"In the Shadow of the Cypress"
The Alexandria Film Festival will screen almost 60 films starting Nov. 3 with a kick-off screening at Patagonia Old Town, and continuing Nov. 7-10, at the Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) Alexandria Campus Auditorium, The Alexandria History Museum at the Lyceum and Charles E. Beatley Library.
“We are incredibly excited to support the premieres of dozens of really well-made films this year. The fact that filmmakers are clamoring to screen at the Alexandria Film Festival speaks to its geographic reach across the region and the City of Alexandria’s draw as an arts community,” said Chris Colligan, lead programmer for the Alexandria Film Festival.
The films present a variety of genres and focus on topics from serious social issues like immigration and racism to crowd-pleasers like drama, romance, animation, comedy and horror. More than 30 of the films are premieres, and more than 30 filmmakers will be in attendance for Q&A panels following their films.
Kicking off the festival, the documentary “Running Home: Michael Wardian’s Journey Across America” follows ultramarathoner Wardian as he runs 3,000 miles from California to Delaware. Sunday, Nov. 3, at Patagonia.
Other Highlights
“In the Shadow of the Cypress,” a father and daughter, unable to connect with one another due to his PTSD-induced fits of rage, must deal with a stranger who suddenly enters their lives in this animated film.
In “CROOKEDFINGER,” Maria returns home following the death of her parents, and strange things start happening after the arrival of her volatile brother and his girlfriend.
“Out of My Comfort Zone,” a musical, tackles real teen issues like bully culture and the struggle for acceptance for the LGBTQ+ community and others who feel left out.
“Gloomy Roomie,” a suspense-thriller, follows Zola as she thinks she’s found the perfect apartment — except that one of her new roommates might actually be undead.
“District of Second Chances,” a documentary, shares the experiences of three formerly incarcerated men who, thanks to new laws in Washington, D.C., have the opportunity to change their lives in positive ways.
All films require tickets, except for the Salute to Service Members showcase/film block at Beatley Library on Nov. 9 which is free for active and retired service members and their guests. All-festival passes ($80) and showcase tickets ($15) are available for purchase online. Visit www.alexfilmfest.com for more information.
The Alexandria FIlm Festival is an all-volunteer nonprofit that showcases movies throughout the year with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Alexandria and the Alexandria Commission for the Arts, as well as the support of individual donors and corporate sponsors including Alexandria Living Magazine, Goodwin Living, Burke & Herbert Bank, Matt & Tony’s All Day Kitchen, Glory Days Grill, Jim Connolly, Realtor, Deborah Matthews, Esq., Cornelissen Brewery, Atlas Brew Works, Alexandria Hyundai, Hadeed Carpet Cleaning, Cheesetique, and Ted’s Montana Grill.
