The 35th Annual Virginia Film Festival is November 2-6!
The week of the Film Festival is here!
In just two days the Film Festival will kick off 5 days of amazing films with our Opening Night Screening of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery followed by our Opening Night Gala in the Jefferson Theater. We also are thrilled to announce a new special guest- UVA alum and executive producer Katie Couric will be on hand for the discussion of Refuge on Saturday!
In preparation for the Festival, we’ve highlighted a few hidden gems and staff picks below that you definitely don’t want to miss. Grab your tickets on our website and keep a look out for more recommendations throughout the week!
Staff Pick: Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths
Saturday 7:00 PM | Culbreth Theatre | $14/$12
Official Oscar Selection – Mexico
Silvero returns home of Mexico from his journalist life in LA but quickly spirals into an existential crisis as difficult memories, relations, and his home country’s history rise to the surface to reshape his identity.
Presentation of Craft Award to Eugenio Caballero by Carlos Aguilar (LA Times, The Wrap, AV Club), followed by discussion.
Supported by the Mexican Cultural Institute in D.C.
Staff Pick: Lowndes County and the Road to Black Power
Sunday 4:30 PM | Vinegar Hill Theatre | $12
In 1960s Lowndes County, Alabama a group of brave activists fight to change history and challenge the racist institutions that try to keep them down in this documentary full of archival footage and first-hand accounts.
Presentation of Chronicler Award to Director Sam Pollard by Glenn Williamson (VAFF Board)
Discussion with Sam Pollard, moderated by Robert Daniels (IndieWire)
Presented by United Way of Greater Charlottesville
Supported by UVA Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Staff Pick: Refuge
Saturday 5:00 PM | Vinegar Hill Theatre | $14/$12
Clarkston, Georgia is a diverse collection of people from around the world seeking a better life in America and a deep history of racism. Former Klansman and military veteran Chris Buckley is forced to face his prejudice when Dr. Heval Kelli meets him with compassion and a mission to challenge the looming presence of white nationalism in his community.
Following the film, directors Din Blankenship and Erin Bernhardt along with executive producer Katie Couric will have a discussion.
Supported by VMDO and UVA Division for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Spooky Gem for Halloween: Huesera
Saturday 9:15 PM | Violet Crown 6 & 7 | $14/$12
Best New Narrative and Nora Ephron Prize Winner, 2022 Tribeca Film Festival
Valeria’s life splinters around her as terrifying visions and dark magic threaten her family’s future.
Best New Narrative and Nora Ephron Prize Winner, 2022 Tribeca Film Festival
Supported by The Whiskey Jar
