Virginia Film Festival Celebrates Cinema with Over 100 Films

The 38th annual Virginia Film Festival is set to take place from October 22 to 26, 2023, in various locations throughout Charlottesville. This year’s festival focuses on the intricate processes behind filmmaking, exploring how disciplines such as composing, casting, and screenwriting contribute to the creation of cinematic magic. Artistic director Ilya Tovbis highlighted the collaborative nature of filmmaking, stating, “If you’ve ever sat through the credits, you see the village it takes to make it.”

Throughout the festival, attendees will have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals from various fields, who will provide insights into “building the world that the characters inhabit,” according to Tovbis. The event will showcase more than 100 films, featuring a mix of international and local offerings.

The festival opens with the film “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” which delves into the creation of Bruce Springsteen’s acclaimed album, “Nebraska.” Directed by Scott Cooper, a Virginia native and member of the festival’s advisory board, the film aims to illuminate the journey of an American icon.

As the Centerpiece Film, “Train Dreams” will also be featured. Starring notable actors such as Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones, this adaptation of Denis Johnson’s novella examines life in early 20th-century America. Festival executive director Jody Kielbasa remarked on the film’s portrayal of a “simple life, but a really beautiful life.”

The festival will conclude with the Closing Night Film, “Rental Family,” featuring Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser. This film, directed by Hikari, follows an American actor navigating a unique role involving an agency that provides fake family members. Hikari will attend the festival to receive the Breakthrough Director Award and participate in a discussion about the film.

Other noteworthy screenings include “Jay Kelly,” which stars George Clooney and Laura Dern, and explores the life of a Hollywood megastar on an unexpected adventure in Europe. Composer Nicholas Britell will attend to receive the Achievement in Film Composition Award and engage in conversation with Scott Feinberg, the executive editor of awards coverage at The Hollywood Reporter.

The lineup also features “Christy,” starring Sydney Sweeney, and “Frankenstein,” directed by Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro. “Hamnet,” another anticipated film from Academy Award-winning director Chloe Zhao, dives into the personal story behind Shakespeare’s creation of “Hamlet.”

In addition to these films, the festival will showcase international works, including “La Grazia” by Paolo Sorrentino, and “Left-Handed Girl” by Shih-Ching Tsou. A special screening of the classic film “The Sting” will be hosted by Ben Mankiewicz, celebrating the legacy of Robert Redford, who passed away on September 16, 2023.

Local filmmaker Chris Farina will present “Pep Banned,” which tells the story of a student-run pep band at the University of Virginia that faced challenges in maintaining its presence. Farina will receive the Gov. Gerald L. Baliles Founders Award for his work in capturing local narratives.

Tickets for the festival are currently on sale, starting at $15, with discounts available. For more information, visit the official website at virginiafilmfestival.org.