As July fills with sunshine, BBQ’s and the beach, why not plan on taking a ride down the coast at the end of the month to attend the 19th Annual Woods Hole Film Fest? The eight-day festival strives on emerging talented filmmakers from New England, such as Boston-based filmmaker, Garthe Donovan, who will be premiering his feature film Phillip the Fossil. The festival is also internationally represented. “We have filmmakers coming from Australia, England, Argentina and all over the US because of the international reputation we have achieved as being a filmmaker friendly location and a place filmmakers,” Founder/Director of the festival Judy Laster tells us. “Other Festivals and distributors look to us to find that diamond in the rough.”
The fest showcases over 100 feature films and shorts including Martin Scorsese’s daughter Domenica’s film Roots in Water, that was a hit at the Tribeca Fest. Also featuring two films that were both shot in New England, the documentary No Good Reason, features former 10,000 Maniacs lead singer Natalie Merchant, and the film Harvest, shot completely on location in Madison and Branford, CT.
Laster, who has helped the festival grow from a one-day event to an eight-day Film Festival says, “I think we have assembled one of the finest slate of emerging independent films available today. Our filmmakers are folks who are serious about their craft and accomplished in their own right.”
Two-time Academy Award Winner documentary filmmaker Barbara Kopple will also be in attendance. “We are thrilled to have Barbara Kopple as our filmmaker in residence this year,” Laster tells us. “She is second to none in her field and her longevity and awards speak for themselves. Her work has been held up for years as an example of great filmmaking and is referred to in the independent film community as groundbreaking.” Some of Kopple’s filmography include Fallen Champ: The Untold Story of Mike Tyson, Harlan County USA, which won an Oscar in 1976, and Dixie Chicks: Shut Up and Sing, which will all be featured during the fest. “We are thrilled to screen a selection of her finest accomplishments,” Laster adds.
If you’re looking for some fun with learning, how about signing up for a workshop? C.P Casting is offering two workshops on Thursday, August 5th at the Woods Hole Community Hall. Take your pick — Film Acting and The Business or Secrets of A Successful Audition will be instructed by Carolyn Pickman.
The festivities will begin Saturday July 31st where there will be plenty of action going on at this small Cape Cod town. At 10:30pm, the partying begins at the Woodshole landmark, Captain Kidd on the waterfront. Each day is packed with feature length films, short films, workshops and panel discussions that will please all. Tickets are on sale and all the details are at the Woods Hole Film Festival site. Don’t forget to check out HEC festival page for all the latest festivals happening in New England.
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