Skip to Content
/ Articles / Arts & Culture /

Plan to “Stay and Play” all weekend long at the 9th annual ReadingFilmFEST

by ReadingFilm

Sep 13, 2023

ReadingFilm Office is pleased to announce that tickets and passes are now available for the 9th annual ReadingFilmFEST, taking place Oct. 26 through 29. This year’s film festival extends an invitation to “Stay and Play” throughout the entire weekend, promising an extraordinary four-day experience filled with unforgettable cinematic journeys and the opportunity to forge lifelong friendships. Festival films and engaging public events will be held at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Eunice and Albert Boscov Theatre, Reading Movies 11 & IMAX Theatre, and WCR Center for the Arts.

The festival will kick off with StudentFEST on Thursday, Oct. 26 with special guest, actress Madison Reyes, best known for her starring role in Netflix’s hit musical series “Julie and the Phantoms.” Reyes is a multi-talented actress, singer, and social media influencer, with over 1.5 million followers on Instagram and TikTok combined, she brings star power to this year’s StudentFEST. Reyes will perform a half-time concert and announce the award winners.

On Friday, Oct. 27, there will be an exclusive opening night gala to welcome filmmakers and VIP guests. The gala event will feature a live performance by jazz artist V. Shayne Frederick. The remainder of the weekend will unfold with a diverse lineup of over 55 independent films from around the globe, and three Hollywood blockbusters screenings: a “Grease” sing-along extravaganza, where sock hop and greaser attire is strongly encouraged, a late-night screening of Stephen King’s “IT” with introduction by the film’s makeup and effects designer Tom Woodruff Jr., and a very special screenings of MGM’s, “The Wizard of Oz,” to be followed by a discussion with the world’s preeminent Oz historian, Mr. John Fricke, a fascinating experience for film lovers and families alike!

All film and film blocks are $10 each. For unlimited film screenings all weekend long, adults can purchase an All-Access Pass for $75, while students can purchase a StudentPASS for $35. VIP Passes are available, offering the ultimate festival experience, including exclusive networking opportunities with filmmakers, and access to all the parties including our gala for $125. Please note that tickets for the special presentation of “The Wizard of Oz” are sold separately. All proceeds from the festival will be reinvested in the local community to support the non-profit ReadingFilm Office and its programs.

This year, ReadingFilmFEST will offer a collectable poster, featuring King Kong atop of the iconic Reading Pagoda. The artwork for the poster was created by local artist Ann Lemon. Lemon is the founder of The Amos Lemon Burkhart Foundation established to pay tribute to her late son, gifted animation artist Amos Lemon. Thanks to the expertise of fine art print studio, Giclee Today, ReadingFilmFEST will offer these high-quality limited-edition collectable prints for purchase online at ReadingFilmFEST.org and for sale at the film festival while supplies last.

Plan to “Stay and Play” with us all weekend long. Tickets and information about films and events are available at ReadingFilmFEST.org.

We need your support!

Your contribution makes community media possible.

A donation of any size to your nonprofit media organization supports the future of media access in our community - the things you love, and the places you care about, by the people you know.

Live Streaming