Film Festivals Abound in 2014
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
The cameras have been rolling continuously and the film festivals have kept us very busy this year. Perhaps the joy of film is captured as an escape into our wildest dreams, playing upon our past, present and future. It is a means for talented individuals to unlock the key to self-expression through amazing avenues.
In the past few months, the world of film has intrigued from all parts of the globe, bringing people of all races and religions together to celebrate a common interest.
The month of September brought us the 39th Toronto International Film Festival , highlighting more than 300 films in just over 10 ten days, giving filmmakers from over 60 countries the chance to be anointed into the world of famous film. A film which gained widespread acclaim at this festival was The Judge, starring the intense acting skills of Robert Downey Jr. and Robert Duvall.
Credit: Getty Images
October not only brought us autumn leaves blowing in the wind, but also the BFI London Film Festival 2014, Britain’s leading film event which takes place in partnership with American Express. This festival caters to those filmmakers and actors seeking to promote a global image. This film festival gives a head start to the careers of British and international filmmakers alike. The year 2014 marked an exciting 58th year of fine film in festival format.
Credit: Dave J. Hogan,Getty Images
Abu Dhabi Film Festival 2014 celebrated its 8th installment of stimulating films at the end of October which culminated with the award ceremony, a red carpet event, which recognizes those with the power to draw the public into their world of film. This particular film festival brings notice to the Emirate, not only as a bustling business mecca, but as an area ripe with cultural activity and charisma. Abu Dhabi Film Festival educates the local community by means of the art of cinema. It ranks high in international preference of film festivals attended by film enthusiasts all across the world.
As we head back to the United States, we still stay focused on that international flavor. The month of October ended on a high note with the 28th Annual Israel Film Festival which took place in Los Angeles, California. This film festival presents the largest showcase of Israeli films and amazing talent in a setting fostering creativity. Since its inception, the festival has proudly introduced over 900 feature films, documentaries, television dramas and short films to an audience made up of over 950,000 attendees, allowing Israeli filmmakers to make a prominent name for themselves. Each year the festival draws a highly publicized crowd and this year was no different with appearances on the red carpet from stars such as Warren Beatty.
As the chapter closed on October 2014, November began with the kickoff of the 11th Annual Big Apple Film Festival on November 5, 2014. Over 129 films debuted for a spirited audience with Jerry Stiller being awarded the “Golden Apple Award” and Katherine Waterston of ‘Boardwalk Empire’ fame, taking home the “New York Emerging Talent Award.” In addition to film screenings, Q&A’s with filmmakers also took place, discussion with special guests drew large crowds and the festival was marked with a closing night award ceremony, customary of all film festivals. The event took place at the iconic Tribeca Cinemas. This important film festival is all about bringing awareness to rising talent within the New York Metropolitan area. MovieMaker Magazine has labeled it as one of the ’25 Coolest Film Festivals.’
Photo Credit: Big Apple Film Festival Facebook
Bringing all the prodigious film festivals of 2014 to a climactic end, the month of December will open with ‘Making Waves: New Romanian Cinema at Film Society of Lincoln Center’ in New York City and taking place from December 4 through December 8, 2014. This is the 9th edition of what the New York Times has labeled as an “annual treasure” of the Film Society’s programming. If you are accustomed to fine foreign film, this event is definitely not to be missed.
Photo Credit: TimesofIsrael.com
Right around the corner is 2015, a new year filled with promise and perhaps a whole new set of talented individuals making their mark on the film industry and entertaining us in the world of cinema in masterful ways. We will celebrate the many successes of film all throughout 2015 and throughout all the nations across the globe.
