The 38th annual Virginia Film Festival is set to take place from October 22 to 26, 2023, in various locations around Charlottesville. This year’s festival will spotlight the intricate processes behind filmmaking, including composing, casting, and screenwriting, which contribute to the creation of memorable cinematic experiences. Artistic director Ilya Tovbis emphasized the collaborative effort involved in filmmaking, stating, “If you’ve ever sat through the credits, you see the village it takes to make it.”
Guests from diverse fields will engage with audiences, sharing insights into the art of building the worlds in which characters live. The festival will showcase more than 100 films, continuing its tradition of presenting works that later gain recognition at prestigious awards like the Academy Awards. Tovbis noted that the selection process begins with the programmers, who, like fans, are captivated by the stories told on screen. “We fall in love with them and root for their success,” he stated.
Opening Night and Special Screenings
The festival will kick off with the opening night film, “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” directed by Scott Cooper, a Virginia native and festival advisory board member. This documentary delves into the making of singer-songwriter Bruce Springsteen’s iconic album, “Nebraska.” Jody Kielbasa, the festival’s executive director, described the film as “a heartening, beautiful film” that explores the life of an American icon.
Among the featured films is “Train Dreams,” the centerpiece film starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones. Based on the novella by Denis Johnson, it presents an early 20th-century American narrative that celebrates a simple yet beautiful life. The festival will conclude with “Rental Family,” starring Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser. Directed by Hikari, this film follows an American actor who navigates a surreal experience with an agency providing fake family members in Tokyo.
Awards and Panels
Throughout the festival, various awards will be presented. Composer Nicholas Britell will receive the Achievement in Film Composition Award and engage in a conversation with Scott Feinberg, the executive editor of awards coverage at The Hollywood Reporter. Their discussion will be recorded for Feinberg’s “Awards Chatter Live” podcast.
Actor Ben Foster, who portrays the coach of pro boxer Christy Martin in “Christy,” will accept the Achievement in Acting Award. Additionally, Mia Goth stars in “Frankenstein,” directed by three-time Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro. Other notable films include “Hamnet,” by Academy Award-winning director Chloe Zhao, which explores the real-life inspirations behind Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
Local Filmmakers and Special Guests
The festival also aims to highlight local talent, featuring Chris Farina and his film “Pep Banned.” This documentary chronicles the Virginia Pep Band, known for its humorous critique of institutional traditions. Farina will receive the Gov. Gerald L. Baliles Founders Award for his contributions to storytelling that resonates with universal themes.
In addition to new releases, the festival will screen classic films such as “The Sting,” introduced by Ben Mankiewicz, and “The Ice Storm,” followed by a discussion with screenwriter James Schamus, who will also receive the Impresario Award.
Tickets for the Virginia Film Festival start at $15, with discounts available for students and seniors. For more information and to purchase tickets, interested attendees can visit the festival’s official website at virginiafilmfestival.org.
As the festival approaches, anticipation builds within the community, promising a celebration of cinema that honors both established and emerging voices in film.
