Major film buffs likely already know about the FilmDayton Festival. Now in its fourth year, the fest has been a celebration of great film talent and aspiring filmmakers from the region and across the world. But maybe you don’t know about it yet. Maybe this is the year you’re going to find out what it’s all about in the way that’s best for you. Here are some ways to check it out.
Looking for comedy? Start with Flick My Clip – a collection of comedy shorts and sketches with Ryan Singer. Film buffs and history lovers will want to watch the Sundance Selection These Amazing Shadows featuring film archivist George Willeman. Those who want to stay on up with ‘the best of the fests’ will enjoy Trash Dance and Tchoupitoulas and the highly-controversial Compliance. To explore what’s happening in international films and have a discussion about how multiculturalism is impacting our region – don’t miss Madrina Films Presents. Looking for a more local connection in films that are taking the fest circuit by storm – enjoy The Wonderland Express or Redlegs to see a lot of Dayton folk in the credits. 
And that’s just the major screenings! Before every feature you’ll get to enjoy entertaining shorts from local students and FilmDayton-affiliated educational programming. Two (or three) films for the price of one plus great Q&A after each screening.
But the fest is more than just an awesome weekend at the movies with the filmmakers. Learn more about the process at great workshops where professionals provide insights and share experiences about everything in the industry from the story pitch to the soundtrack and film on the Web and video for business. It’s a weekend of films, workshops, parties, and more.
New this year: FilmDayton launches the inaugural FilmDayton Awards. The capstone event of Saturday night, this event is going to be huge fun and very special. Three very cool awards (designed by Susan Cannon and reminiscent of the Muybridge horse) will be given out to three wonderful local filmmakers. Dave Ackels is getting the “Innovation Award” for his visionary filmmaking, John Mays is getting the “Key Award” for his boundless, endless generosity to the film community, and Julia Reichert is getting the “Filmmaker Award” for her amazing body of work. There will be laughs, tears, surprises and more… A true celebration of quality films, filmmakers and our creative community.
A “don’t miss” event that’s fun for filmmakers and audiences alike is the kick-off event Pitch It! Story-tellers and screenwriters have two minutes to pitch their idea for the next big movie to a panel of industry experts. The audience cheers them on and the pros offer great feedback. At the end of the night, one winner comes away with a cash prize and screenwriting software from Final Draft. A great way to get in the mood for the fest!
There’s way too much happening at the FilmDayton Festival to list here – parties, films, workshops, screenLESS screenings, awards, and a lot of great conversation. If you’ve not been before – 2012 is the year to check out the FilmDayton Festival. All-Access Passes are available to enjoy the full weekend for only $75. Individual events are $9 (Pitch It!, Saturday night Filmmaker Meet-and-Greet Party, WYSO Presents Community Voices all $5/each). Get your tickets now.
Quick Guide For Every Taste:
A film buff? Start at Pitch It! to hear some great new movie storylines, enjoy These Amazing Shadows followed by a workshop with George Willeman on film preservation, cheer on local filmmakers at the FilmDayton Awards, and see what’s on the international circuit at Madrina Films Presents.
A filmmaker? Pitch your story at Pitch It! for a chance to win cash and Final Draft software, catch as many films as possible and take advantage of the Q&A that follows each one, make plans to attend the FilmDayton Awards and the Filmmaker Meet and Greet Party Saturday night.
Always looking for What’s Next? Start at Pitch It! on Friday, head over Flick My Clip for comedy shorts by current and up-and-coming comics and filmmakers, and sit in on a couple workshops that are showing how film and video is adapting with the times (Emerging Fields: The Web Series and Technology, Business and Video)
Is Music your passion? See Trash Dance on Saturday, sit in on the Music and Movies workshop on Sunday and end your weekend at Tchoupitoulas.
Want raw, intense experiences out of your movies? Hope you’re ready for Compliance on Friday night. Take a break and come back Sunday for Redlegs.
Want a uniquely Dayton Experience? Well – then you have to attend the WHOLE festival. Every film, workshop and special event has a local connection. Of course, you won’t want to miss The Wonderland Express – a sci-fi feeling dramedy and the only feature of the festival that was shot entirely in the region with a 100% local cast/crew.
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TICKET CONTEST
We have one all-access passe ($75 value) to the FilmDayton Festival to give away! Simplythis article, fill out the form and then comment below telling us what you’re looking forward to experiencing at the FilmDayton Festival. We’ll announce a winner this Thursday August 23rd – GOOD LUCK!
CONTEST CLOSED
We have a winner! And since we ended up with an extra pass, we have TWO winners! Congratulations to: Amy Forsthoefel and Laura Rea – you’re each going to the FilmDayton Festival with ALL-ACCESS PASSES!!!
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