The annual festival, founded in 1991, lasts for two weeks and is one of the longer running film festivals in the city. Until 2009 it was generally held during the first weeks of April. In 2009 the film festival shifted its dates from the spring to the fall. Previous categories hosted by the festival include, short films, Spotlights, Documentary showcase, American Independents, and Masters of Cinema. There were about 35,000 tickets sold in the 20th annual Philadelphia Film Festival to over 250 screenings. These festivals help spread the awareness of films that may never be seen by movie lovers. The Philadelphia Film Festival hosts different events to make the festival an even better experience; some are, director Q&A’s, Industry panels and special screenings.
About
Film festivals are large gatherings where people come to experience many different categories of films that include recent films, student films or worldwide films. Film festivals help curve the culture of the city and cinema thrives off of city life. As the city evolved into a bustling compact place, cinema evolved along with it. These festivals add to the culture that is so much associated with the city, and Philadelphia is no different. Film festivals are not just a way to provide culture, but are a way for aspiring filmmakers to start creating their own films. The Philadelphia Film Festival holds student competitions as well as showcasing films in the category of Greater Filmadelphia, which are local films. They are usually annual festivals, like the Philadelphia Film Festival. Films can have a great impact on people’s lives and so having film festivals is important to get people involved. The Philadelphia Film Society not only hosts the festivals, but also has created other events such as Movie Monday at the Trocadero Theater, filmmaking seminars and screenwriting workshops.
Tickets
Tickets for the film festival are sold through the Philadelphia Film Society. A free ticketing program, "PFF On Us" offers free film tickets to the American Independents and Documentary Showcase categories of the festival to local community organizations, student groups and the general public. Additional ticket discounts are provided to the organization's membership program.
