Film buffs will converge on shores of Southern Delaware this weekend for a five-day showcase of 100 of the best American and International films. The award-winning Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival has developed into a premiere, Mid-Atlantic cultural event since its inception in 1998, drawing hundreds of viewers to the Rehoboth Beach area for the five-day affair. Whether you are a film fanatic or novice, there are features, documentaries and shorts to enjoy, along with informative seminars, opportunities to converse with celebrity guests and even special events for the kids.
The Independent Film Festival, which kicks of Wednesday, November 6, brings films and audience members from not only the State of Delaware, but from all over the world. With over 100 features, documentaries and shorts to view over five days, the task can seem slightly daunting. For starters, we suggest grabbing a program – either online or at the Festival’s information booth – and familiarize yourselves with the films available this year. Next, choose your top ‘must see’ films and make a plan. The Rehoboth Beach Film Society suggests allowing at least 20 minutes between the ends of a film and the start of a next as everyone clears out. In addition to making note of the films you want to see, be sure to dog-ear the seminars and special events you would like to attend as well. Unfortunately many of the films have already sold out or will sell out over the next few days, so be prepared to have a few other films you would like to catch instead. Check the Rehoboth Beach Film Society’s website for an up-to-date list of sold out films.
Once you’ve outlined a schedule of films and events to cover over the next few days, head to the Movies at Midway, where all of the Festival screenings are held. Tickets can be purchased in the Big Tent, located behind the Midway shops. The Big Tent will also house information, merchandise, food & beverages and special events. General Admission is $10 and $6 after 1pm on Sunday. For the general public, tickets are sold on-site and are for same-day screenings only.
The categories are split into documentary, features and shorts, but there is also a Regional Showcase, which spotlights films by, for and of interest to the Delmarva Region and beyond. Some local highlights include: “Pieces of Tangier,” “I Used to be Darker,” “Not Anymore: A Story of Revolution,” “Recovery,” “Titans of Newark,” and “The Good Deed that got Punished.”
Various regional seminars are also held, including the “A Conversation With…” series, focusing on an insider’s look into the life of an actor, director or working professional in the Film industry. This year will feature Brian Geraghty, an actor whose father is a resident of Lewes, DE. Geraghty has amassed over 30 film roles including starring opposite Denzel Washington in Flight, as well as appearances in The Hurt Locker, Refuge, Boardwalk Empire, True Blood, Law and Order: SVU and more.
As in year’s past, the Festival will feature a chosen country to spotlight. This year it’s Germany. In addition to a collection of German films, you will also have the chance to enjoy some German culture in the Big Ten. When you aren’t watching films or seminars, head to the Big Tent for A Wine Tasting Tour of Germany, a Dogfish Head Beer Tasting, German Sweets for the Sweet, German Folk Dancing and more.
Audiences will also have the chance to participate in the reviewing of films by voting for Audience Award Winners. The Festival presents Audience Award Winners for Best Feature, Best Debut Feature, Best Short, and Best Documentary. At each screening, viewers will receive a ballot to rate the film. All votes are tabulated and winners are announced at the Closing Celebration on Sunday.
There’s a lot to consider at this year’s Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, from a wide variety of films to a host of activities. Plan ahead, take a trip to Midway and Rehoboth, and sit back and enjoy the show.
