Art springs into motion this weekend at the West Chester Film Festival. Returning for their Sixteenth Festival, the WCFF celebrates the art of independent short film. Throughout the weekend, over 70 short films will be shown, representing over 30 countries.
“Each block is compiled to be eclectic,” says Carol Quigley, President of the WCFF. That is the appeal for many people. In a single two-hour block of films, you will see a drama, a comedy, an animation, a documentary, and art/experimental film. “It gives a window into the lives and stories of people throughout the world, allowing our patrons to continue that fabulous social dynamic they already have with a bunch of new thoughts and stories to spice up their dinner and bar top conversations.”
The selection of films included varies beyond simply genre. This year’s festival includes everything from Academy Award nominees to world premieres. All these films have been patiently waiting to be shown since the 2020 Festival was cancelled due to the COVID-19 shutdown.
After the initial delay of two weeks turned into two years, the Film Fest went into hibernation mode. As an entirely volunteer, non-profit organization, they were able to keep the “virtual” lights on due to the support of their sponsors. Now that they are back, the community again has turned up to help bring the Fest back to the big screen.
The WCFF originally started when the West Chester Business Improvement District formed a “Theater Attraction Committee” in 2002. The idea was that a Film Fest would be a draw to both patrons and potential theaters. “I acted as the primary ‘gopher’ for the first WCFF, then joined the Board for the second and have been on it ever since,” says Quigley. “In a town that is well known for its bars and restaurants (all of which are GREAT!), the Film Festival provides a perfect complement to the social environment that is already here.”
For others, it is a family affair. Kevin Fitzpatrick, Vice-President and Filmmaker Liaison, says, “My parents were founding board members, and from the first year I volunteered to help out.” Now he volunteers with his extended family as well as his own children. “It makes for a great occasion to hang out and have fun.”
These days, the Fest is bigger than ever. A record-breaking 191 films were submitted from around the world. A team of screeners watched every single one, ranking them in a range of categories, before finalizing this year’s selection. Film blocks are carefully curated to range in theme, genre, and origin. “A film fest block is like the weather in Hawaii—if you don’t like what you’ve got, just wait five minutes and it will change!” says Quigley.
Throughout the weekend, film blocks will be shown at the Uptown! Knauer Center for the Performing Arts in Downtown West Chester. There will also be other events there, including the Opening Night Party, a Filmmaker’s Meet and Greet, and the Closing Night Chester Awards Party, where the award-winning films from the weekend will be shown.
Film lovers, art afficionados, and filmmakers will want to check out the Filmmaker’s Workshops, part of the WCFF’s tradition of giving back to the filmmaking community and encouraging young filmmakers. This year, the workshop will be an Art/Experimental Film Appreciation Workshop, with a variety of Art/Experimental Films being shown. Afterwards, a roundtable discussion led by Victoria Tischio, Professor of English and Film Studies at West Chester University, will invite viewers to critically assess and find new ways to approach this genre of films.
There is also a Family Film Festival Saturday morning at 9:30 am at Uptown! This block is specifically designed with kids in mind. Free for kids 10 and younger, just $5 for everyone else, and it includes free coffee and donuts from Yori’s Bakery. The perfect way to start your family’s weekend!
Fan favorite Pop-Up Film Blocks return this year, inviting audiences to venues around West Chester. Explore the universe at the SciFi Block at 3:30 pm Saturday at Good Bad & Ugly, experience thrills at the Horror/Suspense Block at 10 pm Saturday at Market Street Grill, and laugh along with the crowd at the Coffee & Cartoons Block at 10:30 am Sunday at Split Rail Tavern. Check out the schedules online for more information, including venue locations, safety measures, and other details.
Beyond a celebration of the art of film, the West Chester Film Festival celebrates the community that has brought it to life. “Take in the town and enjoy these independent films from around the world,” says Armin Jahromi, Community Outreach Coordinator. “West Chester is a wonderful town in a beautiful area, and spending time here is always a treat. Add in some wonderful films from around the world, and it makes for a great occasion to hang out and have fun,” Fitzpatrick concludes. Sounds like a great excuse to get out and about this weekend!
Information for all events, including films being shown, schedules, and more, can be found online at WestChesterFilmFestival.com or on social media @wcfilmfestival. The main venue for the 2022 West Chester Film Festival is Uptown! Knauer Center for the Performing Arts, located at 226 N. High Street, West Chester, PA. Check websites for updated safety measures.
About Victoria Rose
Victoria Rose (she/her) is an editor, writer, avid reader, self-described geek, and fan of all things creative. Her passion for words has led to her current career as a freelance editor, and she is the owner of Flickering Words, an editing service. When not wielding a red pen (or cursor), she loves reading books of all genres, playing video, board, and word games, baking ridiculous creations to show off on the internet, or enjoying the gorgeous outdoors. She is a board member of the West Chester Film Festival and part of the Thirsty Monsters, a team of streamers from around the world who fundraise for various charities supporting LGBTQIA+ and accessibility rights. She can be found online @WordsFlickering or the Brandywine Art Guide @BrandywineArtGuide.
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