren Dance Academy and a salsa band. Tickets for this event are sold separately.
“We’re looking forward to once again safely welcoming audiences and filmmakers back into the theaters, as well as outdoors and online. We’re excited about this year’s festival selection that includes films that probe current events, explore our connections with each other, and entertain us with original stories.” – Tracy Schott, Creative Director.
For the complete film schedule, visit readingfilmfest.com.
Reading FilmFEST was created by filmmakers for filmmakers and film lovers and grew out of ReadingFilm, the region’s film commission, to become an established nonprofit organization located at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading, Pennsylvania. The festival continues to promote the area as a location and destination for film and media production, building the community through events and programming and cultivating the development of a regional film industry. Reading FilmFEST creates programming throughout the year for audiences, students and filmmakers, culminating in a four-day international film festival each fall. FilmFreeway featured Reading FilmFEST on its Top 100 Film Festivals. The festival has generated filmmakers from across the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Iran and Columbia. For more info, visit readingfilmfest.com.
