What Makes You Wonderful and Dave Lavender with the West Virginia Film Office get into all the film festivals you can get into this season. There's something for everyone and we get the details on what you'll experience.
Lurch Fest
Lurch Fest at Barbour County Historical Museum, 13 Museum St., Philippi, WV, honors late TV and film star Ted Cassidy, known for playing Lurch on the Addams Family. Event on Aug. 4-5 features Ted Cassidy trivia, 30+ vendors selling "Lurch Merch," food, art, live music, craft beer, ax throwing, and a costume contest. Special guest: Sean Cassidy. More info at https://www.barbourcountyhistoricalmuseum.org/.
Appalachian Film Fest
The Appalachian Film Festival returns Aug. 18-20 at the Foundry Theater, Huntington City Hall. Categories include student, music video, shorts, and feature-length films celebrating the Appalachian region. Saturday features the award-winning film "King Coal" and a Q&A with filmmaker Elaine Sheldon and actor Michael Cerveris. "Best in Fest" winner receives $500 and a Blenko Glass Appy. Screenwriting brunch with Mickey Fisher on Sunday at Bahnhof WVrsthaus and Biergarten. For more info, visit https://filmfreeway.com/AppalachianFilmFestival and find AFF on Facebook. Email directors at info@foundrytheater.org.
Huntington Music and Arts Festival - 72-Hour Film Challenge
The 72-Hour Film Challenge is set for 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 28 at the Foundry Theater in Huntington. Short films (5 to 7 minutes long) created within 72 hours in early August will be showcased, with prizes for the top filmmakers. The challenge is part of the 13th annual Huntington Music and Arts Festival, running from Aug. 28 to Sept. 2. For inquiries, contact hmaf72hour@gmail.com, and learn more about HMAF at https://www.hmafestival.com/home.
House of Clouds Premiere
The West Virginia International Film Festival presents the world premiere of the documentary 'HOUSE IN THE CLOUDS: The Artistic Life of Robert Singleton' on The Clay Center main stage at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 17. The film portrays the remarkable life of an American artist who has resided on a remote West Virginia hilltop since 1978. Get tickets at 304-561-3570 or https://secure.theclaycenter.org/9971. For more information, visit houseintheclouds.movie, and contact director Doug Imbrogno at douglaseye@gmail.com. The screening will be preceded by a 6 p.m. reception in the Clay Center art gallery featuring one of Singleton’s paintings, followed by a Q-and-A with the artist on stage.
Mothman Festival
The Mothman Festival takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 16-17 in downtown Point Pleasant, WV. Hosted by The Mothman Museum, the event commemorates the 1966 Mothman sighting, giving rise to the infamous red-eyed winged legend. The festival features cryptid films, paranormal speakers, special guests from TV shows, and cryptid vendors. Visitors can explore the TNT area (where Mothman was sighted) and more. For additional details, visit https://www.mothmanfestival.com/.
Mtn Craft Film Festival
The Mtn Craft Film Festival will be held on Friday, Sept. 29, and Saturday, Sept. 30 at the Robinson Grand Performing Arts Center in Clarksburg (444 W Pike St.). The festival, curated by Clarksburg-based production company Mtn Craft, will showcase four WV films: "Brawlers" and "King Coal" on Friday, and "Impossible Town" and "O’Pioneer" on Saturday. Each screening will be followed by a Q&A panel with the filmmakers. The event also includes an art gallery, VR film experience, and various short films in different genres. Passes can be purchased online or by calling the Robinson Grand Ticketing Center at (855)-773-6283. Prices: Full Festival (2-Day) Pass - $40; Single Day Pass - $25. Get tickets at https://tickets.therobinsongrand.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=191.
Appalachian Queer Film Festival
The Appalachian Queer Film Festival (AQFF) will take place from Friday to Sunday, Oct. 6-8 at the Foundry Theater in Huntington (800 5th Ave). Founded in 2014 by Jon Mattews and Tim Mann, the AQFF aims to bring Queer and Trans films from around the world to Appalachia and support LGBTQ+ filmmakers in the region. The festival features acclaimed films like "Kokomo City," which premiered at SXSW. Attendees can look forward to special guests, Q&As, awards, panels, and an after-party. For inquiries, email festival organizers at aqffwv@gmail.com. Festival passes and tickets are available at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/026eff75-acef-4a82-9d23-85ec41c2f521.
Premiere of “Redhead”
The horror film "Redhead," by the filmmaking duo Sam and Johnna Hodge (creators of "Twelve Pole"), premieres at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 30 at Pullman Square’s Marquee Cinema. Starring Johnna Hodge as the widow Autumn Blacksmith seeking revenge, the film features Tri-State celebrities, including Barboursville mayor Chris Tatum. The Red Carpet event starts at 6:30 p.m. For more information, visit the Redhead Movie FB page. Don't miss this splatterfest!
Vandalia TV
Vandalia TV, curated by Nate Cesco, is a streaming channel hosting over a dozen creative outlets, including Shine On WV, Brainwrap Productions, Mtn Craft Productions, and more. It serves as a gateway to the thriving West Virginia film scene, encouraging viewers to watch local films and connect with filmmakers from across the state. The platform aims to elevate indie film alongside music, visual arts, and storytelling that West Virginia is renowned for. Experience WV film through their streaming service at https://www.vandaliatv.com/, supported by the collaborative efforts of filmmakers and artists in the community.
West Virginia International Film Fest - Floralee Hank Cohen Cinema
Established in 1985, the Charleston-based West Virginia International Film Festival (WVIFF) has steadily expanded its impact. Presently, the WVIFF runs the Floraless Hank Cohen Cinema, showcasing award-winning indie films from the local community and around the world with regular weekly screenings. Attend "Movies That Matter Mondays" to support regional non-profits and causes. Additionally, you can rent the cinema for private screenings. To learn more about the West Virginia International Film Festival and explore volunteer opportunities, visit https://www.wviff.org/.