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allentown film festival
recap: in case you haven't checked out opening night review or part 1
Wild / unbelievable / amazing! Only a few words to describe Allentown Film Festival. What Alan and Michael did between August 2022 and April 2023 was truly incredible. Creating a major New York City film festival in that timeframe. Complete with an After Party Saturday night, details later.
1 evening (kickoff) / 3 days / 5 locations / MULTIPLE genres / closing reception / filmmakers from Lehigh Valley + around the globe / awards ceremonies / closing reception with champagne toast. Pretty much gives you a run-down of the festival, to a slight point. Saturday night was unique and unexpected. Civic Theater: Started with a live performance by Dustbowl Faeries (you have to experience this band), ending with official After Party. Like I said, Major New York City Film Festival.
Saturday night, realized one important aspect (for me) about the festival. Focus was entirely on Filmmakers / crew / performers / genres. Reason why this is important? In our world, it is easy to get lost or focus on areas like "Inclusion" "Make sure you include this group of people". This attitude has even invaded arts (movies / books / video games / etc.). Every filmmaker clearly did their best and earned their place at the festival. Even films I didn't understand or like, pure respect for everyone involved.
Sunday ended with Closing Reception complete with champagne toast. Short film / music videos highlighted what festival was about: great / incredible filmmakers, everyone having the best time possible.
Attended 6 film blocks + closing reception throughout festival (2 high priority blocks had to miss due to personal life). This was not even close to the amount of genres / films. How judges / those selecting films were able to narrow it down, beyond me. Some films appeared cross genre. A few days, some films I still remember.
Letters: 2 sisters receive a letter from their father after he died. Their relationship is something people could relate to and maybe have been through. Ending: One of the few films (not only in festival) with a reaction of "WHAT THE FUCK!?!?" / high compliment! Wanted to find out what happened with the sisters.
Out of Time: Definitely different! With a music video by Dustbowl Faeries, loved the movie more on 2nd viewing. Kind of a "behind the scenes" movie within a movie, Out of Time showed us some of the problems associated with film making. Maybe I am taking to serious an approach.
Married to the Mayor: At first, this film appeared to be nothing but egotism on the part of Mrs. Turek (Allentown Mayor's wife). Looking back, really liked the film. Strictly conversational tone / quick history on their relationship. Almost a little payback for something (when she mentioned where / when mayor usually does grocery shopping). Throw in some humor to lighten the mood.
Allentown Film Festival is the only (non-political) / Lehigh Valley event FireCity Illusion will be covering this year. It is the ONLY Lehigh Valley event FireCity is planning on being a sponsor for in 2024. I can't thank Allan / Michael / filmmakers / crew / performers / everyone involved enough for chance to cover / experience this incredible event.
Starting off at a very high level, curious where it will evolve from here. As always: scroll down for photos / video review. Feel free to leave a comment!
1 evening (kickoff) / 3 days / 5 locations / MULTIPLE genres / closing reception / filmmakers from Lehigh Valley + around the globe / awards ceremonies / closing reception with champagne toast. Pretty much gives you a run-down of the festival, to a slight point. Saturday night was unique and unexpected. Civic Theater: Started with a live performance by Dustbowl Faeries (you have to experience this band), ending with official After Party. Like I said, Major New York City Film Festival.
Saturday night, realized one important aspect (for me) about the festival. Focus was entirely on Filmmakers / crew / performers / genres. Reason why this is important? In our world, it is easy to get lost or focus on areas like "Inclusion" "Make sure you include this group of people". This attitude has even invaded arts (movies / books / video games / etc.). Every filmmaker clearly did their best and earned their place at the festival. Even films I didn't understand or like, pure respect for everyone involved.
Sunday ended with Closing Reception complete with champagne toast. Short film / music videos highlighted what festival was about: great / incredible filmmakers, everyone having the best time possible.
Attended 6 film blocks + closing reception throughout festival (2 high priority blocks had to miss due to personal life). This was not even close to the amount of genres / films. How judges / those selecting films were able to narrow it down, beyond me. Some films appeared cross genre. A few days, some films I still remember.
Letters: 2 sisters receive a letter from their father after he died. Their relationship is something people could relate to and maybe have been through. Ending: One of the few films (not only in festival) with a reaction of "WHAT THE FUCK!?!?" / high compliment! Wanted to find out what happened with the sisters.
Out of Time: Definitely different! With a music video by Dustbowl Faeries, loved the movie more on 2nd viewing. Kind of a "behind the scenes" movie within a movie, Out of Time showed us some of the problems associated with film making. Maybe I am taking to serious an approach.
Married to the Mayor: At first, this film appeared to be nothing but egotism on the part of Mrs. Turek (Allentown Mayor's wife). Looking back, really liked the film. Strictly conversational tone / quick history on their relationship. Almost a little payback for something (when she mentioned where / when mayor usually does grocery shopping). Throw in some humor to lighten the mood.
Allentown Film Festival is the only (non-political) / Lehigh Valley event FireCity Illusion will be covering this year. It is the ONLY Lehigh Valley event FireCity is planning on being a sponsor for in 2024. I can't thank Allan / Michael / filmmakers / crew / performers / everyone involved enough for chance to cover / experience this incredible event.
Starting off at a very high level, curious where it will evolve from here. As always: scroll down for photos / video review. Feel free to leave a comment!
part 2: really nothing more to add except check out video review!
Other than adding a short mention of Married to the Mayor, nothing left to say / add. 2024, plan a visit to Allentown for this film festival. Pretty much ignore the area rest of the year. Allentown Film Festival is the ONLY Lehigh Valley event FireCity Illusion will be sponsoring.
miller Symphony Hall
champagne toast
civic theatre
theater 514
allentown art museum
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