The 35th Annual Virginia Film Festival is November 2-6!

Scene & Heard: The Official Newsletter for the Virginia Film Festival

The 2022 VAFF is Finally Here!

After weeks of anticipation, the 35th Annual Virginia Film Festival is starting off strong with our highly anticipated Opening Night Film: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery. While advance tickets are sold out, there’s still hope. Our Tickets Page has all the details on our standby line policies to take your chances at the door. If you are interested in dancing the night away with us, tickets are still available for our Opening Night Gala celebration at The Jefferson Theater tonight at 9:30 PM!

Starting tomorrow, we have 4 more days filled with fantastic films, documentaries, shorts, and panels with special guests. Looking for inspiration? Here are some great suggestions to get you started.


STAY AWAKE

Staff Pick: Stay Awake

Friday 8:00 PM | The Paramount Theater | $20

Two young boys put their futures on hold as they are trapped in the cycle of their mother’s pill addiction in this moving drama that challenges viewers expectations of addicts.

Emmy Award-winning filmmaker and Virginia native Jaimie Sisley will receive the inaugural Governor Gerald L. Baliles Founder’s Award and will sit for a discussion with stars Chrissy Metz and Wyatt Oleff after the film.

Presented by UVA Health

THE INSPECTION

Staff Pick: The Inspection

Sunday 2:30 PM | Culbreth Theatre | $12

Based on a true story, a young, gay Black man joins the Marines to find success and belonging in a system that determines to see him fail.

There will be a tribute to actor Raul Castillo followed by a discussion after the film.


WOMEN TALKING

Staff Pick: Women Talking

Saturday 5:00 PM | The Paramount Theater | $20

An isolated but tight-knit community of Mennonite women come together after a wave of sexual abuse allegations. Torn between ignoring the issue, fighting for their community, or leaving, the women must confront their faith, the importance of truth, and everything they know to come to a solution.

There will be a tribute and a discussion with Tony Award-winner Judith Ivey following the screening.

Presented by the Paramount Theater

CLARISSA'S BATTLE

Staff Pick: Clarissa's Battle

Friday 5:00 PM | Violet Crown 5 | $14

Clarissa Doutherd is a single Black mother and activist living in Oakland, California who, after becoming unhoused with her infant son Xavier, embarks on a crusade to champion childcare and preschool as a human right.

There will be a discussion with director Tamara Perkins, editor Sara Maamouri, subject Clarissa Doutherd, and Brian Johns (VA Organizing) following the screening.

Presented by United Way of Greater Charlottesville

A program of the University of Virginia. Presented by The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation.