The 14th Annual Media Film Festival
The annual Media Film Festival returns this spring, presented by the Media Arts Council. It will take place Friday, April 9, through Sunday, April 18. Because last year’s festival was cancelled due to the pandemic, this year’s event will include short films from 2020 as well as 2021. More than 90 films will be presented, via both drive-in showings and digital screenings.
The 10-day festival will spotlight the work of independent filmmakers, both from around the globe and from our local area. Viewers can enjoy films from 20 different countries, including Belarus, Iran, Belgium, Hong Kong, Turkey, France, and the Netherlands. In addition, filmmakers from our local area will offer viewers a wide range of topics and genres. “Sankofa,” produced by undergraduates at Villanova University, explores the complex phenomenon of mental slavery and its impact on black men. “Royal Flush,” filmed in Glen Mills, is a comedy.
Another local entry explores the history of an abandoned estate in Swarthmore’s Crum Woods. This six-minute film, entitled “The Ruins,” was created by Swarthmore resident Mark Pappas. “The Ruins” won the prize for best documentary short film at last year’s Minefield Film Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
A still from Mark Pappas’ short film, “The Ruins,” which will be screened as part of the Media Film Festival. Image courtesy of Mark Pappas
In addition, each block of films shown during the festival will begin with a different short film created by local teens as part of the Media Youth Film Initiative. This initiative, a joint project of the Media Arts Council and the Media Youth Center, enables high school students to get hands-on experience producing, writing, directing, and acting in films.
The drive-in theater showings will take place on Saturday, April 10, and Saturday, April 17, on the grounds of Arasapha Farms, at 1835 Middletown Road, Glen Mills. The gates open at 7 p.m., and the program will begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25 per car and must be purchased online in advance.
The digital screenings will include 14 blocks of films. The festival’s Hometown Watch Party, which enables viewers to gather virtually and watch the opening lineup of films together, will take place on April 9. The festival will conclude with a presentation of awards on April 18.
Also returning this year: the Media Fright Fest. Horror enthusiasts can expect over 100 minutes of international slasher classics, psychological thrillers, and zombie flicks, which can be viewed online from the comfort of their homes. Virtual passes start at $15.
