The Washington, DC International Film Festival will hold this year’s program from June 4 – June 13 virtually on eventive.org.
The District’s largest and longest-running film festival is marking its 35th year, and making available a total of 60 films from 35 countries online over the course of 10 days.
“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Filmfest DC will be virtual, allowing you to enjoy these remarkable films from the comfort of your own home,” organizers say on the festival’s website.
For its 2020 edition, Filmfest DC had offered a number of movies shown in its previous programs for online streaming free of charge, after canceling the 34th edition because of the pandemic.
Among the sections are Arabian Sights, World View (a selection of new features from around the globe), Trust No One (international thrillers), Justice Matters, Global Rhythms, DC4Reel, and The Lighter Side (international comedies).
The film festival starts this Friday! Have you gotten your tickets yet? #FilmfestDC is ready to bring you the ultimate private viewing. pic.twitter.com/Dsa5zre6Zw
— FilmfestDC (@filmfestDC) May 31, 2021
DC4Reel consists of new films by DMV area filmmakers, all of which can be streamed online for free “to maximize exposure for local talent,” according to a press release for the festival.
DC4Reel has nine features and shorts, including GoGo City: Displacement and Protest in Washington, DC by Sam George, which is “a story of gentrification, protest and the funkiest music on earth,” A Tale of Three Chinatowns by Lisa Mao, a movie recounting the history and gentrification of Chinatown neighborhoods in the District, Chicago and Boston.
Another movie in the section is BLAHC: The Brookland Literary & Hunting Club by Kenneth Alexander Campbell that explores the rich history of a private poker club for black men in DC’s Brookland neighborhood.
The festival also offers “Impact Project,” devised in partnership with the DC-based non-profit Teaching for Change, to bring films and filmmakers from the festival into local school classrooms.
“As we move out of the pandemic, Filmfest DC looks forward to welcoming back its enthusiastic audience of film buffs and joining them with the exciting work of international storytellers,” said Festival Founding Director, Tony Gittens, who is one of the only African American international film festival directors in the world, according to the release.
“Our staff is among the most diverse of any international film festival. This provides a grounded foundation and gives us a unique perspective for including films that might not get the opportunity to be screened otherwise,” Gittens was quoted as saying.
For further information and a full schedule of Filmfest DC, click here.