The 38th annual Virginia Film Festival will take place from October 22 to 26, 2023, in various locations throughout Charlottesville, showcasing over 100 films. This year’s festival will focus on the behind-the-scenes elements that contribute to filmmaking, including composing, casting, and screenwriting. According to Ilya Tovbis, the festival’s artistic director, the aim is to highlight the collaborative effort it takes to create captivating cinema.
Tovbis elaborated on the festival’s approach, stating, “If you’ve ever sat through the credits, you see the village it takes to make it.” Audiences will have the opportunity to engage with industry professionals from various fields, who will share insights on “building the world that the characters inhabit.”
The festival has established a reputation for presenting films that often receive accolades, including Academy Awards. Tovbis noted that the selection process for programmers begins similarly to how fans experience films: by immersing themselves in narratives that resonate deeply. “We fall in love with them and root for their success,” he said, emphasizing the passion behind the programming.
Highlight Films and Special Guests
Opening the festival is “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere,” a documentary that explores the creation of Bruce Springsteen’s critically acclaimed album, “Nebraska.” Directed by Scott Cooper, a Virginia native and member of the festival’s advisory board, the film features Jeremy Allen and promises to delve into the life of an American icon. Jody Kielbasa, the festival’s executive director, described it as “a heartening, beautiful film.”
The festival will also feature the “Centerpiece Film,” “Train Dreams,” starring Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones. Based on a novella by Denis Johnson, it tells a poignant American story set in the early 20th century. “It celebrates a simple life, but a really beautiful life,” Kielbasa remarked.
Closing the festival is “Rental Family,” featuring Academy Award winner Brendan Fraser. Directed by Hikari, this film follows an American actor in Tokyo who becomes entangled with an agency that provides fake family members. Hikari will also receive the festival’s Breakthrough Director Award and participate in discussions about the film.
Other notable screenings include “Jay Kelly,” which stars George Clooney, Laura Dern, and Adam Sandler, and tells a story of a Hollywood star’s unexpected journey across Europe. Composer Nicholas Britell will receive the Achievement in Film Composition Award and engage in a conversation about the vital role of music in films.
Acknowledging Talent and Local Stories
The festival will honor several artists, including Ben Foster, who portrays Jim Martin in “Christy,” a film about pro boxer Christy Martin. Foster will accept the Achievement in Acting Award and participate in a discussion. Another significant film, “Frankenstein,” features Mia Goth and is directed by Oscar winner Guillermo del Toro.
In a focus on local narratives, Chris Farina will showcase his documentary “Pep Banned,” which tells the story of the Virginia Pep Band, known for its humorous and critical take on university life. Farina, a graduate of the University of Virginia, will be awarded the Gov. Gerald L. Baliles Founders Award for his contributions to storytelling that resonates with broader audiences.
The festival will also host a casting panel featuring three-time Emmy Award winner Alexa Fogel, and a range of international films, including “La Grazia” by Oscar winner Paolo Sorrentino and “Left-Handed Girl” by Shih-Ching Tsou.
Tickets for the Virginia Film Festival are currently available, starting at $15, with discounts offered. For more information, visit virginiafilmfestival.org.
This year’s festival promises to not only celebrate cinematic artistry but also provide a platform for discussions that bridge the gap between audiences and the creators behind the films.
