D + M Magazine: It's Movie Time In Philadelphia

October 14^th marks the beginning of the Philadelphia Film Society’s 19^th annual Philadelphia Film Festival. This year’s 10 day event will feature an impressive lineup of roughly 107 films from over 30 countries around the world. In addition to feature films, the festival includes VIP receptions and events as well as interesting panels with notable industry professionals. For a full list of events, screenings, reviews, and synopsizes visit filmadelphia.org.

Philadelphia movie lovers prepare to be thoroughly occupied from festival’s beginning to end. The festival opens with Darren Aronofsky's highly anticipated film, “Black Swan,” staring Natalie Portman, Mila Kunis, and Winona Ryder. Over 200 screenings follow opening night, and this year packing in more viewings around the festival’s six separate venues is easier than ever. The festival has implemented B-Side’s “Festival Genius” technology which works to help filmmakers connect to their audiences. Some highlights of the technology include: adding films to a personal calendar, ticket purchasing, reviews, festival updates, and personal calendar/favorites sharing capabilities. All of this can be done from the Philadelphia Film Festival’s website, or also, by downloading, and using, the B-Side app to one’s Smartphone.

On October 24^th, the festival culminates with concluding festivities. Awards will be given for the Documentary Feature, Narrative Feature, and Filmadelphia Feature competitions. Also, a prize in honor of the Philadelphia film scene’s leading heavyweight, Archie Perlumutter, is awarded yearly to the best film by a first-time director. There are plenty of eligible candidates this year. If you are just going to see a few, why not pick a film up for an award. After the awards ceremony, a final screening of Danny Boyle’s, “127 Hours,” starring James Franco will take place at Prince Music Theater. A celebration including local music and fun will end it all at Sigma Sound Studios.