Guide To The 2012 Philadelphia Film Festival
Film buffs, amateur critics and wannabe actors: October's your month! The 21st annual Philadelphia Film Festival is here, bringing with it almost two weeks of film screening and premieres, plus special guests, lectures and a plethora of film-centric events. –Chelsea Karnash
What: The 21st annual Film Fest is the non-profit Philadelphia Film Society's most important annual event. In addition to screening more than 200 films (including local, national and international works), Film Fest also offers workshops, social and networking events and lectures and discussions.
When: This year's festival runs from October 18 - 28, 2012.
Where: Venues for screenings are the Ritz East and Ritz at the Bourse in Old City, the Prince Music Theater and Gershman Y in Center City, and the Rave, Shoemaker Green, and Annenberg Center in West Philadelphia.
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: "Silver Linings Playbook"
Annenberg Zellerbach Theater
3680 Walnut St
Oct. 18, 8 p.m. – SOLD OUT
Opening Night Party: R2L @ 2 Liberty Pl, 37th Floor (10 p.m. – 1 a.m.)
Film Fest opens with this flick from acclaimed director David O. Russell and starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. Sadly, it's sold out, but those who purchase Silver, Gold, Platinum or Weekend A badges are guaranteed entrance.
"Universal Reckoning: Day of Reckoning 3D"
RAVE Auditorium 6
4012 Walnut St
Oct. 20, 11:59 p.m.
This screening is a somewhat unexpected Film Fest addition, but hey – there's something for everyone here. Shown in 3D, John Hyams' "Day of Reckoning" is "part neo-noir, part Euro art horror, part homage to Apocalypse Now." Purchase a ticket for the preceding film, "John Dies at the End" and stay to see "Universal Soldier."
"Call Me Kuchu"
Ritz Bourse
400 Ranstead St
Oct. 20, 2:50 p.m.
Ritz East
125 S 2nd St
Oct. 23, 12 p.m.
RAVE Auditorium 6
4012 Walnut St
Oct. 24, 5:20 p.m.
Focusing on Ugandan gay rights activist David Kato as he fights a recently proposed "anti-homosexuality bill" in the uber-conservative African country.
"Only the Young"
RAVE Auditorium 6
4012 Walnut St
Oct. 20, 12:45 p.m.
Ritz Bourse
400 Ranstead St
Oct. 27, 8 p.m.
Two skateboarding friends fall in love with the same girl in this documentary film. Smalltown USA drama ensues.
"A Royal Affair"
Ritz East
125 S 2nd St
Oct. 23, 4:30 p.m.; Oct. 25, 7 p.m.
Winner for Best Actor and Best Screenplay at the Berlin Film Festival, "A Royal Affair" is a featured film in the festival's "World Narratives" category that focuses on the Enlightenment in Europe.
"La Camioneta: The Journey of One American School Bus"
RAVE Auditorium 6
4012 Walnut St
Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m.
Ritz East
125 S 2nd St
Oct. 26, 12:20 p.m.
This film follows the journey of a former yellow school bus from Philadelphia all the way through Mexico and to Guatemala's Quetzal City, where it becomes a symbol of hope and opportunity for impoverished Guatemalans.
"Hyde Park on the Hudson"
Prince Music Theater
1412 Chestnut St
Oct. 25, 7:25 p.m.
This movie, by Roger Michell, focuses on a weekend during Franklin Delano Roosevelt's administration when the King and Queen of England were visiting his country house. The time is just before England goes to war with Germany, as big picture issues mix with Roosevelt's complex domestic situation and his wife, cousin and mistress.
"Seeking Asian Female"
RAVE Auditorium 6
4012 Walnut St
Oct. 25, 5 p.m.
Ritz Bourse
400 Ranstead St
Oct. 26, 8:10 p.m.
From documentary filmmaker (and Asian female) Debbie Lum comes this film on a modern version of the "mail-order bride" and her husband-to-be, Steven.
"Flight"
Annenberg Zellerbach Theater
3680 Walnut St
Oct. 27, 7 p.m.
Closing Night Party: Sigma Sound Entertainment @ 212 N 12th St (10 p.m. – 1 a.m.)
Film Fest closes down with this showing of "Flight," which centers on an airline pilot who crashes after a mid-air emergency, yet somehow manages to save nearly everyone on board. Forced into the spotlight, the pilot is first hailed as a hero, but what will subsequent investigations reveal about that fateful night? You'll have to check it out!
This screening includes a post-film Q&A with director Robert Zemeckis, as well as the closing night awards ceremony, when the festival's Grand Jury Award-winners will be announced.
For a full schedule of events, click here. You can also follow the Philadelphia Film Society on Facebook or Twitter.
To get the full schedule on your phone, download the Festival Genius app here.
To pick up a print program, stop by the Ritz East, Ritz at the Bourse, Prince Music Theater, Rave University City or the Zellerbach Theater at the Annenberg Center.
Films with a Local Connection: Want to go local? 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 Prince Music Theater. Tickets will also be sold at each venue during the Festival. Festival-goers can purchase tickets at the door to certain shows with cash-only if they are still available.
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 $350 for non-members and on sale for $250 now for PFS members.
For more info on badges, ticket packages, individual tickets and group tickets, visit the website.
New this year: The Film Fest is piloting a free ticket program. Complimentary tickets will be available to all films in the American Independents Category. Tickets are available to the public on a "first-come, first-served" basis online, at the Festival Box Office, or by calling 267.908.4733.
Additionally, filmmakers, industry guests, select Badge Holders, Spotlight Circle members, sponsors and of course, Festival VIPs are invited to hang out in the all new VIP Lounge, located at 110 Chestnut Street in Old City. The lounge will serve as a private space for food, drinks, relaxing between films and possibly, a casual encounter with a filmmaker or two! Daily events like panel discussions, private receptions, food or wine tastings and meet and greets with PFF programmers will also be scheduled daily.
FAQ's: The Philadelphia Film Society has put together a FAQ section specifically for Film Fest. If you have a question, check here.
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.
Food: Hungry before or after the flick? You're in luck! This year, an array of food trucks will be parked on Front Street between Chestnut and Walnut Streets during the festival. Here's the schedule (times can vary or change):
Tuesday, October 23
Call Me Cupcake: noon-10 p.m.
Yumtown USA: 10 a.m-noon
Birds of Paradise: noon-10 p.m.
Joe Spuds: noon-10 p.m.
Wednesday, October 24
Call Me Cupcake: noon-10 p.m.
Joe Spuds: noon-10 p.m.
Vernalicious: noon-10 p.m.
Birds of Paradise: noon-10 p.m.
Thursday, October 25
Call Me Cupcake: noon-10 p.m.
Yumtown USA: noon-10 p.m.
Delicias Food Truck: noon-10 p.m.
Vernalicious: noon-10 p.m.
Friday, October 26
Call Me Cupcake: noon-10 p.m.
Yumtown USA: noon-10 p.m.
The Tamale Cart: 4-10 p.m.
Birds of Paradise: noon-10 p.m.
Saturday, October 27
The Tamale Cart: noon-10 p.m.
Sugar Truck Philly: noon-10 p.m.
The Mini Trini: noon-10 p.m.
Sunday, October 28
Dia Doce: noon-10 p.m.
The Mini Trini: noon-10 p.m.
Nomad Pizza: noon-10 p.m.
Joe Spuds: noon-10 p.m.
