Film Festival Announced
The Fredericksburg Athenaeum brings first annual Rappahannock Independent Film Festival (RIFF 2008) to downtown Fredericksburg, VA. (50 miles south of Washington, DC)
The Fredericksburg Athenaeum proudly announces the creation of the first annual Rappahannock Independent Film Festival to be held at several venues (TBA) throughout historic downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia, Sept. 18 - 21, 2008. The festival hopes to attract 2500 attendees, to engage 100 participating entrants and seeks to encourage new work in the cinematic arts for artists, writers and filmmakers in the city, region and global community of shared interests.
The Theme for this year’s festival is “Portraits in 24 Frames,” featuring original short films highlighting portraits of people, places or things. Awards and cash prizes will be given in three categories: Best in Show, Best Student Film, Best Use of Theme. The student category will be limited to Virginia students. The other categories are open to all independent filmmakers.
“RIFF 2008 will be an exciting opportunity for Fredericksburg to experience the talents of local film-makers, and for the film-makers to find public appreciation for their artistic expression,” says RIFF Creative Director, Ryan Poe. “The student opportunities will be an important aspect to this festival.”
Athenaeum Executive Director Paul Lewis expects the festival to provide a needed outlet for a growing local filmmaking and performing-arts community. But according to Mr. Lewis, the opportunity to help bring the downtown community together remains a key objective. “We are looking forward to working with other cultural institutions and individuals in making this happen, especially in our choice of venues and allowing the broader arts community to help develop the overall texture of the event,” says Mr. Lewis. “The idea is to make a positive economic impact on behalf of the city’s downtown historic center and the city’s cultural landscape in general.”
The Fredericksburg Athenaeum is a 501 (C) (3) nonprofit organization working on behalf of the area’s arts and letters. It celebrated its fifth anniversary this March.
“This festival is a product of the Athenaeum’s mission to define its activities based on the changing needs of the community we serve,” says Mr. Lewis. “It is the right time for a film-based event, as there is currently no local outlet for this collaborative art form, involving artists, writers, actors, and filmmakers.”
“We hope that the festival will not only make a positive economic impact on behalf of the city’s downtown historic center, but that it will establish an annual event that will continue to highlight Fredericksburg as a state-wide leader in the arts,” says Paul Lewis.
Sponsors of this festival are still being considered and event details will continue to evolve over the coming months. Up to Date news and information are available by visiting the festival’s website: www.rifilmfestival.com
Festival details:
Press Conference: TBA
Dates of Event: Sept. 18 - 21, 2008
Venues: TBA
Website: rifilmfestival.com
Call for Entries: March 18, 2008
Deadline for Entries: August 18, 2008
