The Experience
The Philadelphia Film Festival continues to grow, featuring more full-length feature films and more special presentations than ever before.
Screening an ambitious 260 films over a two-week cinema extravaganza, this year’s 17th annual festival is about Philadelphia, featuring several films made in and around the city with actors, producers and directors from Philadelphia.
This year's festival also includes the presentation of the Artistic Achievement Award to actor John Leguizamo.
There are no klieg lights yet, but the Philadelphia Film Festival, a relatively young film festival, has earned a reputation as the circuit’s up-and-comer. Cinema-philes can indulge in a two-week whirl of hundreds of films from more than 45 countries around the globe, including new feature films, classics, documentaries, shorts, experimental film and animation.
The festival also brings panel discussions, workshops, networking events, Q&A sessions and even a little elbow-rubbing with A-list celebrities.
Family-friendly films are also shown in outdoor venues. The Festival of Independents, a festival within the festival, features the best of regional filmmaking.
History
In 1991, International House founded the Philadelphia Festival of World Cinema as a window into diverse cultures. Now presented by TLA Entertainment Group and produced by the Philadelphia Film Society, the rechristened Philadelphia Film Festival offers the full range of cinematic expression.