It’s one of the biggest festivals in Delaware; movie enthusiasts from across the country come to the coastal town of Rehoboth Beach to catch some seriously unique films. For us, it’s the chance to enjoy five days of some of the best American and international films including features, documentaries, and shorts.
The Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival started in 1998 with a simple newspaper ad and people who all had the same interests… great, independent films. Since then, in just 17 years, the festival has grown tremendously. The festival will fall on the second week of November, from the 5th to the 9th. The 5-day event is held at multiple locations around town including Movies at Midway, located in the Midway Shopping Center on Coastal Highway and the Cape Henlopen High School Theater. The event strives to bring outstanding films from around the world to the wonderful community on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean.
The event presents approximately 75 of the best American and international independent films including features, documentaries and shorts. In addition to the screening of the movies, there are seminars which provide a unique experience for audiences to interact on a more personal level. Attendees may also enjoy a variety of special activities in the Big Tent adjacent to the two locations the movies are screened.
Last year, the festival sold over 19,000 tickets, selling out almost 59 events.
The festival conveniently utilizes several theaters in two locations that offer a variety to filmmakers and viewers. There are five levels for festival passes; they each have a different set of benefits. For those attending for only a short visit, a one-day festival pass is available. The five levels include: director (priority seating), producer, screenwriter, film buff, student and the one day pass. There are too many movies to name for you, but the Big Tent across from the movie venues have tons of events for you to enjoy when you’re not indulging in movie watching.
NOVEMBER 5-9 BIG TENT SCHEDULE:
- Seminar: Cinema. Friday 9AM
- Seminar: Film Commissions. Saturday 9AM
- A conversation with Andrew Fierberg. Sunday 9PM
- Tequila Tasting. Saturday 7PM
- Dogfish Head Beer Tasting. Saturday 8PM
- Mexican Folk Dancing. Saturday 9PM
- Mexican Fiesta. Sunday 11AM
- Closing Night Celebration. Sunday 5PM
- Mexican Hat Dance. Sunday 5PM
In the festival program, they have set 3 specific times for screening shots on Saturday and Sunday that are designated for encore screenings of films that are popular and are highly rated… so make sure you don’t miss those!
