Festival Info
What can I bring into the theater?
No food or beverages are allowed in the auditorium, except those purchased at the concession counter. It is illegal to use a recording device of any sort to record the films. You may record or photograph during announcements, intermissions and the Q&A after each film block. Please turn your cell phones on vibrate or off during screenings. Please do not talk or cause distraction during screenings, or you will be asked to leave.
Where do I pick up my tickets?
You purchase your pass (ticket) online via this web site which puts you on our list of paid patrons. You do not have to bring proof of purchase, however, it may be helpful if there is confusion over whom is the rightful owner of the ticket. When you arrive at the theater your name will be checked off our list, and you will receive a Festival Pass with your name on it that you must show every time you enter the auditorium. The passes are non-transferrable and non-refundable. If something comes up and you cannot attend, we can't refund your ticket, but we do appreciate you supporting the arts. Festival Passes (tickets) are purchased for one individual. If you loose your pass, you will not be allowed in the auditorium. They cannot be replaced in order to prevent one person from picking up multiple passes and giving them to others.
What kind of films are shown at the festival?
Other than a few very large film festivals such as Sundance, SXSW, Toronto, and Caan that draw multi-million dollar films, the vast majority of film festivals in the world show very low budget independent films of a very wide variety of subjects. Some are short films under 20 minutes in length, while others are feature length films. These festivals provide a venue where filmmakers can see their works on a big screen, receive audience feedback and attend seminars to improve their craft, and compete for awards and prizes. By attending this festival, you are supporting and encouraging the major motion picture filmmakers of tomorrow! That said, we have shown several million dollar films in the past.
How else can I support struggling filmmakers?
All independent filmmakers are looking for volunteers, as well as financing for equipment purchase and rental.
Express interest in their film by asking questions during the Q&A session after each screening. Attend the Award Ceremony and congratulate them on their award. Tell them something you liked about their film, and then offer some constructive criticism along with encouragement.
What is the rating? Is there violence, nudity or foul language?
Festival films are not rated. However, in the rare case we accept a film that contains nudity, graphic violence or profanity, it will be clearly noted in the program guide that is published online about 6 weeks before the festival, and a printed version handed to every attendee at the festival.
Are children allowed?
Yes if under the age of 18 and accompanied by an adult, however, very young children will lose interested very quickly. Most filmmakers make films for an adult audience and are not likely to keep the attention of an immature audience unless specifically mentioned in the festival program guide. We now offer discount passes 50% off our regular price for students (with valid student ID) and minors under the age of 18.
Can I just purchase a ticket to see one film?
No. However you can purchase a Festival Day Pass for just one day. See About The Festival for details. There is only one venue and seating is very limited. If we sold a seat for one film or one block of films, that seat would be unoccupied for the remainder of the festival. The number of Day Passes available is limited, particularly on Saturday.
What are the COVID restrictions?
We do not expect any COVID restrictions to be in place at the time of the festival. If for some reason there is a restriction imposed on us that prevents us from being allowed to hold the festival, the event will be cancelled and the money you paid for the festival pass will be refunded to you, less the amount of any fees charged by financial processing institutions. Please monitor our web site Home Page UPDATES section for last minute updates. We will also attempt to reach you via email as soon as we know of a cancellation. We will NOT be holding an "online" film festival. It will either be in person, or not at all.