Edwin Barbey Charitable Trust presents
ReadingFilmFEST 9th Annual
Oct 26-29, 2023
GOGGLEWORKS & IMAX THEATRES
ReadingFilmFEST.Org
Welcome from ReadingFilm Office
FILMFEST Schedule ..................................................... 3 Sponsors...................................................... 6 Special Events ............................................ 8 International StudentFEST Screening....10 Friday Night Shorts..................................12 LatinX Block............................................. 14 Environmental Block............................... 15 Human Spirit Block ..................................16 Comedy Block ..........................................18 Inspirational Sports Block...................... 19 Female Filmmakers Block .......................20 Made in Reading Block ............................22 Art and Race Block ...................................23 Features.................................................... 24 Judges .......................................................26 Thank You .................................................28 Reading Film Office................................. 30
Welcome to the 2023 ReadingFilmFEST! With immense pride, I reflect upon the incredible progress our festival has embarked upon since I started this journey. What began as a platform to champion emerging filmmakers from our region and worldwide has now evolved into expanded educational opportunities, inspirational talks with industry professionals, thought-provoking panels, and sensational entertainment. The ReadingFilmFEST has grown to embrace the community in a way that goes beyond showcasing outstanding films to incorporate a richer experience. Whether you are an avid cinephile, a budding filmmaker, or someone who simply appreciates the power of storytelling, there is truly something for everyone at this year’s ReadingFilmFEST. As we all come together, let us be reminded of the power of film to inspire, connect, and evoke profound emotions. It is my hope that this year’s ReadingFilmFEST will leave you with a sense of wonder and appreciation for the art of filmmaking. I want to express my deepest gratitude to an incredible staff whose commitment and tireless efforts are truly the driving force behind the success of this year’s festival season. To our devoted board of directors, loyal volunteers, discerning judges, insightful moderators, and generous sponsors, we owe a debt of gratitude that words alone cannot express. Without your unwavering support and love for the art of film, this extraordinary festival would not be possible. Wishing you all an incredible and inspiring festival season! Warm regards, Cammie Harris Executive Director, ReadingFilm Office
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Get Your Collectible Poster
The 2023 ReadingFilmFest collectible poster was designed by local artist Ann Lemon. Ann is an award-winning advertising creative director for a number of Fortune 500 companies and is currently the Executive Director of the Amos Lemon Burkhart Foundation. The 18 x 24 fine art print was provided by Giclée Today.
ReadingFilmFEST 9th Annual
A limited number are available for $20.
Oct 26-29, 2023
GOGGLEWORKS &
THEATRES ReadingFilmIMAX FEST.Org
READINGFILMFEST SCHEDULE THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2023 TIME
GoggleWorks IMAX 1
IMAX 2
Other Reading High School Assembly: Madison Reyes
TBD
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTFEST • Heroes of BCTC • Bounty in Chinatown • To Eli, Forever • Storey’s Adventure • Grief --- Break | Q&A ---Madison Reyes Half-Time Concert --- Break --• A Little Glass of Rum • The Mystery of the Trufle Dogs • A Beautiful Gift --- Break | Q&A ---TikTok Challenge Award Ceremony StudentFEST Award Ceremony Presented by:
5:30 PM 9:30 PM
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023 TIME
GoggleWorks
11:00 AM - 12:30 PM
STUDENT ASSEMBLY: The Art of Special Effects in the Movies with Tom Woodruff Jr.
IMAX 1
IMAX 2
Other
3:00 PM
Marriott: Filmmaker’s Check-in
4:00 PM
Marriott: Filmmaker’s & VIP’s Happy Hour
5:00 PM
WCR Center for the Arts: • Registration • Filmmaker’s & VIP’s Presented by:
7:00 PM
Registration Open
Registration Open
www.ReadingFilmFEST.com
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READING FILM FEST SCHEDULE FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023 CONTINUED TIME
GoggleWorks
7:00 PM
7:30 PM
IMAX 1
IMAX 2
LATINX (3:01:07) • I Am Danny Torres • The Son Rises • Una Carta a Mis Hijas --- Break | Q&A ---• Blood and Ash • The Companion • InVade --- Break | Q&A ---Presented by:
FRIDAY NIGHT SHORTS (2:50:26) • Split Ends • Two Chairs • The Farmhouse • Steel In Love • Survivor --- Break | Q&A ---• Saudade • Miracle on 74th Street • Pass • Enter The Room • And What if I Am? --- Break | Q&A ---Presented by:
Feature- AVA (2:08:00)
Other
Break | Q&A followed by Panel Discussion with Berks County Crisis Intervention
Presented by:
10:00 PM
BLOCKBUSTER CLASSIC: Grease Sing-A-Long (2:00:00)
Reading Distilling Guild: Filmmaker’s and VIP’s after party
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 TIME
GoggleWorks
IMAX 1
IMAX 2
Centro Hispano: Filmmaker’s & VIP’s Greenroom Presented by:
9:30 AM - 6:00 PM
10:00 AM
WORKSHOP (1:45:00) How to Make a Monster with Tom Woodruff Jr.
12:00 PM
FEATURE: Much Ado (2:20:51) --- Break | Q&A ---Presented by:
3:00 PM
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2023 Reading Film Fest
Other
ENVIRONMENTAL BLOCK (3:25:23) • Stewart Udall The Politics of Beauty --- Break | Q&A ---• The Oil Machine --- Break | Q&A ---Presented by:
HUMAN SPIRIT (2:56:18) • The Creature • Another Day • Disgrace • Bad Lesbian --- Break | Q&A ---• Forged In Steel • Miss Chelove • The Gold Teeth • split ends --- Break | Q&A ---SPECIAL PRESENTATION (2:45:00) THE WIZARD OF OZ and Q&A with Emmy award winning Oz historian, John Fricke
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2023 CONTINUED TIME
GoggleWorks
6:00 PM
7:30 PM
FEATURE: Intermedium (2:10:00) --- Break | Q&A ---Presented by:
10:00 PM
BLOCKBUSTER CLASSIC: IT (2017) --- With introduction by Tom Woodruff Jr.
IMAX 1
IMAX 2
Other
COMEDY BLOCK (1:15:46) • Meats & Cheeses • We Are All Dogs • Solidarity • Floating Mom • Fundamental Shapes --- Break | Q&A ----
INSPIRATIONAL SPORTS BLOCK (2:45:30) • A Long Way from Nowhere --- Break | Q&A ---• Roar: The Story of the Southern Colombia Football Tigers --- Break | Q&A ----
FEMALE FILMMAKERS BLOCK (2:17:57) • Reclaim Your Water • Cover Up • Mountain Violet • Breaking Silence --- Break | Q&A ---• Swimming Through • For Child Never Born • More Than I Want to Remember --- Break | Q&A ---Presented by:
Presented by:
DoubleTree Hotel Cheers American Bistro: Filmmaker’s and VIP’s after party
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2023 TIME
GoggleWorks
IMAX 1
10:00 AM
WINNING SCREENPLAY TABLE READ: Scent of Marigold
12:00 PM
MADE IN READING (2:26) ART AND RACE (2:32) • Town Destroyer • Meatloaf and Pie at the Sunset Cafe --- Break | Q&A ---• Incantation • PATOU: In Black & White • HONOVI --- Break | Q&A ------ Break | Q&A ---• Intercourse • A Life Like This --- Break | Q&A ---Presented by:
2:45 PM
FILMMAKER’S AWARD CEREMONY
3:30 - 5:00 PM
WRAP PARTY
IMAX 2
Other
TBD
GoogleWorks, Cohen Gallery
www.ReadingFilmFEST.com
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PRESENTING
PRESENTING SPONSOR
Edwin Barbey Charitable Trust A production of ReadingFilm Office
A READINGFILM OFFICE PRODUCTION WITH SUPPORT FROM National Endowment of the Arts City of Reading
A PRODUCTION OF READINGFILM
EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Sweet Street Desserts Alvernia University College Towne
WITH SUPPORT FROM
LEADING ROLES Imagine Berks | Berks County Penske Centro Hispano Hoffmann Publishing Penn State Giclee Today Berks County Living BCAP
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER SPONSORS
VENUE SPONSORS Reading IMAX GoggleWorks Center for the Arts WCR Center for the Arts DoubleTree Hilton Courtyard by Marriott
PRODUCTION SPONSORS GRACT Berks County Wellness Santander AAUW Illusions Sound and Lighting Sanco Sound and Light
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Conner Investment Kimberton Foods East Penn Manufacturing Reading and Berks Pennsylvania Americana Region Lamar Advertising Tom Masano Auto Group Reading Distilling Guild
LEADING ROLES
VENUE SPONSORS
FRIENDS Palo Santo Marabella, Phd Rainbow Theatre, Carol Toomey Todd Migliaccio, Phd Michele Ramsey, Phd Pat Perfect
FILM BLOCK SPONSORS
PRODUCTION SPONSORS
ReadingFilmFEST has created a unique and more personal opportunity to support the world of filmmaking in a more meaningful way. We extend our appreciation to the following proud sponsors: Centro Hispano proudly supports the International StudentFEST Giclee Today proudly supports the feature films Ava, Intermedium, and Much Ado, in association with Berks County Mental Health. The City of Reading proudly supports the LatinX film block. Penn State Berks proudly supports the Made In Reading film block.
COMMUNITY IMPACT
Kimberton Foods proudly supports the Environmental film block. Lamar Advertising proudly supports the Human Spirit film block. Berks County Living proudly supports the Inspirational Sports film block.
SPECIAL EVENTS STUDENT ASSEMBLY Friday 11:00am
Behind the Scenes: The Art of Special Effects in the Movies
ReadingFilmFEST is presenting a Free Special Workshop for High School and College students/ facility only featuring Academy Award Winning Special Effects Designer, Tom Woodruff Jr., who has designed effects for films such as: Aliens, Aliens 3, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, Starship Troopers, Cast Away and Spiderman. Limited Seating. Must pre-register to attend. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/behind-the-scenes-theart-of-special-effects-in-the-movies-free-workshoptickets-722177150297?utm-campaign=social&utmcontent=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utmterm=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl
OPENING NIGHT GALA
WCR Center for the Arts Friday 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Join us in welcoming this year’s filmmakers, schmooze with VIP guests and friends, and walk the red carpet! About the Artist: V. Shayne Frederick is a vocalist, pianist, and film composer with performances spanning decades. Private event open to the filmmakers and VIP Pass Holders.
WORKSHOP: “HOW TO MAKE A MONSTER”
with Academy Award-Winning Special Effect Designer, Tom Woodruff Jr. GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Saturday 10:00 AM
Join us for a Saturday morning chat with Academy Award-Winning Special Effect Designer, Tom Woodruff Jr. We’ll discuss the art of motion picture practical effects and make-up and creature design with one of Hollywood’s leading artists. Mr. Woodruff’s credits include: Tremors, Starship Troopers, Alien 3, Demolition Man, Spiderman, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, It, Prey, Smile, The Nun and many others. In addition to
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2023 Reading Film Fest
designing effects, Tom is also a monster suit performer, writer and director. Tom has won a number of industry awards and was nominated for an Academy Award for his work on Starship Trooper and Alien 3. He won an Academy Award for his work on Death Becomes Her.
GREASE SING-A-LONG
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Saturday 10:00 PM Join us for a fun-for-all-sing-a-long of the smash musical. Good girl Sandy Olsson (Oliva Newton-John) and greaser Danny Zuko (John Travolta) fell in love over the summer. When they unexpectedly discover they’re now in the same high school, will they be able to rekindle their romance? (1978)
THE WIZARD OF OZ
Reading Movies 11 Saturday 3:00 - 6:00 PM MGM’s classic musical fantasy from 1939. The world’s preeminent historian on all things Oz, special guest speaker Mr. John Fricke will host a Q&A discussion after the film. Learn about the film you thought you knew!
IT
GoggleWorks Boscov Theatre Saturday, 10:00 PM Come see the top grossing horror film of all time! Tom Woodruff Jr., who did special effects makeup on the film, will provide a special introduction and share fascinating details about the creation of Pennywise.
WINNING SCREENPLAY TABLE READ GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Sunday 10:00 AM
The RFF 2023 Screenplay Winner, Scent of Marigold, will be read with actors in a Hollywood-style Table read-through. Scripts will be loaned to any attendee requesting one. The script tells the story of a Mexican-American detention officer who is torn between her Americanization and the unexpected bond she forms with a toddler separated from her father at the height of the border crisis. The Writers: Lily Malm, Laila Matuk Lily Malm is a Los Angeles based writer. She is a recipient of Anders Sandrew’s Art Scholarship, Diverse Women in Media Forum’s Emerging Content Creators Scholarship, as well as New York Film Academy’s Talent-Based Scholarship from which she graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Screenwriting. Laila Matuk is a New York-based Mexico City native. She earned a Talent-Based Scholarship at the New York Film Academy where she will graduate in 2024 with a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts in Acting for Film. She recently produced and stage-managed the off-Broadway production of Dracula by Kate Hamil, a feminist retelling of Bram Stroker’s classic tale. Coffee & Pastries provided Creative Direction by Cara Cotellese *The Screenplay is for Mature Audiences with adult subject matters, situations and language.
SOCIAL EVENTS Filmmakers, Sponsors and VIPs are invited to attend
FRIDAY NIGHT PARTY!
Reading Distilling Guild - 503 Penn St., Reading, PA 19601 (bus service provided for our guests, please see schedule) Friday 10/27 10pm-12pm Elle Gyandoh Performing About Elle Gyandoh Town and Country Living magazine describes Elle as having a “voice that hovers between the dramatic highs of Mariah Carey and the subtle shadings of Norah Jones. It’s rhythm-and-blues meets pop with a dash of sparkle. And that’s what her voice has – Sparkle.”
SATURDAY NIGHT PARTY!
DoubleTree Hotel - Cheers American Bistro 701 Penn Street, Reading, PA 19601 (bus service provided for our guests, please see schedule) Saturday 10/28 10pm-?
WRAP PARTY
GoggleWorks Cohen Gallery 201 Washington St., Reading, PA 19601 (bus service provided for our guests, please see schedule) Sunday 10/29 3:30pm-5pm The Jumpin’ Punkins performing!
www.ReadingFilmFEST.com
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INTERNATIONAL STUDENTFEST SCREENING
with special guest, Madison Reyes
October 26, 2023 • R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX • 5:30-9:00 pm We are dedicated to supporting the growth of young talent in film and media production. These emerging filmmakers have the potential to shape the future of cinema as today’s aspiring student filmmakers evolve into tomorrow’s awardwinning directors, visionary producers, and skilled videographers. As part of our commitment, we proudly present International StudentFEST on Thursday, October 26th. Accepted student films of this season bring forth a treasure trove of creativity and fresh perspectives. We take immense pride in spotlighting these filmmakers and amplifying their voices by exclusively dedicating this section within our festival to them. Bringing star power to StudentFEST this year is special guest, Madison Reyes, best known for her leading role in Netflix’s hit musical series, Julie and the Phantoms. Madison embodies multifaceted prowess as an actress, singer, and social media influencer, with a staggering following of over 1 million on Instagram and 600,000 on TikTok. On October 26th at the International StudentFEST, Madison will perform a halftime concert and announce the social media and StudentFEST award winners.
AMAHL
t h g i N
& THE
VISITORS
DEC. 2, 2023, 7 P.M. | DEC. 3, 2023, 3 P.M. Albright College, Memorial Chapel
For tickets/prices and more information, call the Box Office at 610-921-7547 or purchase at albright.edu/tickets.
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2023 Reading Film Fest
A
s a premier Realtor in Berks County, Lisa Tiger uses her 28 years of experience and enthusiasm for the business to more quickly match buyers and sellers. Lisa’s passion combined with her sales and marketing skills have made her one of the most successful agents in Berks County. She would love to have the opportunity to represent you in your next real estate transaction. When you are ready to buy or sell, Team up with the Tiger!
HEROES OF BCTC
Ordinary students become extraordinary when they attend BCTC.
GRIEF
A father and son find themselves on opposite sides after the death of their wife and mother. Director: Jan-David Soutar 8:46 minutes
BOUNTY IN CHINATOWN
After fleeing his life of power and privilege in a dystopian future, monarch Dr. Orlando Han becomes the target of a relentless hunter, seeking revenge for a past tragedy. However, these vengeful plans are disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious stranger who holds the key to his families’ deepest secrets. Director: Jackson Self 15 minutes
After grieving over the murder of his wife and son, a prison guard dines with the killer for his last meal. Writer: Lauren Keller 19:53 minutes
TO ELI, FOREVER
THE MYSTERY OF THE TRUFFLE DOGS
A grieving young woman has recurring flashbacks of the last encounter with her boyfriend before he died in a car accident, but these flashbacks quickly intensify when they begin seeping into her waking life to completely consume her. Director: Abbrielle Tuel 6:28 minutes
STOREY’S ADVENTURE
A lonely girl gets lost in her world and is interrupted by a group of future friends. Director: Johanna Wieden 2:24 minutes
A LITTLE GLASS OF RUM
Ismael is a miner who lives alone in a small house in the middle of nowhere looking for gold. One day a man arrives claiming to be the director of the mining company. He asks him to give him the gold, but everything is complicated by knowing the real reason why he is there. Director: Gerard Satorra Gonzàlez 14:41 minutes
A BEAUTIFUL GIFT
Mini documentary about a Reading-based beauty salon owner who has been giving away wigs for the last 27 years to people suffering from hair loss. Director: Kurt R. Manderbach 12:37 minutes
www.ReadingFilmFEST.com
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FRIDAY NIGHT SHORTS October 27, 2023 • R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX - Theater 2 • 7:00-10:00 pm
SPLIT ENDS
A bald girl and a young boy with long hair whose car has been confiscated due to lack of proper hijab are trying to solve their problem with the Tehran Morality Police without having to pay a fine. Police surveillance cameras have mistaken the boy for a woman because of his long hair, and the young girl, despite her shaved head, has to pay the fine simply because the hijab law only applies to women. Feeling humiliated by the government official, the pair find a creative way to resist authority. Director: Alireza Kazemipour 14:15 minutes
TWO CHAIRS
A road-weary traveler takes the chance meeting of a lifetime, but it turns out to be a mysterious interrogation beyond time and space that will reverse the core of human existence… FOREVER. “Can Humans know everything? Should they?” This film was shot in Pittsburgh, but the director/editor/ visual effects artist now resides in Cleveland, Ohio. The Director Enni Eastman is actually Jens Klein, a German/ Maltese director who has visual effects credits to his name from films like “Troy,” “Gladiator” and “Munich”! Director: Enni Eastman 27 minutes
THE FARMHOUSE
A teenager finds himself stuck on a farm in a mysterious game with deadly implications. Director: Joshua Land 7 minutes
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2023 Reading Film Fest
KONG: STEEL IN LOVE
The only physical remnant of the original King Kong puppet is the posable steel skeleton that allowed animators to bring him to life in 1933. With that very skeleton in hand, Tom Woodruff, Jr. imagines Kong’s eternal quest for his true love to reveal that a heart still beats within the beast. Director: Tom Woodruff Jr. 5:11 minutes
SURVIVOR
A young couple waits to cross the sea to escape to a new land but the birth of their baby presents a problem. Director: Karim Azimi 13:30 minutes
SAUDADE
Houra is pregnant with her fourth child, but the baby’s gender creates a complex situation. Her husband’s family demands a boy for their inheritance plans, yet Houra’s pregnancy is dangerous, and the doctor warns it could threaten her life. With a history of miscarriages, Houra must decide between the pressure to give birth to a male heir and the prospects of endangering her health. Director: Mehrdad Azizi Parsa 11:28 minutes
MIRACLE ON 74TH STREET
ENTER THE ROOM
A clash of reality vs. fantasy ensues when a young, hot-shot actor from Mumbai arrives in Queens, NYC and a day with an older cab driver with a secret. Director: JT Doran 7:23 minutes
PASS
Drama about a poor woman and trust. Director: Elika Abdollahi 10 minutes
A young adult (Brian) is visited by his brother, Jeremy, who needs a place to stay as he settles into his new city. The two polar opposite personalities begin to clash as Jeremy’s presence poses a threat to Brian’s way of life. Brian’s uptight personality and unreasonable living standards rub off on Jeremy, creating an incredible amount of tension. Bad blood, stemming from a traumatic past event, reveals the shocking truth of the brothers’ current situations, as Brian struggles to differentiate between reality and his worst nightmares. Director: Harry Waldman 15 minutes
AND WHAT IF I AM?
Study TV/Film Earn a bachelor of arts in TV/Film in a program that features: • A unique virtual production studio • 4K digital cinema and beyond, including: RED Scarlet (Dragon), RED Ranger (Helium), Panasonic EVA, Sony FX9, Blackmagic 6K, and Canon cinema cameras & lenses
Bullied by classmates and lacking support from his parents, Tim is suspended from school and left at home alone. Rebelling against his mother’s instructions, Tim chooses to spend the day with Josh, a mysterious new student in his class. Director: Bryan Powers 16 minutes
• Capture dynamic moving images: drones, Glidecams, jibs, dollies, sliders, gimbal stabilizers, etc. • First-year students use equipment from week one and complete their first film within one month • 30+ films and/or video projects completed during your four years in the program
desales.edu/tvfilm
www.ReadingFilmFEST.com
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LATINX BLOCK October 27, 2023 • R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX - Theater 1 • 7:00-9:00pm
I AM DANNY TORRES
Created by Abby Torres, #SOMOSSOCIETY: I Am Danny Torres is part of a series of short documentaries, highlighting the everyday people of Philadelphia’s Puerto Rican community. I Am Danny Torres shows what it takes to keep our community beautiful while teaching Puerto Rico’s rich culture in Philadelphia. Director: Abigail Torres Melendez 14 minutes
THE SON RISES
Manny, a rebellious biker, must fight for justice when his younger brother is killed in a senseless police shooting. Harassed by those who have sworn to protect him, he finds parallels between his story and that of Jesus Christ, as he’s slowly nailed to a cross of his own. Director: Alexander G. Seyum 46:42 minutes
UNA CARTA A MIS HIJAS
An undocumented mother, living in NYC, struggles with her pursuit of the American dream as she writes a letter to the children she left back home. Director: JT Doran 6:15 minutes
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2023 Reading Film Fest
BLOOD AND ASH
In a small mountain house, under the law of the Christian Holy Family, a mother and her two children live in confinement forced by her husband. But after a failed suicide attempt, the mother is forced to include her children in a new escape plan. Director: Kenneth Sanabria 18:10 minutes
THE COMPANION
Charles Rockford, a wealthy and affluent man, jilted by his wife, makes a deal with a secret organization to provide him with a companion that will never leave him. The organization delivers, but with a stark warning never to reveal the truth to anyone or there will be consequences. Things get complicated when Charles’ wife unexpectedly returns to find another woman has taken her place. Director: Robert J. Morgalo 36 minutes
INVADE
An undocumented scientist and his son try to stop an environmental disaster. Director: Eunice Levis 15 minutes
ENVIRONMENTAL BLOCK October 28, 2023 • R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX - Theater 1 • 12:00-3:30 pm
STEWART UDALL THE POLITICS OF BEAUTY
Stewart Lee Udall was the most prominent and effective Secretary of the Interior in American history. Stewart Udall The Politics of Beauty is a feature documentary that examines the trajectory of Udall’s life from his childhood through his Mormon mission, his World War II service, his student years at the University of Arizona, his time in Congress, and then, most significantly, his years as Secretary of the Interior and beyond. Director John de Graaf will participate in a Q & A session following the screening. Director: John de Graaf 78 minutes
THE OIL MACHINE
By highlighting the complexities of how oil is embedded in our society – from high finance to cheap consumer goods – The Oil Machine brings together a wide range of voices from oil company executives, economists, young activists, workers, scientists, and pension fund managers. It considers how this machine can be tamed, dismantled, or repurposed. Director Emma Davie will participate in a Q & A session following the screening. Director: Emma Davie 82 minutes
www.ReadingFilmFEST.com
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HUMAN SPIRIT BLOCK October 28, 2023 • R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX • 12:00-3:00pm
THE CREATURE
A couple goes to the forest to sacrifice an animal to the goblins in order for their child to be born healthy, but they are not alone in this forest. The woman considers this a superstition until she believes it herself. Director: Muhammad Reza Yarikia 15 minutes
ANOTHER DAY
A disabled photographer with cerebral palsy earns his living taking photographs for people passing by. When he reveals his interest in a local cafe worker, the girl avoids their usual encounters. Director: Sahand Khalaj 13:39 minutes
DISGRACE
Nessa is a young girl with a man interested in marrying but her brother attempts to stop the marriage because he knows his sister is not a virgin. Director: Ali Riahee 12:45 minutes
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2023 Reading Film Fest
BAD LESBIAN
When she was a sophomore in college, Olivia Muse endured an emotionally abusive relationship with her first girlfriend. Four years later, Olivia still can’t help but wonder: “Did that happen to me because I’m a bad lesbian?” Since when did abuse happen in the queer community? And why isn’t anyone talking about this? Now, Olivia is tired of the silence. Through documenting her own recovery, Olivia challenges the narrative of abuse, empowers other survivors, and tries to motivate change in a community from within. Director: Ava Palmo 33:42 minutes
FORGED IN STEEL
This documentary short details the American workers of the Bethlehem Steel Plant. The history and importance Bethlehem Steel had in making America what it is today comes straight from the mouths of men who worked there for decades. From building the country to saving it, Forged in Steel shares the story of what hard work can do for the community and beyond. Director: Matthew Ryan Heffner 7:08 minutes
MISS CHELOVE
Artist Cita Sadeli aka MISS CHELOVE begins work on a mural in a soon to open Indonesian coffeehouse in Washington, D.C. As she paints, Cita talks about her life in the Washington D.C. area, her cultural heritage, the influence of punk and hip-hop on her life and how she came to fall in love with graffiti in the 1980s when there were few women drawn to the culture at the time. Cita drew on her Javanese heritage to create a modern woman ornamented in traditional Indonesian jewelry yet rooted in 21st century youth culture. Director: Sara T. Gama 15:30 minutes
THE GOLD TEETH
SPLIT ENDS
An Afghan refugee in Canada asks a refugee dentist to extract her late father’s gold teeth before they bury him. Director: Alireza Kazemipour 15 minutes
A family commits an immoral act due to financial debt. Director: Mohammad Najaf Shahrestanaki 18:53 minutes
More than 130 attorneys throughout
William Blumer
Matthew Brushwood
Eden Bucher
Timothy Dietrich
Susanna Fultz
Thad Gelsinger
Zachary Griffith
Charles Haws
Beth Kohl
Benjamin Leisawitz
Matthew Mayer
Sarah McCahon
Michael Mixell
Keith Mooney
Kevin Moore
Frederick Nice
Brian Ott
Brandon Pack
Charles Phillips
Troy Rider
Rachael Shaw
Latisha Bernard Schuenemann
Allen Shollenberger
John Speicher
Silas Ruiz-Steele
EmmaRose Strohl
Paul Troisi
Gregory Young
Pennsylvania with 28 attorneys based in Berks County serving businesses, organizations & individuals.
WWW.BARLEY.COM
2755 Century Blvd., Wyomissing, PA 19610 READING • LANCASTER • YORK • HARRISBURG LEBANON • HANOVER • GETTYSBURG • MALVERN SCHUYLKILL HAVEN • HUNT VALLEY, MD • COLUMBIA, MD
www.ReadingFilmFEST.com
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COMEDY BLOCK October 28, 2023 • R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX - Theater 1 • 6:00-7:30pm
MEATS & CHEESES
FLOATING MOM
One of three friends vastly underestimates his knowledge of protein and dairy consumables. Director: Brian Kesek 6:18 minutes
A girl’s mother has started to levitate unconsciously. At the same time, the girl grapples with an unusually optimistic doctor’s visit. Director: Aidan Guynes 9:41 minutes
WE ARE ALL DOGS
FUNDAMENTAL SHAPES
This is a story about a happy family in a sad world. A world where there is no place for rejected creatures. Director: Aminreza Alimohammadi 14:04 minutes
SOLIDARITY
When Reilly and Darwin hear about budget cuts at the office, they agree to act in solidarity to save their jobs. Director: Mark L. Mazzeo 5:48 minutes
Jacob, an unemployed actor, stumbles into an unusual gig: nude figure model for a fine arts class. When his nextdoor neighbor turns up, he must find a way to keep his identity hidden, and their budding romance intact. A gentle romantic comedy about vulnerability, surprising coincidences, and the unexpected ways we find love. Director: Colin Alistair Campbell 14:55 minutes
www.greaterreadingact.org info@greaterreadingact.org PO Box 13767, Reading PA 19612
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2023 Reading Film Fest
INSPIRATIONAL SPORTS BLOCK October 28, 2023 • R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX - Theatre 2 • 6:00-9:15pm
A LONG WAY FROM NOWHERE
What compels a person to run 150 miles through the desert at the height of summer? Is it the need for achievement, the competitive instinct, or something deeper—a spiritual need for hardship, for catharsis, and from it, healing? A LONG WAY FROM NOWHERE is a different sort of extreme sports film—one centered not around winning—but instead one focused upon the human spirit—on why individuals push themselves to, and sometimes beyond, the breaking point. Philip Pinit, one of the ultramarathon runners featured in the film, will participate in the Q & A session following the screening. Director: Paul Scheuring 60 minutes
ROAR: THE STORY OF THE SOUTHERN COLUMBIA FOOTBALL TIGERS
The Southern Columbia Tigers high school football team faces unprecedented challenges as they go for a Pennsylvania record sixth consecutive state championship. This documentary goes in the locker room and behind the scenes of the most decorated team in state history. Director: Alexander Monelli 80 minutes
GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Come walk around our creative spaces Free admission and parking on-site Hours // 9am-9pm, Everyday Visit GoggleWorks.org to learn more
Follow Us @GoggleWorks Transforming lives through unique interactions with art
www.ReadingFilmFEST.com
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FEMALE FILMMAKERS BLOCK October 28, 2023 • R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX - Theater 1 • 7:30-9:45pm
RECLAIM YOUR WATER: NATASHA SMITH
Breaking barriers and making her own waves, Natasha Smith is a core member of the Ebony Beach Club. She shares her own story in hopes of increasing representation in surf, skate, and any other sport or activity that has historically been exclusive and can give such an individual sense of freedom. Director: Faith E. Briggs 4:40 minutes
COVER UP
In 1997 New York, amidst a 30-year tattoo ban, Bonnie, an underground tattoo artist, offers to help a woman wishing to cover a scar from her abusive partner. Through this act of healing, Bonnie confronts and begins to mend her own scarred past. Director: Ember Rain Condron 11:40 minutes
SWIMMING THROUGH
As the brutal Chicago winter draws near, Deirdre, Helen and Jennefer—avid open water swimmers—make a pact to continue through the snow and ice as the pandemic rages on. This intense commitment becomes their salvation from lockdown and helps alleviate each of their personal struggles. Initially just acquaintances, Swimming Through follows their friendship as it coalesces around their commitment to the daily ritual of swimming at sunrise in Lake Michigan. Director: Samantha Sanders 15:22 minutes
FOR CHILD NEVER BORN
A young girl is forced to grow up upon her father’s death and mother’s unexpected pregnancy. Director: Afsaneh Aghanezhad 15 minutes
MOUNTAIN VIOLET
After the mysterious loss of a woman she loves, Violet escapes her city life to a remote cabin in the mountains. Guided by whispers from the past and the voice of a know-it-all motivational speaker, Violet is forced to confront all that was, accept all that is, and embrace whatever comes next. Director: Amanda Ebert 14:15 minutes
BREAKING SILENCE
A portrait of a deaf activist and his formerly incarcerated daughter, who build new bonds through their experiences in the criminal justice system. Director: Amy Bench
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2023 Reading Film Fest
MORE THAN I WANT TO REMEMBER
One night at her home in southeastern Congo, 14-year-old Mugeni awakes to the sounds of bombs. As her family scatters to the surrounding forests to save themselves, Mugeni finds herself completely alone. From there, she sets out on a remarkable solo journey across the globe, determined to reunite with her lost loved ones and lift up the Banyamulenge people. Director: Amy Bench 14 minutes
140 N FIFTH STREET,READING, PA 19601 WWW.WCRCENTER.ORG
JONI MITCHELL BIRTHDAY PARTY
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 5TH
DOORS OPEN AT 1:45 PM PROGRAM AT 2:30 PM Joni Mitchell: A Woman of Heart and Mind Screening of Documentary Musical performances by: Twyla Ewen, Suzie Ernesto, Ken Bagenstose & Maria Damore
A $10 donation is encouraged at the door Thank you Quality Quinn Grabias
Thursday, November 16th 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Be serenaded with Opera classics performed by Costumed, Strolling Opera Singers from Berks Opera Company.
Reserve Today!
Italian Three Course Prixe Menu
$45
plus $15 Wine Pairing
Grab something quick and delicious using our new online ordering! - No wait in line - order direct from our website - receive a text message when its ready
722 hiesters lane, reading pa 19605 (610) 929-0616 | cafesweetstreet.com
hours: Monday-Friday: 7-5, kitchen closes at 3 www.ReadingFilmFEST.com
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MADE IN READING BLOCK October 29, 2023 • GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Albert and Eunice Boscov Theatre • 12:00-2:30pm
MEATLOAF AND PIE AT THE SUNSET CAFE
Two old nemesis, a cop and a crook, meet to determine if they can live with each other’s existence. Director: Jake Hunsicker 13:28 minutes
INCANTATION
A lonely woman, heartbroken by losses in her life, has an important date… with the Moon! She relives the steps taken so many times, before the years became difficult. Her walk, hesitant, because of an uphill climb, brings both confrontation and plea. Director: David John Hall 5:17 minutes
HONOVI
Unsuspecting souls encounter a creature in the woods. Director: Dirk Copeland 11:24 minutes
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2023 Reading Film Fest
INTERCOURSE
This documentary examines a small rural town in Pennsylvania that, despite many challenges, has maintained a simple way of life. It explores the struggles of coexistence between the Amish and the English. How do these two groups of very different people live in harmony? How do they deal with the tourism brought by their unique name? Director: Andrew Barr 27:38 minutes
A LIFE LIKE THIS
A documentary portrait, highlighting the lived experiences and creative work of four outsider artists working and living with disability in Central Pennsylvania. Artists with disability, both mental and physical, consistently face discrimination, inequity, and underexposure at both local and national levels. This film aims to de-stigmatize an underrepresented demographic of artists as it tells the four unique stories of Malcolm Corley, Adam Musser, Sybil Roe Thompson and David Nolt who create as a means to communicate and express how art shapes and impacts their lives. Director: James Hollenbaugh 43:21 minutes
ART AND RACE BLOCK October 29, 2023 • R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX - Theater 1 • 12:00-2:30pm
TOWN DESTROYER
Town Destroyer explores the ways we look at art and history at a time of racial reckoning. The story focuses on a dispute over historic murals depicting the life of George Washington: slaveowner, general, land speculator, President, and a man Seneca leaders called “Town Destroyer” after he ordered their villages destroyed during the Revolutionary War. The murals, at San Francisco’s George Washington High School, were painted in 1936 by leftwing artist Victor Arnautoff, a student of Diego Rivera. The murals both praise Washington and—rare for the time—critically depict him overseeing his slaves and directing the bloody seizure of Native lands. Most controversial is a provocative image of a dead Indian—life-size, eye-level, and at the center of the school. Opponents of the murals, led by Native American parents, demand the School Board order them painted over. For them, the murals’ graphic depictions of slavery and genocide are racist and harm students, Native students in particular. Defenders of the murals warn of the dangers of censoring priceless works of art, and urge the Board to `teach the murals.’ Heated debates spill into the community and make national headlines. The fight—taking place in the wake of battles over Confederate monuments across the U.S.—becomes a catalyst for a national discussion about censorship, reparations, generational trauma and the ways in which America’s history of genocide and slavery is taught and memorialized. Director: Alan Snitow & Deborah Kaufman 52:36 minutes
PATOU: IN BLACK & WHITE
With a career that spans over four decades and across the globe, Jamaican singer Pat Powell (Patou) is one of Australia’s most accomplished yet hidden vocal talents. He is the artist that everyone wants to work with – the singer’s singer who sings with 15 bands, including the ARIA award-winning Melbourne Ska Orchestra. Born in the UK to Jamaican parents, Pat left the racism of the UK as soon as he could, although he ‘stupidly’ found his way to Australia with its own racism issues. Father to four children from different mothers with varying ethnic backgrounds, Pat’s children all identify differently and discuss racism and where identity omes from. Director: Fiona Cochrane 55 minutes
www.ReadingFilmFEST.com
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FEATURES GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Albert and Eunice Boscov Theatre
AVA
After the death of her best friend, Ava is thrown into her senior year of high school alone. Director: Martin R. McGowan 103 minutes Friday 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Albert and Eunice Boscov Theatre Panel Discussion with Berks County Crisis Intervention following screening.
MUCH ADO
A fresh adaptation of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing is played out in a house of university students, whose party spins out of control. Using the original dialogue but with a modern twist, it’s Shakespeare for a new generation. Directors: Hillary & AnnaElizabeth Shakespeare Saturday 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Albert and Eunice Boscov Theatre
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2023 Reading Film Fest
INTERMEDIUM
An obsessive-compulsive teenager searches for a way to rid her home of the ghost that haunts it, but their unexpected connection makes it hard to let go. Director: Erik Bloomquist 105 minutes Saturday 7:30 - 9:30 PM GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Albert and Eunice Boscov Theatre
ENJOY A 10% DISCOUNT on your Breakfast, Lunch, or Dinner during Reading Film FEST 2023!
Show your tickets when dining at the following participating Restaurant Sponsors to receive your discount. 3rd & Spruce Drafthaus 238 S 34d Avenue, West Reading, 11:30am-11pm Thurs, 11:30am- 1am Fri+Sat 10am11pm Sunday (Lunch, Dinner, Late Night) The American Diner 411 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 7am-9pm (All-Day/7 days) Brewers Bar and Grill 103 S 34d Avenue, West Reading, 11am-12:30am- next day (Lunch, Dinner, Late Night/7 days) Cheers American Bistro@The DoubleTree by Hilton, 701 Penn Street, Reading, 6am-11pm (All Day, Late Night/7 days) DeCarlo’s Bar and Grill 240 Penn Street, Reading, 5pm-2am (Dinner, Late Night/7 days) G.N.A. Ristorante 421 Penn Avenue, West Reading, 11am-9pm Sunday/ Thursday, 11am-10pm Fri+Sat (Lunch and Dinner) Judy’s on Cherry 30 S 4th Street, Reading, 5-9pm (Dinner Wed-Sat only) Mi Casa Su Casa 320 Penn Street, Reading, 7am-2pm Wed-Sat (Breakfast/Brunch) Saucony Creek Franklin Station BrewPub 100 S 7th Street, Reading 11am-9pm Tues-Thurs, 11am-11pm Fri+Sat, 10am-7pm Sunday (Lunch and Dinner) 2017 location for the This is Reading installation!) The Ugly Oyster Drafthaus 21 S 5th Street, Reading 11:30am-9pm Thurs, 11:30am-10pm Fri+Sat (Lunch and Dinner, closed Sunday)
www.ReadingFilmFEST.com
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READINGFILMFEST JUDGES ANN LEMON
DR. ROSARIO TORRES
StudentFest Best Animated Film Best Animated Film - Judge Ann Lemon is the Executive Director of the Amos Lemon Burkhart Foundation, which was formed in honor of her son, Amos, a gifted and promising young animator that passed away at the age of 19 in a drug- and alcohol-related drowning. The Foundation’s mission is to inspire teens to stay alive and make art. They create exhibitions and workshops for teens to use innovative, creative tools to investigate the topics of mental health, creativity and substance use. Ann is also an award-winning advertising creative director, creating film and tv projects for Fortune 500 companies including Huggies, Stouffer’s, Guinness, and AT&T. She taught graphic and advertising design for ten years as a tenured professor in Kutztown University’s Communication Design program, has written two textbooks about design, and is a passionate advocate for teaching teens the crafts of drawing, writing, and visual storytelling. Her favorite animated movie is Marcel the Shell With Shoes On.
Best LatinX Film Dr. Rosario Torres is an associate professor of Spanish at Penn State Berks. Her research focuses on the representation of women in film and in advertising as well as on Spanish women directors. Her book Representación publicitaria de la mujer en la prensa de alta gama española (Madrid: Editorial Pliegos, 2020) analyzes traditional gender definitions from a semiotic approach. Rosario’s essays can be found in Spanish, Latin American, American and English academic books and journals and they directly inform the courses that she regularly teaches on Spanish film, literature, and Latina/o culture in the US.
DR. MIKE D’ERRICO Best Use of Music Dr. Mike D’Errico is the Director of Music Technology & Composition, as well as Chair of the Music Department at Albright College, where he teaches courses in the music business, music technology, songwriting, and sound design. As a DJ and music producer, Dr. D’Errico has performed and collaborated with hip-hop and electronic dance music artists from Boston to Los Angeles. As a digital media artist, he has worked as a sound designer for virtual reality art installations and experimental video games, and he has developed mobile apps for music and multimedia annotation. His recent book, Push: Software Design and the Cultural Politics of Music Production, examines how trends in music software and digital instrument design influence the composition and production of electronic music. Dr. D’Errico holds degrees in musicology, music, and music education from UCLA, Tufts University, and the University of New Hampshire, and has served on the faculty of music, music industry, and media studies departments at Millersville University, Pitzer College, Pomona College, and UCLA.
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2023 Reading Film Fest
GARY ROSEN Best Short Gary Rosen is a film and television writer and producer. He began his career as a film editor and transitioned to writing. His feature film credits include Major Payne and Sink or Swim. Rosen has written for numerous television series including TNT’s The Librarians. Most recently he co-created Amazon/FreeVee’s hit series Almost Paradise. He is currently the executive producer and showrunner.
HOLLY GOLDBERG SLOAN Female Filmmaker Award Holly Goldberg Sloan is the first woman to write and direct a live action movie for Disney. The Big Green came off the enormous success of the studio’s baseball classic, Angels in the Outfield, which she wrote. Her other feature films include Made in America and the The Crocodile Hunter Movie. She has worked in television for Hallmark, and all the major networks. She is also a New York Times bestselling novelist and the author of nine books, including most recently Pieces of Blue.
SPENCER KOOBATIAN
KELLY DEVINE
Best Narrative Feature Spencer Koobatian has dual bachelors degrees in Film Production and Theory from UC Santa Cruz and a MFA from AFI in film editing where his thesis film won the Student Academy Award. Spencer has served as lead editor and head of post production at SoulPancake and Citizen Jones production companies, before switching gears to become an editor for such TV shows as: 911, 911 Lone Star, Savage x Fenty Show VOL 2 for Rihana and most recently The Peripheral for Kilter Films and Amazon.
Best Documentary Feature Social Impact Award Kelly DeVine has served as the Artistic Director for the Global Peace Film since 2006. Connecting story to community in action, the GPFF supports and amplifies the work of Central Florida civic, faith, educational and activist groups by curating film and media events to raise awareness and catalyze audiences. She has consulted on impact projects for award-winning documentaries such as Bully and How To Survive A Plague.
JOSEPH ANDRIEUX StudentFest Best Documentary Short - Best Narrative Short Mr. Andrieux holds a number of degrees and is a graduate of: Albright College (Bachelors in Finance & Digital Media Communications), Full Sail University (Masters in Education: Media Entertainment & Game Design), and Penn State University & Universidad Ana G. Mendez (Masters in Education: Teaching English to Language Learners). Additionally, he holds multiple industry certifications such as Autodesk Instructor Certification (Maya). He is currently striving for his Doctorate Education: Teaching, Learning, Technology and teaches Computer Science and Web Animation at Reading Senior High School. He is also a current Adjunct College Professor at Reading Area Community College, Millersville University – PA Migrant Program, and Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit.
LISA EICHORN Best Actor in Feature Film Best Actor in Short Film Best Actress in Feature Film Best Actress in Short Film Lisa Eichhorn trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. During her four-decade career she has worked on stage, in television and in film. She has been nominated for two Golden Globes and a BAFTA and she won Best Actress for Cutter’s Way in the American division at Deauville. She has taught acting in London, New York, Los Angels, Latvia, Kosovo and Italy. She co-wrote and co-produced Defenders of Riga, the 2007 Latvian entry for the Academy Awards. She has directed for the stage at The Actors Studio, New York and in LA.
RICK OLMOS
Made In Reading Award Rick Olmos is the Chief Operating Officer of Centro Hispano Daniel Torres. Mr. Olmos’ previous career adventure was in the film & television industry where he worked both in front of the camera as an actor and behind the scenes as a casting director/extras casting and voice work for over 15 years. Olmos worked on such films as Selena, The Postman, Pearl Harbor, Dig and others. He was involved with the television series Friday Night Lights.
www.ReadingFilmFEST.com
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THANK YOU As the ReadingFilmFEST enters its 9th year, I feel enormous pride in what we’ve accomplished and gratitude to the people who’ve helped make it happen. When Santo Marabella and I founded this festival as a program of the ReadingFilm Office in 2015, we had 3 goals: create an engaging community event, support independent filmmakers, and get the word out about Greater Reading as a film production location. In 2018, I recruited Cammie Harris to be our Operation’s Manager. Cammie took on the position with such passion and efficiency, that by 2020, she was our Executive Director, and in 2021 guided the organization through becoming our own non-profit. Cammie has worked tirelessly to make ReadingFilm relevant beyond the festival by building relationships with organizations across the county and developing year-round programming. This year, those efforts really paid off. We received a major grant from the City of Reading, which allowed us to hire Cammie as a full-time Executive Director, and to bring on Creative Director David Buelow and Program Manager Marsha Upshaw to build the festival and help us meet the goals of the film office. I want to acknowledge the work of my fellow board members who have rolled up their sleeves to help with marketing, programming, sponsorships, and governance, while also sharing their professional expertise with the organization. Thank you to the many businesses, foundations and individuals who have sponsored the festival, some of you since 2015! And finally, to our incredible festival volunteers who return each year to make this event happen…you are the best! Now that I’m no longer involved in the logistics of the festival, I’m really looking forward to enjoying the films, workshops, and activities throughout the weekend! Hope to see you at the movies! Tracy Schott, Board President ReadingFilm Office
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2023 Reading Film Fest
City of Read ing, Pennsy lvania Office of the Mayor, Eddi e Morán Welcome to
Reading! We are thril led to welco me you to th film festival e Reading Fil continues to m FEST, now uphold its un in its 9th ye LGBTQ+ visibi ique values, ar in the vib lity. Prepare celebrating rant City of yourself for female repr breathtakin Reading. Th an extraordinar esentation, g cinematog is y ethnic diver raphy, and re cinematic jou sity, and markable pe rney filled wi rformances. th captivatin While you'r g stories, e here, we en courage you architecture to explore ou , and unique r city and im artwork that support a div merse your showcases th self in its ric erse array of e many treas h diversity, sm all businesse revitalizatio ures of Read stunning s, restauran n of our histo ing. In addit ts offering cu ric buildings. ion, we prou isine from va dly rious culture As Mayor, m s and the cr y goal remain eative s to ensure passion and that every ind leads them ividual has th to their ultim your passion e op ate happine portunity to s. May you ss. I hope yo discover wh relish every u never stop at ignites th cherished m moment of eir pursuing yo emories alo the festival, ur dreams an ng the way. savor your tim d following e in Re ading, and cr Welcome to ea the 9th Read te countless ing Film FEST , and may yo ur experienc Sincerely, e be even m ore remarka Mayor Eddi ble than the e Moran last!
www.ReadingFilmFEST.com
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READING FILM THE READING FILM OFFICE
The Reading Film Office was founded to promote the region as a location destination for film and media production. We aim to develop a thriving regional film industry, and build community pride through events, educational programs and economic development. The City of Reading and Berks County provide a rich assortment of location options for filmmaking. This area offers historical sites, urban, suburban, and rural locations that enable filmmakers to recreate any period in history to present day. The expansive landscapes and rich cultural diversity can support a variety of films that cannot be easily produced elsewhere. The area is easily accessible and affordable as a film location. Visit us at: https://readingfilm.org.
THE READING FILM OFFICE STAFF Cammie Harris Executive Director Cammie has 20+ years of corporate leadership experience at Merrill Lynch and Allied Signal. She also owned and operated three restaurants before pursuing her passion for nonprofit work. Cammie has recently completed all required Association of Film Commissioners International (AFCI) courses to become a Certified Film Commissioner. David Buelow Creative Director David Buelow has produced hundreds of hours of television programming and over a dozen feature films. Most recently he produced the feature film Ice Road with Liam Neeson and Laurence Fishburne for Netflix and in television he was the executive producer of Shadrach, which will premiere on the streamer, Pureflix, July 2024. Marsha Upshaw Program Manager Marsha Upshaw graduated from The University of The Arts with a degree in Writing for Film and Television and has worked with Banyan Productions as a casting agent on TLC’s A Wedding Story.
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2023 Reading Film Fest
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Tracy Schott, MS/MSW Board President | CEO, Schott Productions Chris Woodward, MD Treasurer | Tower Health Medical Group Carol Toomey Secretary | Director, Rainbow Theatre Heather Adams Executive Director, BCTV Wynton Butler, M.ED Director of Social Services, Reading School District Cara Cotellese, MS Associate Professor, Kutztown University Lisa Eichorn Golden Globe and BAFTA Nominated Actress, Writer and Producer Caroline Fitzpatrick, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Communication, Chair, Alvernia CollegeTowne Campus Suzanna Fultz, JD Attorney, Barley Snyder Cammie Harris, MBA Executive Director, ReadingFilm Tracy Hoffmann CEO, Hoffmann Publishing Michele Ramsey, Ph.D. Associate Professor, Penn State University - Berks Campus
ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS John Ernesto | JazzFEST Manager, Berks Arts John Hoskyns-Abrahall | Co-Founder & CEO, Bullfrog Films Levi Landis, MPA | Executive Director, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts Rick Olmos | COO & VP of Program Operations, Centro Hispano Rodney Ridley, Ph.D. | Associate Provost & VP & COO, Alvernia University CollegeTowne Campus Sandy Solmon | CEO, Sweet Street Rosario Torres, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Spanish, Penn State University - Berks Campus Meredith Walker | General Manager, Reading RC 11 / IMAX Theater
JURORS AND MODERATORS Jurors: From early February through the end of June, Community Jurors are assigned an average of 9 to 12 films. Films are scored on direction, acting, writing, cinematography, music, and other criteria. A score is generated, and the Film is given a thumbs up or down. The top-rated films are then selected for screening during the festival. Moderators: The primary role of a Moderator is to watch the films assigned to them before the festival so that during the festival, they can engage the audience and filmmaker (if present) in a lively discussion about each Film. The following individuals represent ReadingFilmFest 2023, community volunteer Jurors and Moderators. Thank you for your service! Moderators Linda Bell Cara Cotollese Ryan Dellaquila Carol Fisher Stacey Kratzer Margarita Lorenz Santo Marabella Paula Mazurkiewicz Todd Migliaccio Nancy Remarry Carol Toomey Chris Woodward
Judges Ann Lemon Floyd Bishop David Walker Barbara Balsbough Dave Yasenchak John Flemming Tom Birch Nancy Remaley Michele Ramsey Liam Worcheck Lynneth Lohse Chris Paolini Randy Miller Michael Piersol Greg Woodward Harry Serio Amy Kolsky Donna Hey Carl Fisher Jerry Richter
Jeffrey Howard Rebecca Dunst Jon Jordan Paula Mazurkiewicz Taylor Cole Holly Ryan Jani Wolf Jim Frank Stefanie Pilkerton Matthew Ducca Rosario Torres Linda Bell Liz Schneider Rosemary Frank-Vitale Margarita Lorenz Carol Fisher Ryan Dellaquila Cara Cotellese Carol Toomey
Volunteer Chiefs John Flemming Dale Gresh Donna Hey Dave Doney Ann Marie Murray Christine Ross Carol Toomey Margaret Yevics
www.ReadingFilmFEST.com
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