Guide To Philly Film Fest 2014
Film buffs, amateur critics and wannabe actors: October's your month! The 23rd annual Philadelphia Film Festival is here, bringing with it nearly two weeks of film screening and premieres, plus special guests, lectures and a plethora of film-centric events. –Chelsea Karnash
THE BASICS
What: The 23rd annual Film Fest is the non-profit Philadelphia Film Society's most important annual event. In addition to screening more than 100 films from all over the world, Film Fest also offers workshops, social and networking events and lectures and discussions.
When: This year's festival runs from October 16 – 26, 2014.
Where: Screenings will take place at the Ritz East (125 S. 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19106), Ritz at the Bourse (400 Ranstead St, Philadelphia, PA 19106), Cinemark (formerly the Rave, 230 S. 40th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104), Perelman Theater at the Kimmel Center (300 S Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102) and Prince Music Theater (1412 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19102). And this year, the screenings will also extend to the suburbs in a new partnership with the Ambler Theater, the Bryn Mawr Film Institute and the Hiway in Jenkintown (Oct. 21 & 22).
Why: The Philadelphia Film Society's Film Festival encourages viewers to expand their horizons through film and provides a forum for discussions about cultural, social and economic topics between diverse groups of people.
Additionally, Film Fest brings revenue and recognition to the city. Out-of-towners and locals alike frequent restaurants, hotels, shops and theaters during the festival, and some of Hollywood's most notable are introduced to the area.
THE SCHEDULE
Film Fest is jam-packed with screenings, guest appearances and social events. Here are just a few of them.
Opening Night: "Birdman"
Perelman Theater
Thursday, Oct. 16
8:30 p.m., $20 ($50 for film and party)
A washed-up actor (Michael Keaton) tries to stage a comeback on Broadway. This comedy also stars Zach Galifianakis, Naomi Watts and Emma Stone. Afterwards, enjoy drinks, light bites and music at the Kimmel Center.
The Imitation Game
Prince Music Theater
Saturday, Oct. 18
8 p.m., $12
Benedict Cumberbatch plays "troubled genius" Alan Turing, a mathematician who helped end World War II.
The Good Lie
Prince Music Theater
Sunday, Oct. 19
8 p.m., $12
Four recent immigrants to Kansas City struggle to adapt to life in America after fleeing the Sudanese Civil War in Africa. Reese Witherspoon plays their social worker, Carrie Davis, in this based-on-a-true-story flick.
Laggies
Prince Music Theater
Monday, Oct. 20
7:50 p.m., $12
Keira Knightley stars as a slacker twenty-something who crashes at the home of a teen friend in this coming-of-age tale.
Closing Night: "Wild"
Prince Music Theater
Friday, Oct. 24
8 p.m.; $20 ($50 for film and party)
Memoir-based "Wild" stars big names like Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern. Afterward, toast the end of a successful Film Fest at the Top of the Tower.
For a full schedule of events, click here.
You can also follow the Philadelphia Film Society on Facebook or Twitter.
TICKETS
You can buy tickets online or at the box office, which is located at the PFS Roxy Theater at 20th and Sansom Streets. Tickets will also be sold at each venue during the Festival.
Individual tickets range in price from $6 for weekday matinees, to $12 for regular screenings (except where noted on the schedule). Opening and closing night films are $20 (or $50 with access to the parties). Philadelphia Film Society members receive discounted prices on events.
For more info on badges, ticket packages, individual tickets and group tickets, visit the website.
Want to join the Philadelphia Film Society? In addition to access to tons of film screenings and events, Film Society members get discounts and deals at local restaurants and fitness centers throughout the city. For more information, click here.