This year’s Benicia film festival highlights short films in a wide range of genres in a 3-day event over Labor Day weekend. Sponsored by the Benicia Arts and Culture Commission and the Downtown Benicia Alliance, the event will raise money for a new public art initiative.
Benicia International Film Festival
Sept. 1-3, 2017
Friday, Sept. 1: Opening Gala, St. Paul’s Square, 120 East G St., 6:30pm
Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 2 & 3: Majestic Theatre, 710 First St. 10:30am
Go along on a young couple’s first date, share the experience of being an impoverished young Arabic boy with the dream of playing concert violin; ride a bike through the hectic streets of Kampala, Uganda; learn the painterly techniques of Rembrandt. These are just a sample of the magic that awaits attendees at the upcoming festival.
Courtesy Benicia Film Festival Historic Majestic Theatre in Downtown Benicia |
On Saturday, doors open at 10am; films begin at 10:30. Sunday, doors open at 10:30am; films begin at 11:00. The films continue until 6:30 with a an afternoon break when film goers can walk around historic Benicia, have lunch, do some shopping or just enjoy the beautiful water view.
This year, the committee chose several categories for the films:
Art in Film: Films made about the arts, including photography, music, filmmaking, literature, dance, and other arts.
Eco-Sustainability: These films have an environmental and/or conservation message. They increase public awareness of environmental problems, present solutions and inspire personal action.
Smartphone Films: Films made using only smartphone devices. Smartphones have enabled both amateurs and professionals to produce films with these devices.
Animation: Visual arts in motion. From simple hand-drawn to stop-motion and digital rendering, they will delight and challenge viewers.
High School and Younger Student Shorts: Live action narrative, documentary, animated shorts or experimental films by students.
Short Shorts: Films less than 6 minutes on any subject.
Film School Shorts: Any live action narrative, documentary, animated shorts or experimental films.
Tickets
Weekend pass $80
Fri. Gala $40 or two for $70; $55 event day
Sat./Sun. $25 each day; $10 for students; $35 event day
Purchase at Benicia Public Library, Benicia Main Street or online
For more info and list of films, go to beniciafilmfestival.com.
