Virginia Film Festival Celebrates 38 Years of Cinematic Creativity

The 38th annual Virginia Film Festival will take place from October 22 to 26, 2023, showcasing over 100 films in various venues across Charlottesville. This year, the festival will explore the behind-the-scenes processes that contribute to filmmaking, focusing on disciplines such as composing, casting, and screenwriting. According to Ilya Tovbis, the festival’s artistic director, these elements are essential for creating the immersive experiences that audiences cherish.

Guests from various fields will engage with attendees, sharing insights into the artistry that shapes the narratives and characters in film. Tovbis emphasized the collaborative nature of filmmaking, stating, “If you’ve ever sat through the credits, you see the village it takes to make it.” The festival not only highlights emerging talent but also features films that have previously garnered critical acclaim, including Academy Awards.

The festival will kick off with the opening night film, “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” directed by Scott Cooper, a Virginia native and member of the festival’s advisory board. This documentary delves into the creation of Bruce Springsteen’s iconic album, “Nebraska.” Jody Kielbasa, the festival’s executive director, described the film as “a heartening, beautiful film” that examines the legacy of an American cultural icon.

Among the notable films screening this year is “Train Dreams,” which serves as the centerpiece film and stars Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones. Based on the novella by Denis Johnson, it tells a poignant American story set in the early 20th century. Kielbasa remarked, “It celebrates a simple life, but a really beautiful life.”

The festival’s closing night will feature “Rental Family,” starring Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser. This film, directed by Hikari, follows an American actor navigating a unique role in Tokyo, where he encounters a service that provides fake family members. Fraser’s character faces the complexities of reality as his life becomes intertwined with his role. Hikari will accept the festival’s Breakthrough Director Award during the event.

Other highlights include “Jay Kelly,” featuring George Clooney and Laura Dern, which follows a Hollywood star on an unexpected journey. Composer Nicholas Britell will be honored with the Achievement in Film Composition Award and will participate in a live discussion.

The festival will also present several other significant films, including “Christy,” starring Sydney Sweeney, and “Frankenstein,” directed by Guillermo del Toro. The latter features an impressive cast, including Mia Goth and Christoph Waltz.

In addition to the film screenings, local filmmakers will have their work featured. Chris Farina will present “Pep Banned,” a documentary about the student-run Virginia Pep Band, which faced challenges in maintaining its presence at the University of Virginia. Farina will receive the Gov. Gerald L. Baliles Founders Award for his contributions to storytelling.

Tickets for the festival start at $15, with various discounts available. This year’s lineup promises to engage audiences with both new experiences and beloved classics, reinforcing the festival’s reputation as a premier cultural event.

For further details and to purchase tickets, visit the official website at virginiafilmfestival.org.