Virginia Film Festival Celebrates Cinema with 100+ Films, Oct. 22-26

The 38th annual Virginia Film Festival will take place from October 22 to 26 in various locations across Charlottesville, showcasing over 100 films that highlight the collaborative artistry behind filmmaking. This year’s festival emphasizes the contributions of casting, screenwriting, and composing, aiming to deepen audiences’ appreciation for the craft involved in creating cinema. According to Ilya Tovbis, the festival’s artistic director, the event is designed to celebrate the “village it takes to make” films that captivate viewers.

Guests from the realms of casting, screenwriting, and composition will engage with attendees, sharing insights into “building the world that the characters inhabit.” Tovbis noted that the programming team approaches film selection much like fans do, spending hours immersed in the storytelling process. “We fall in love with them and root for their success,” he said, indicating the emotional connection that drives their choices.

A highlight of the festival will be the opening night film, “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” directed by Scott Cooper and featuring Jeremy Allen. This documentary explores the creation of Bruce Springsteen’s iconic album, “Nebraska.” Jody Kielbasa, the festival’s executive director, described it as “a heartening, beautiful film” that examines the life of an American music legend.

Key Films and Awards

The festival’s lineup includes the “Centerpiece Film,” “Train Dreams,” starring Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, Kerry Condon, and William H. Macy. Based on a novella by Denis Johnson, the film depicts an early 20th-century American story celebrating a simple yet beautiful life.

Closing the festival will be “Rental Family,” featuring Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser. Directed by Hikari, this film follows an American actor who engages with an agency providing fictional family members to strangers. Hikari will also be present to receive the Breakthrough Director Award and participate in a discussion about the film.

The festival also features notable films such as “Jay Kelly,” starring George Clooney, and “Frankenstein,” directed by three-time Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro. Additionally, “Hamnet,” directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Chloé Zhao, explores the personal narrative behind Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” The film “Sinners,” featuring Michael B. Jordan, will also be showcased.

Several awards will be presented during the festival, including the Achievement in Film Composition Award to composer Nicholas Britell, who will engage in a conversation with Scott Feinberg, the executive editor of awards coverage for The Hollywood Reporter. Britell is expected to perform a short musical piece during the discussion.

Local and International Highlights

The festival will also honor local filmmakers, including Chris Farina, who will receive the Gov. Gerald L. Baliles Founders Award for his documentary “Pep Banned,” which tells the story of the student-run Virginia Pep Band. Kielbasa acknowledged Farina’s significant contribution to telling local stories that resonate universally.

International films represent another facet of the festival, including “La Grazia” by Oscar winner Paolo Sorrentino and “Left-Handed Girl,” co-written by Shih-Ching Tsou and Sean Baker. “The Secret Agent” will feature a discussion with Evgenia Alexandrovna, who will receive the Craft Award for Cinematography.

For those interested in classic cinema, previously released films such as “The Sting” will be screened, accompanied by a discussion led by Ben Mankiewicz, host of Turner Classic Movies. Mankiewicz will also participate in a conversation about “The Ice Storm” with James Schamus, who is receiving the Impresario Award.

Festival tickets are now available, starting at $15, with discounts offered for various groups. More information can be found on the official festival website, virginiafilmfestival.org. This year’s event promises a rich exploration of cinema, showcasing both emerging talents and established icons, making it a must-see for film enthusiasts.