Sixth Annual Rumspringe Film Festial Set for Ware Center, 11/1-2

All the major, large cities lay claim to one or more film festivals. Quietly, Lancaster has joined the big-league with a film festival all its own - one that is growing larger every year and garnering attention from around the world. The 2013 Rumschpringe International Short Film Festival is scheduled for the Ware Center, 42 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA, Friday & Saturday, November 1 & 2. This year attracted the most entries ever from countries such as Armenia, Australia, France, India, Israel, Spain, Sweden, the U.K. and the USA.

Entering its sixth season, the Rumschpringe International Short Film Festival (RISFF) provides an opportunity for Lancastrians to explore diverse ideas, identities, aesthetics and cultures; and seeks to establish the area as a viable destination for directors, producers, actors and aficionados of the under-appreciated medium of short films. RISFF aspires to provide strong support for the global independent film community by offering an annual competitive event with cash awards. The Creative Director and Founder of the film festival, Michael Hoober, is a local counselor and educator.

New this year is the inclusion of a "Documentary" category and more opportunities for interaction with the artists via special networking events and a panel of industry experts to discuss the intricacies of making a film within our community. Filmmakers/actors from around the country are attending.

The festival begins with an Opening Kick-Off Ceremony, Friday, November 1st at 8:30 PM which will feature a selection of some of the best films entered in this year's contest. Two hours from the 2013 Official Selections will screen 10 adult-oriented shorts from USA, Romania, France & Brazil, ranging in length from 6 to 28 minutes. Tickets for the Opening Night Ceremony cost: $10 ($8 for students/seniors); Free with Festival or VIP Pass. See ticket pricing below.

Also Friday night features a FREE showing of THE BEST OF 2012, featuring the winners from last year, including the "Best Short" and "Best Actor" winner, Russian-made "The Cart" at 6 PM. Guests are invited to come and go or stay for the full two hour special screening.

Starting at 9 PM, the festival begins showing its films-by-category pods starting off with the "Horror" Category. Six short films from USA, Portugal & Italy, ranging in length from 10 minutes to 17 minutes will satisfy your horror cravings. Tickets for this and all the other category pods listed below are: $7 ($5 for students/seniors) or FREE with and All-Festival ($30) or VIP Pass ($50.)

Saturday is filled with films-by-category pods, including a panel discussion from 5 - 6:30 p.m. on "How to Make Your Own First Film" right here in Lancaster. The Panel discussion is moderated by: Mary Haverstick of Haverstick Films, a local filmmaker who has made and nationally distributed a feature length film. Also on the panel are both local and national filmmakers: Greg Swartz, Brad Kenyon, Randy Wilkins, Allen Clements, and Joseph Krzemenski. The discussion includes how to get your first short film off the ground, market it and make the leap to larger projects, like feature films. The panel brings together perspectives from professionals of different backgrounds to help inspire local filmmakers. Tickets for the Saturday pods and this panel are $7 Adult; $5 Senior/Student. The panel is also free with the purchase of any pod or the All-Festival or VIP pass.

Saturday evening is, of course, capped off with the 2013 Awards Ceremony - which screens the top films in each category with the winner for "Best Short" and "Best Actor" announced at the end. $10 Adult; $8 Senior/Student or FREE with an All-Festival or VIP Pass.

Tickets and passes may be purchased by calling 717-872-3811 or 717-871-2308; On the net at artsmu.com or Rumschpringe.com; In person at the Ware Center or the SMC Building on the MU campus. Box Office hours are Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets and passes are also available for purchase the days of the festival.

Central Pennsylvania Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. THE PRODUCERS (Ephrata Performing Arts Center)

24.3% of votes

2. 13 THE MUSICAL (Hershey Area Playhouse)

14.4% of votes

3. SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (The Pennsylvania Playhouse)

4.7% of votes

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