I'm sure you'll be ready to get out of the house when the snow clears and it's 50 degrees outside this weekend. Film lovers can head over to The 2nd Annual Film Festival in New Albany, Indiana on March 7 and 8, 2015 from noon to 6 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a whole day of screenings and panels with the filmmakers for less than the ticket to a mainstream movie at just $5 per day. The impressive schedule features documentaries, shorts, trailers, and feature length films. The festival faced inclement weather last year, too but festival organizers say the turnout was still good.
"The festival features local films from around the area," said festival committee member David Brewer. "We only show films by local artists. What makes The Grand unique is that it is a festival for and by film makers."
Unlike some festivals, this one focuses on showcasing the work and does not offer awards. The festival was launched by the Arts Council of Southern Indiana with the intention to provide local filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their work, network, share ideas and generally connect with other artists.The talent level of filmmakers involved ranges from beginner to veteran. This year's panels include professional artists Antonio Pantoja, Archie Borders, Beau Kaelin and Hunter Curry alongside up and coming talent Bailey Boyd and Matthew Levandoski. Some of the films from previous festivals have been involved with other festivals and received distribution.
"To be on the ground level of putting in place things that I believe filmmakers desire from a film festival [is the best thing about being involved with this festival,]" said Brewer. "This festival will only continue to grow. If you make film and or are interested in meeting and connecting with people who are serious about the business, I cannot think of a better film festival in the area that accomplishes that!"
