Jordan Wright
November 7, 2018
The 12th Annual Alexandria Film Festival will bring over 70 films to area film enthusiasts from November 8-11. For followers of this festival, it just gets better every year. Expect to see shorts, documentaries and indie films that may never hit mainstream theaters, but may have debuted at film festivals around the country. Talk with hot new filmmakers who are enjoying media buzz.
The celebration begins Thursday, Nov. 8 with a free program of six short films, screening outdoors at Waterfront Park in Old Town. The Free Flowing Musical Experience will kick things off at 6:30pm, with shorts beginning at 7pm with free popcorn for the first 100 guests.
AMC Hoffman 22 Theater on Eisenhower Avenue and Beatley Central Library on Duke Street will serve as the principal venues. More than 60 filmmakers will be in attendance presenting their films over the festival weekend. See full program details at www.AlexFilmFest.com
Ticketed shows can be found at www.AlexFilmFest.Eventbrite.com for $12. or $15. at the door. An All-Fest Pass is also available for $50. at www.AlexFilmFest.Eventbrite.com or for $70. at the door.
With more than 50 premieres of short and feature-length films, the festival features films from around the world including Canada, France, India, Lebanon, Spain, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, the U.K., and the U.S. Local filmmakers will screen new work and several directors, producers, actors and crew members will take questions from the audience after each screening. We love talkbacks!
Free screenings at Beatley Central Library are on Friday, November, 10th from 10:30am – 5:30pm at 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria.
Ticketed screenings at AMC Hoffman Theater 22 are on Saturday and Sunday, November 10th and 11th at 206 Swamp Fox Road, Alexandria. Tickets are available at www.AlexFilmFest.Eventbrite.com.
Highlights include:
- Burke and Herbert Bank Family Showcase – Features five premieres for, by, or about younger viewers and their families, presented by nine filmmakers including the grand prizewinner in the national video contest “Lights, Camera, Save.”
- Salute to Service Members Showcase – Features four films, including three premieres on Veterans Day Weekend. Veterans and active service members will be honored with free admittance plus one guest to this showcase. First come, first served. Guaranteed seating must be made through advance purchase online.
- Two “Film Noir” Showcases – Extend the season’s Halloween chills with these thrillers.
- “Meant to be Broken” is a clever “dramedy” about a mild-mannered guy who has never broken a rule, while he tries to cope with some very bad news by breaking them all. Q&A following with D.C. filmmaker Jonathan Zuck.
- “The Makeover” is about a conservative policy wonk who learns to embrace his feminine, alter ego, Giselle. Q&A with Alexandria Filmmaker Jane Pittman and Giselle Donnelly. World premiere.
- “Hunting Lands” is a story about a veteran-turned-recluse who witnesses the aftermath of a heinous crime and takes justice into his own hands. A Virginia premiere that will keep you guessing!
- “Trickster” – A man’s life is forever changed when he meets a beautiful young woman who needs help. A ‘Twilight Zone’ meets ‘Inception’ thriller. East coast premiere. Q&A with filmmaker Jamie Paolinetti.
- “American Exploitation: The Slaves Among Us” – Investigates sex trafficking in suburban America. Q&A with filmmakers Benjamin Brothers and John Carter. World premiere.
- “American Relapse” – An inside look at the heroin epidemic in Southern Florida and the corrupt underground “rehabilitation” industry that sprung up, not to combat but to profit. Q&A with filmmaker Pat McGee.
- “Iron Orchard” – Virginia Premiere of an epic rise and fall of a Texas oilman torn between love and ambition. Q&A with filmmaker Camille Chambers.
The festival concludes with an awards ceremony and closing reception on Sunday, November 18th.
