The 2018 Woodstock Film Festival Announces Official Lineup

The 2018 Woodstock Film Festival will showcase 9 World Premieres, 4 North American Premieres, 1 US Premiere, 12 East Coast Premieres, and 8 New York Premieres.

SELECT HIGHLIGHTS

OPENING NIGHT FILM: What They Had, directed by Elizabeth Chomko

CLOSING NIGHT FILM: A Private War, directed by Matthew Heineman

CENTERPIECE FILM: Wildlife, directed by Paul Dano

SPECIAL TRIBUTE SCREENING: Across The Universe, directed by Julie Taymor

MAVERICK AWARD recipient Julie Taymor

FILMMAKER AWARD OF DISTINCTION recipient Matthew Heineman

SPECIAL GUEST PROGRAMMER Roger Ross Williams spotlighting Hale County This Morning, This Evening, Shakedown, and Mr. SOUL!.

SPOTLIGHT ON WOMEN IN FILM AND MEDIA will highlight 26 insightful female directors, including the world premiere of Alyssa Rallo Bennett's film ReRUN with Rallo Bennett and co-star Christopher Lloyd in attendance, and the New York premiere of Julia Blue, directed by Roxy Toporowych, who will be in attendance

WORLD CINEMA featuring 8 films, including the World Premiere of Paris Song, directed by Jeff Vespa and the North American Premiere of Dreams by the Sea directed by Sakaris Stórá

FOCUS ON MUSIC featuring 11 films, including the documentary Up to Snuff, directed by Mark Maxey, with W.G. "Snuffy" Walden in attendance, and the World Premiere of Wheels, directed by Paul Starkman with Starkman, Arnstar, Joshua Boone, Jamin O'Brian, Neal Usatin in attendance.

EXPOSURE focusing on films that explore and challenge social, political and environmental themes, featuring 6 films, including the documentary Dreaming of a Vetter World, directed by Bonnie Hawthorne with Hawthorne and producer Steve Buscemi and Jo Andres in attendance, and Ghost Fleet, directed by Shannon Service and Jeffrey Waldron with Hudson Valley based producer Jon Bowermaster in attendance

FILMS OF THE HUDSON VALLEY highlighting local ties via locations, filmmakers, and/or actors from this creative hub, including the narrative films BEYOND the Night, directed by Jason Noto, and Then Came You, directed by Peter Hutchings

PREMIERES

The Woodstock Film Festival proudly offers its audiences a first look at some of the finest emerging films in the world. Here are the films making their premieres at this year's festival:

9 World Premieres include the feature films 2030; Almost Home; BEYOND the Night; Only A Switch; Paris Song; ReRUN; Somaliland; Then Came You; Wheels

4 North American Premieres include the feature films Dreams by the Sea; Here and Now; Karl Berger - Music Mind; Love Revisited

1 US Premiere of the feature film Keely and Du

12 East Coast Premieres include the feature films The Advocates; Cold Brook; Dorst (Craving); Dreaming of a Vetter World; Fort Maria; For The Birds; Ghost Light; In Our Bones; Socrates; Spell; Suicide: The Ripple Effect; Younger Days

8 New York Premieres include the feature films Give Us This Day; The Interpreters; Julia Blue; Personal Statement; Swimming With Men; Up to Snuff; What Is Democracy?; The World Before Your Feet

NARRATIVE FEATURES

The 2018 Narrative Features are an eclectic bunch of stories. These films from around the world will make the audience reflect on the importance of freewill, passion, and fighting for what you believe in. They challenge the social norm by demystifying sensitive subjects. Incredible performances and cinematography will transport you into these character's worlds of family drama, love and loss, social issues, civil rights, and life changing decisions.

Across The Universe, directed by Julie Taymor

Almost Home, directed by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen

Ask For Jane, directed by Rachel Carey

Beyond the Night, directed by Jason Noto

Cold Brook, directed by William Fichtner

Dorst (Craving), directed by Saskia Diesing

Dreams by the Sea, directed by Sakaris Stórá

Fort Maria, directed by Thomas Southerland and S. Cagney Gentry

Ghost Light, directed by John Stimpson

Here and Now, directed by Roman Shumun

Julia Blue, directed by Roxy Toporowych

Keely and Du, directed by Dominique Cardona and Laurie Colbert

Lez Bomb, directed by Jenna Laurenzo

Little Woods, directed by Nia DaCosta

Love Revisited, directed by Nicole van Kilsdonk

Only A Switch, directed by Michael Vincent

Paris Song, directed by Jeff Vespa

A Private War, directed by Matthew Heineman

ReRUN, directed by Alyssa Rallo Bennett

Socrates, directed by Alex Moratto

Spell, directed by Brendan Walter

Swimming With Men, directed by Oliver Parker

Then Came You, directed by Peter Hutchings

Unlovable, directed by Suzi Yoonessi

We Only Know So Much, directed by Donal Lardner Ward

What They Had, directed by Elizabeth Chomko

Wheels, directed by Paul Starkman

Wildlife, directed by Paul Dano

Younger Days, directed by Paula van der Oest

DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

The 2018 Documentary Features are as illuminating as ever. The subjects of these films captivate their audience while sharing unforgettable stories that are sure to spark a conversation. Meet people from all walks of life and journey into their self-actualization. Be prepared for cutting-edge science, murder mysteries, conversations about institutional racism, UNSUNG musicians, and much more.

2030, directed by Johnny Boston

The Advocates, directed by Rémi Kessler

Carmine Street Guitars, directed by Ron Mann

Dreaming of a Vetter World, directed by Bonnie Hawthorne

The Feeling of Being Watched, directed by Assia Boundaoui

For The Birds, directed by Richard Miron

Ghost Fleet, directed by Shannon Service and Jeffrey Waldron

Give Us This Day, directed by Jeff and Michael Zimbalist

Hale County This Morning, This Evening, directed by RaMell Ross

In Our Bones, directed by Alex Kimura

The Interpreters, directed by Andres Caballero and Sofian Khan

Karl Berger - Music Mind, directed by Julian Benedikt

Michelin Stars - Tales from the Kitchen, directed by Rasmus Dinesen

Mr. SOUL!, directed by Melissa Haizlip and Samuel Pollard

A Murder In Mansfield, directed by Barbara Kopple

Netizens, directed by Cynthia Lowen

Personal Statement, directed by Julianne Dressner

Shakedown, directed by Leilah Weinraub

Somaliland, directed by HARRY Lee and Ben Powell

Stay Human, directed by Michael Franti

Suicide: The Ripple Effect, directed by Greg Dicharry and Kevin Hines

Up to Snuff, directed by Mark Maxey

What Is Democracy?, directed by Astra Taylor

The World Before Your Feet, directed by Jeremy Workman

Wrestle, directed by Lauren Belfer and Suzannah Herbert

SHORTS

The 2018 Shorts are stories told in 40 minutes or less, and share anecdotes and fictional tales from across the world through live action and animation. Taking you from New York to Paris, to a fictional dystopian society and back again, audiences will be immersed in these enthralling tales.

1-0, directed by Nada ElAzhary; 59 Seconds, directed by Mauro Carraro; After Her, directed by Aly Migliori; Antouni (Homeless), directed by Alik Barsoumian; Are You Still Singing?, directed by Gillian Barnes; A Year, directed by Jisun Jamie Lee; Beast, directed by Leonora Lonsdale; Beautiful Things, directed by Dina Waxman; Black Spirit, directed by Chakib Taleb-Bendiab; Boy Boy Girl Girl, directed by Ross Kauffman; Carolee, Barbara & Gunvor, directed by Lynne Sachs; The Christmas Rabbit, directed by Christophe Lopez-Huici; The Crying Room, directed by Shalom Auslander; Del Rio, directed by Raj Trivedi; Dinner, directed by Anna Gilmore; Edith Piaf (Said It Better Than Me), directed by Joseph Wallace; Ego, directed by Mario Addis; The English Teecher, directed by Andy and Carolyn London; Even Ants Strive for Survival, directed by Ren Xia; Funeral, directed by Leah Shore; Gamble, directed by Chayadol Lomtong; Goose in High Heels, directed by John R. Dilworth; He's Watching, directed by Arthur Metcalf; Homing In, directed by Parker Hill; Jo, directed by Justine Williams; One Small Step, directed by Andrew Chesworth and Bobby Pontillas; Last Requests, directed by Courtenay Johnson; The Last Seance,directed by Laura Kulik; Lifeboat, directed by Skye Fitzgerald; Lucy, directed by Ruben Gutiérrez; The Magical Mystery of Musigny, directed by Emmett Goodman and John Meyer; Martin, directed by Sholto Crow; Melt Down, directed by Amy Jingyi Xu; Mirror Mirror, directed by Jacob Internicola; Mother, directed by Amanda Palmer; Moved to Tiers, directed by Avery Herzog; The Movie House on Main Street, directed by Teresa Torchiano; My Brother (Mi Hermano), directed by Alexis Gambis; Pour 585, directed by Patrick Smith; Rooster and The Queen, directed by Aaron Weisblatt; Salam, directed by Claire Fowler; Lessons from a School Shooting: Notes from Dunblane, directed by Kim A. Snyder; Shiva Baby, directed by Emma Seligman; Sorceress, directed by Max Blustin; Trump Bites, directed by Bill Plympton; Two Balloons, directed by Mark C. Smith; Unnatural, directed by Amy Wang; The Velvet UNDERGROUND Played at My High School, directed by Tony Jannelli and Robert Pietri; Vicarious Resilience, directed by Eva Tenuto; Voice, directed by Takeshi Kushida; Welcome to the New World, directed by Jerry Suen & Anni Sultany; The Winds of Downhill, directed by Jedd and Todd Wider; and Your Face Global Jam, directed by Ken Mora.

YOUTH INITIATIVE

This year, the Woodstock Film Festival is proud to present films written, filmed, directed, produced, and edited by passionate teens. The Woodstock Film Festival's Youth Initiative is supported by the Thompson Family Foundation. Three out of the ten films were created by students who participated in the Woodstock Film Festival Summer Youth Film Lab, a three week immersive program underwritten by an anonymous donor, that gives teenagers an opportunity to learn about the art of film and practice the full spectrum of the filmmaking process with guidance from accomplished film industry professionals.

After The Collapse, directed by Youth Film Lab participant Ethan Laclaverie

Past the Fear, directed by Youth Film Lab participant Samuel Levine

Mirror Mirror, directed by Youth Film Lab participant Jacob Internicola

Along the Water, directed by Marissa Gaylin

Can't Hurry Love, directed by Lola Cook

The Hitchhiker's Guide to Suburbia, directed by Alex Alford and Zak Denley

I Am The Only One, directed by Aicha Cherif

Inclusion On The Air, directed by Eli Canter

Silence, directed by Camille Dobbs

Wake Up, directed by Maura Palden

MUSIC VIDEOS

This year, The Woodstock Film Festival is highlighting 11 extraordinary music videos from talented artists from Bulgaria, Luxembourg, Poland, United States, and the UK. These music videos will be screened online at the start of the festival.

Boyish - Music by Japanese Breakfast

Dumb Dumb - Music by Cipherella

Found - Music by Toulouse

Glendale - Music by Clans

Land of the Fairies - Music by Rami Fortis

Magic Meadow Music Video - Music by Journey Blue Heaven

Mandarin - Music by Boogrov

Paprika - Music by No Metal in this Battle

Pora Sotunda - Music by The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices

Solicitous - Music by Drekoty

PANELS

Every year, the panels generate informative conversations with top members of the film and entertainment industry. This year, the panels line-up includes:

Chat with Julie Taymor - Honorary Maverick Award Recipient • Hosted by Thelma Adams

Between Documentaries and Narrative • Conversation with Matthew Heineman and Roger Ross Williams

Music In Film, Sponsored by BMI-Case Study: Up To Snuff • Featuring W.G. "Snuffy" Walden and Mark Maxey, moderated by BMI's Doreen Ringer Ross

Women in Film, Crossing the Line • Featuring Blair Breard and other panelists to be announced, moderated by Allison Dunne

Power of Youth • Featuring filmmakers Juliane Bresser and HARRY Lee, students Karoline Jimenez, student Roda Mohamed, student Sam Levine, moderated by Megan Sperry

Actors Dialogue • Featuring William Fichtner and Steve Buscemi, hosted by Martha Frankel

Virtual Reality • Featuring curators Carol Silverman and Dario Laverde and Virtual Reality artists and experts

The Evolution of Platforms of Visual Storytelling and Distribution • Featuring panelists to be announced, moderated by Richard Abramowitz

MAVERICK AWARDS CEREMONY

Saturday, October 13th from 8-11PM

At Backstage Studio Productions, 323 Wall St., Kingston, NY

The Annual Maverick Awards Ceremony has become one of the most talked-about events, attracting more than 500 filmmakers, industry professionals, community leaders, and guests. The event is open to the public. Tickets are available at the Woodstock Film Festival Box Office or online.

The 2018 Maverick Awards Ceremony will present several honors including:

? MAVERICK AWARD, recipient Julie Taymor

? FILMMAKER OF DISTINCTION AWARD, recipient Matthew Heineman

? Best Feature Narrative, Best Feature Documentary, Best Short Narrative, Best Short Documentary, Best Student Short, Best Animated Short, the James Lyons Editing Award (Documentary and Narrative), the Haskell Wexler Award for Best Cinematography, the Ultra Indie Award, the Carpe Diem Andretta Award, and the World Cinema Award

Juried Award winners are announced to the media on Saturday night.

Audience awards are announced to the media on Monday morning.

TICKETS FOR THE MAVERICK AWARDS CEREMONY ARE AVAILABLE ONLINE

FESTIVAL KICK-OFF

To kick off the 19th Annual Woodstock Film Festival, there will be a live performance by the Karl Berger Band following the screening of the feature documentary Karl Berger - Music Mind, which offers "an inside look into the creative process and unique approach toward music that makes Karl Berger". This kickoff event will be held on October 10 at the Woodstock Playhouse.

LIVE PERFORMANCE by Michael Franti, star and director of the documentary, Stay Human, October 12th at 1:30 pm at the Woodstock Playhouse.

VIRTUAL REALITY

Virtual Reality (VR) is the next phase of storytelling for creators and artists. Have the chance to experience this exciting New Medium live in the Woodstock Film Festival Virtual Reality Lounge at the Center for Photography on Saturday, October 13. A virtual reality panel will precede at the Kleinert James Gallery, on Saturday at 10:00 am. The Virtual Reality Lounge is underwritten in part by Arts Mid-Hudson and by Jennifer Hicks.

SPECIAL GUEST PROGRAMMER - Filmmakers of Color

Roger Ross Williams is the first African American director to win an Academy Award with his short film Music By Prudence. Williams has directed a wide variety of acclaimed films including God Loves Uganda, which was shortlisted for an Academy Award, and Life Animated, which was nominated for an Academy Award in 2017. Williams is on the Board of Governors for the Academy of motion pictures, Arts and Sciences, representing the Documentary branch, as well as being on the Diversity Committee for the Academy. This year Williams is our Special Guest Programmer whose selection spotlights some of his favorite contemporary works by filmmakers of color. Williams said, "I am thrilled to be a guest programmer at this year's Woodstock Film Festival. The three films I have chosen demonstrate the scope, depth and creativity that is possible when we, as black filmmakers, tell our own stories." These films include Hale County This Morning, This Evening, Shakedown, and Mr. SOUL!.

LESSONS FROM A SCHOOL SHOOTING: NOTES FROM DUNBLANE

In the wake of the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in Newtown, Connecticut, that took the lives of twenty first-graders and their teachers, local clergyman Father Bob Weiss received a letter from a fellow priest in Dunblane, Scotland, whose community suffered an eerily similar fate in 1996. From across the Atlantic, the two priests forged a poignant bond through the shared experience of trauma and healing. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring the filmmakers and special guests from Newtown and more. Never before seen clips of the filmmakers' upcoming documentary about the mass shooting in Stoneman Douglas high school in Parkland, Florida, will be shown during the panel.

ABOUT THE 19TH ANNUAL WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL

"The 2018 Woodstock Film Festival is poised to be one of the most fiercely independent and empowering, with nearly half of the filmmakers being female, and so many of the works telling meaningful stories by both emerging and accomplished filmmakers," said Meira Blaustein, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Woodstock Film Festival. "As we set our eyes towards our 20th anniversary in 2019, we aim to not only continue but increase our unwavering support of the game-changing creatives whose unique and passionate vision always reshapes the cinematic landscape."

This year the festival presents films selected from over 2,000 entries from around the globe. Countries represented include Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Kazakhstan, Latvia, the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom, Jordan, Ukraine, and the United States. A majority of the films in THE LINEUP will be screened with the filmmakers and cast in attendance.

The iconic Woodstock Film Festival was created in the year 2000. Since then, it has become one of the foremost regional independent film festivals. Establishing itself as a ground-breaking festival that offers a unique platform for filmmakers around the globe, the Woodstock Film Festival has been named among the top 50 film festivals worldwide.

TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE SEPTEMBER 12th ONLINE AND OVER THE PHONE (845-810-0131)

WOODSTOCK FILM FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE (13 Rock City Road, Woodstock, NY) will be open: September 19 to October 7 • Wednesday through Sunday, from Noon-6PM (Closed Mondays and Tuesdays), October 8-13 • Daily from 9AM to 7PM • October 14 from 9AM to 6PM

Photo Credit: johnmazlishfineart.com