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6 days / 4 locations / incredible and amazing indie films / filmmakers. Only begins to describe Allentown Film Festival. Alan Younkin and Michael Schelp give Allentown / Lehigh Valley something desperately needed: major New York film festival. Drawing attention the beautiful theater district rarely mentioned / promoted by city government or chamber. Starting / ending in downtown Allentown (Art Museum / Miller Symphony Hall).
The Festival is on a very short list: starting at the top (2023) and going straight up! It is only 1 of 5 events (Philadelphia / New York City / Lehigh Valley) I look forward to the moment it ends. 2024 featured more genres and a break in between day 1 and main part (5 days). Building up excitement and suspense. Allentown Film Festival also features a few surprises. Instead of an awards ceremony, they are presented throughout the festival. Gala on Saturday gave filmmakers / ticket holders a break and chance to socialize. Closing ceremony featured films and a great wind down to the excitement / adrenaline rush (at least for me).
One aspect I seriously love about it? Films are shown by genre not demographics, with 2 exceptions. Example: Psychological Thriller Shorts. Conversation with someone who has reviewed a lot of films. They agreed "A film is either great or it sucks. Doesn't matter gender / sexual orientation / skin color / etc. of filmmaker." I experienced films from different countries parts of United States "Hedgehog" seriously stands out. Lehigh Valley filmmakers are highlighted with multiple categories. Alan / Michael / film selection give everyone an equal chance to be selected. Experienced filmmakers are featured with first timers. Know this part from personal experience.
2023 festival had a unique effect on me. Never even thought about creating a film. January 2024, figured why not give it a shot? Noticed deadline for submissions on social media. 25 hours / Clipchamp software / a 1 minute 50 second short was done, another article. Submitted (no chance in hell), it was accepted. Proving previous statements. It can inspire you to at least try or become involved in a project. It was terrifying and incredible rush seeing it at the Civic.
Michael and Alan give everything they have to creating a very memorable / incredible experience for attendees and filmmakers. Serious thank you to volunteers / staff at both theaters. Sign up for the mailing list / make plans to attend, you will not regret it. Main challenge: moments you will want to be in both theaters in the same moment. Can't wait to experience how it evolves in 2025.
Scroll down for video review / photos.
The Festival is on a very short list: starting at the top (2023) and going straight up! It is only 1 of 5 events (Philadelphia / New York City / Lehigh Valley) I look forward to the moment it ends. 2024 featured more genres and a break in between day 1 and main part (5 days). Building up excitement and suspense. Allentown Film Festival also features a few surprises. Instead of an awards ceremony, they are presented throughout the festival. Gala on Saturday gave filmmakers / ticket holders a break and chance to socialize. Closing ceremony featured films and a great wind down to the excitement / adrenaline rush (at least for me).
One aspect I seriously love about it? Films are shown by genre not demographics, with 2 exceptions. Example: Psychological Thriller Shorts. Conversation with someone who has reviewed a lot of films. They agreed "A film is either great or it sucks. Doesn't matter gender / sexual orientation / skin color / etc. of filmmaker." I experienced films from different countries parts of United States "Hedgehog" seriously stands out. Lehigh Valley filmmakers are highlighted with multiple categories. Alan / Michael / film selection give everyone an equal chance to be selected. Experienced filmmakers are featured with first timers. Know this part from personal experience.
2023 festival had a unique effect on me. Never even thought about creating a film. January 2024, figured why not give it a shot? Noticed deadline for submissions on social media. 25 hours / Clipchamp software / a 1 minute 50 second short was done, another article. Submitted (no chance in hell), it was accepted. Proving previous statements. It can inspire you to at least try or become involved in a project. It was terrifying and incredible rush seeing it at the Civic.
Michael and Alan give everything they have to creating a very memorable / incredible experience for attendees and filmmakers. Serious thank you to volunteers / staff at both theaters. Sign up for the mailing list / make plans to attend, you will not regret it. Main challenge: moments you will want to be in both theaters in the same moment. Can't wait to experience how it evolves in 2025.
Scroll down for video review / photos.
video review
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