Celebrates independent storytelling with a three-day event from March 30 – April 1
MEDIA, PA—The 2023 Media Film Festival spotlights a three-day event of world-class independent short films from March 30 to April 1, which will delight audiences with exceptional storytelling for its 16th groundbreaking year. It is an eminent program of the Media Arts Council.
The historic Media Theatre will roll out the red carpet for the lineup of 47 films highlighting outstanding local, national, and global talent. The films have all been chosen from over 100 submissions. International filmmakers–who hail from Ukraine, Canada, Iran, Italy, Taiwan, Turkey, and the Netherlands, will join homegrown talent from Media, Philadelphia, Pottstown, and West Chester.
The extraordinary program features diverse genres, including drama, comedy, documentary, experimental, animation, and a student film, as well as the ever-popular Fright Fest on Friday at 10 p.m. with its ten horror films. Evening viewings of regular screenings begin at 7 p.m., with a Saturday matinee at 1 p.m.
Marking its sweet sixteen, the Media Film Festival is a critically acclaimed event that continues to emerge as a vital cultural happening that hails from the Delaware Valley. The Festival mirrors the growth and vibrancy of Media, “Everybody’s Hometown,” with its celebration of the arts.
“The Media Film Festival is a great MAC event hosted at the Media Theatre that brings in over 1,200 visitors to the borough, with many attendees dining in our restaurants and visiting our local shops and our downtown area,” notes Media Mayor Bob Mahon. “It’s so important for Media Borough to host these types of events throughout the year. As a regular patron of the Festival, I know that this is an experience definitely worth coming to Media Borough to enjoy.”
Film enthusiasts will revel in viewing local notable films, which include Solidarity, a movie by Philadelphia director Mark L. Mazzeo. It tells the tale of workers Reilly and Darwin, who hear about office budget cuts and agree to act in solidarity to save their jobs.
Global offerings that will captivate viewers include The Banishment, a 20-minute film from Turkish director Yilmaz Özdil. The drama’s protagonist is Ziko, a sleepwalker banished from his village for committing a “serious sin” while asleep. This decision to exile him is announced to all the surrounding villages, so no one hosts or feeds Ziko.
Fright Fest
The Fright Fest will frighten and shock viewers with its evening showings at 10 p.m. on Friday, March 31. Cinephiles who love to shiver with fear can enjoy up to ten scary selections, including, Shut, a submission from the Dutch director Niels Bourgonje. The film will keep viewers on the edge of their seats with the story of Jonas, who visits his father after a long time and is shocked to find him–in a confused state. Has his father’s constitution badly deteriorated, or is something more sinister going on?
The 16th Annual Media Film Festival Co-Chairs for 2023 are Brad Sukala and Darryl Ridgeway. The Fright Fest Co-Chairs are Karen Chiarini and Lisa Pietras.
Sukala says, “Smaller and lesser-known films that fill out the Festival’s roster are impressive and noteworthy. Handcrafted, independent films complement Media Youth Film Initiative (MYFI)
The next generation of imaginative moviemakers is fostered by the Media Youth Film Initiative (MYFI). Since 2012, MYFI has been allowing area teens to learn filmmaking first-hand. Young storytellers have taken on some thought-provoking topics for over a decade. This year’s feature, Cassie’s World, from Director Luca Bevilacqua, tells the story of a girl who seeks salvation in a virtual utopia after the death of her mother. The film opens at the Festival on Thursday at 7 p.m.
Over $1,000 in cash prizes will be presented Saturday night after the regular screening evening program. The Aruffo-Rim jury awards will also be presented–followed by the coveted Golden Trolley grand prize. Award winners will be posted on the Festival website.
To purchase tickets online and for more information, visit www.mediafilmfestival.org
The Media Film Festival is produced by volunteers of the Media Arts Council, a registered nonprofit organization with a mission to actively support local artists and integrate a wide range of arts into the life of the community. MAC’s beautiful new gallery is located at 11 E. State Street. MAC’s prevailing passion is advancing the importance of the arts. MAC’s supporters include the Borough of Media, PNC Arts Alive, Morris Brothers Investments, Rhile Carpentry, and Franklin Mint Federal Credit Union. Current programming, and events can be found at mediaartscouncil.org.the Hollywood blockbuster genre and will offer an intimate film experience.”
