Guide To Philly Film Fest 2013
Film buffs, amateur critics and wannabe actors: October's your month! The 22nd 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
What: The 22nd annual Film Fest is the non-profit Philadelphia Film Society's most important annual event. In addition to screening more than 100 films from 36 countries, Film Fest also offers workshops, social and networking events and lectures and discussions.
When: This year's festival runs from October 17 - 27, 2013.
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).
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.
Schedule: Film Fest is jam-packed with screenings, guest appearances and social events. Here are just a few of them.
Opening Night: "All is Lost"
Perelman Theater
Thursday, Oct. 17
8 p.m., $20 ($50 for film and party)
Robert Redford stars in this "gripping, nautical tale" that's also one of the most anticipated films of the fall – it first screened at Cannes, where it garnered great reviews. Plus, the director, J.C. Chandor, will be in attendance for the screening.
Opening Night Party
Del Frisco's
Thursday, Oct. 17
10:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Mingle with fellow film buffs while you sip on cocktails from Grey Goose or the exclusive beer of the Film Fest, Cinnister Cinema Stout, brewed by Dock Street.
"12 Years A Slave"
Perelman Theater
Saturday, Oct. 19
8:30 p.m., $12
This true story focuses on a free African-American man from New York who struggles to survive after being drugged, tortured and sold into slavery in the American South.
"Nebraska"
Prince Music Theater
Monday, Oct. 21
7 p.m., $12
Join director Alex Payne and actor Will Forte for a screening of their film, "Nebraska." The movie centers on a father-son cross-country road trip and is a follow-up to Payne's 2011 Oscar nominated film "The Descendants."
"Omar"
Cinemark – Wednesday, Oct. 23; 7:30 p.m.
Ritz East B – Thursday, Oct. 24; 12 p.m.
$12
This dramatic film is about a Palestinian teen accused of shooting an Israeli soldier then urged to turn on those he loves.
Closing Night: "Labor Day"
Prince Music Theater
Friday, Oct. 25
8 p.m.; $20 ($50 for film and party)
In addition to the Philly premiere of "Labor Day," starring Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin, the Film Society will also announce the Grand Jury and Audience Award winning films of the 2013 festival.
Closing Night Party
R2L
Friday, Oct. 25
10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
Philly Film Fest comes to a close with complimentary cocktails and beer, music and spectacular views of the city from the 37th floor of 2 Liberty Place's R2L.
For a full schedule of events, click here. You can also follow the Philadelphia Film Society on Facebook or Twitter (#PFF2).
To get the full schedule on your phone, download the Festival Genius app here.
Films with a Local Connection: Want to see some local films? For a list of films with ties to the city, click here.
Tickets: You can buy tickets online or at the box office, which is located at the Condo Shop at 1425 Locust St. 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.
Film Festival-goers can also purchase All-Access Badges, which are $400 for non-members. Weekend Badges are also available for $165. As usual, Film Society members get a discount of 25%.
For more info on badges, ticket packages, individual tickets and group tickets, visit the website.
New this year: Students who present their student ID at the PFF Main Box Office or at any festival screening venue can purchase $10 tickets to any regularly priced film screening at the 2013 PFF, but the discount does not include Opening Night, Closing Night, special events or online/phone sales. Rush Line Student Tickets may also be available on a first come, first served basis to sold-out screenings at $5 per tickets unless noted. Rush tickets are cash only and not guaranteed.
There's also a special beer coming your way: Dock Street Brewing and the Philadelphia Film Society have collaborated to produce a Cinnister Cinema Stout, a classic American stout brewed with Mexican cinnamon sticks and a little bit of brown sugar. The brew is available throughout the festival at the Festival VIP Lounge and at both the opening and closing night parties.
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.
