While the title of the opening night film cannot be announced until December 2nd, that isn’t stopping Derby City Film Festival (DCFF) organizers from preparing for what is, “sure to be one of the greatest film events the city has ever seen.”
“I know it’s hard to take a statement like 'one of the greatest film events' at face value when we cannot follow it up with the title of the film yet.” says organizer Kris Rommel with a smile, “but you’re just going to have to take it at face value.”
The Louisville International Film Festival event in October made it a wise decision for the Derby City group to reposition their event in February 2010.
“It was just better move all around. We had more time to plan the festival and instead of closing the year we get to kick it off,” Rommel says.
The festival will open on February 19th with a special screening at The Louisville Palace with a silent auction of film related items and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Blessings in a Backpack. Tickets will also include a Q&A after the film (which, as noted, is TBA) with many of the film’s cast and crew as well as admission to the after party which
will be held at Hotel Night Club at 4th Street Live!.
A limited ticket opening reception is planned prior to the screening and will be held at the Palace as well. Tickets for both will be available through Live Nation begining December 15th.
Saturday and Sunday the festival moves to the Eifler Theater at the Clifton Center. Feature films, including several regional world premieres, will be screened in the 500 seat auditorium while shorts and documentaries will screen in a smaller theater. There are also several workshops and panel discussions planned through out the festival on various topics including screenwriting, acting, directing, sound effects, and art direction.
The festival’s awards will be determined by a jury of entertainment professionals, all with ties to Louisville. “It was important to put Louisville’s stamp on the festival,” Kris says, “There are so many talented people that have come from Louisville and are still living in Louisville that it was a no brainer to have a jury comprised from Louisville entertainment professionals. We may be an international festival, but it’s still the Derby City Film Festival, and it’s important to celebrate that as well.”
Partnerships have been reached with the Marriott, Ramada, and Seelbach to provide room discounts for those traveling to Louisville for the festival. The LEO and WFPL have signed on to be media sponsors as well.
An awards dinner is planned for Saturday, February 20th at the always delicious Volare restaurant with tickets available to the public on a limited basis.
For more information about the festival visit www.derbycityfilmfest.com