For those who crave unique, independent films, the 20th Annual Virginia Film Festival may be the perfect place to indulge. The festival officially kicked off yesterday and will continue until this Sunday, Nov. 4. This year's theme is "Kin Flicks: Families in Film."
Festival Director Richard Herskowitz selected the theme, and most of the films relate to it, according to festival Operations Manager David Hopper.
"These films explore alternative families, dysfunctional families, people who are trying to escape their families -- they challenge what the Virginia State Laws define as a legal family unit," he said.
Christina Tkacik, student outreach intern for the festival, said there will be a total of 65 films shown.
"Most of the films that are shown are independent films that don't get shown at other places," said Tkacik, a fourth-year in the College, adding that many foreign and documentary films are screened as well.
According to Tkacik, the festival, hosted by the University's Media Studies Program, is organized by a full staff in addition to several University student interns and volunteers. The festival also has a number of sponsors such as the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, the City of Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
"Organizing the festival is a year-round process," Tkacik said.
The films are being screened at various locations in and around the University, including on Grounds at Newcomb Hall. Off Grounds venues such as the Paramount and Regal Theatres on the Downtown Mall will also show some of the movies.
According to Tkacik, the festival tries to attract as many University students as possible to attend the screenings.
"It's always hard to get through to students," she said. "They don't always know that much about the downtown area, but we do always hope a lot of students will come to the Newcomb film screenings."
Hopper agrees that the Festival would be a great opportunity for University students.
"This year's festival schedule is full and rich," Hopper said, "I would strongly recommend students to come by and take a dip. There are a lot of surprises in these films and for a three dollar ticket students should come down and just try it out"
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