
The Reading Film Office and the Edwin Barbey Charitable Trust present
ReadingFilmFEST 2023
SAVE THE DATE! October 26-29, 2023
SUBMIT YOUR FILMExperience a weekend of independent films and filmmakers from around the globe
2022 Entries

Multiple organizations come together to present Black History Month Film Series in Reading
ReadingFilm is pleased to announce a February Black History Month Film Series for youth and families in collaboration with the City of Reading’s Youth Commission and Reading School District. Cammie Harris, ReadingFilm’s Executive Director notes, “ReadingFilm seeks to celebrate and embrace our communities’ diverse cultures by engaging and inspiring our youth with the art of storytelling through film“. This series…
Multiple organizations come together to present Black History Month Film Series in ReadingRead More

RFF Submissions Opening February 1st, 2023!
Voted by filmmakers as a 100 Top Reviewed Film Festival, ReadingFilmFEST is the small festival with a big attitude! We are dedicated to bringing filmmakers and film lovers together, creating a filmmaker-centric festival. For filmmakers ready to make the trip to Reading, we offer: complimentary lodging for filmmakers whose films have been accepted educational/discussion panels for filmmakers wonderful audiences live…

Five Minute FilmFEST Entries Now Being Accepted
The Five Minute FilmFEST, organized by ReadingFilm is a FREE regional film challenge open to Berks County, Pennsylvania high school students. Students in Berks County, PA have the opportunity to create their best work and compete against other students in the region for trophies, prizes, and well-deserved recognition! Our mission is to encourage talented student filmmakers and media arts…

Awards Ceremony and Reception
ReadingFilmFEST presents awards to films judged best by our celebrity judges, in the following categories: Best Feature, Best Short, Best Documentary, Social Impact Award, Best Actor/Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Musical Score, Best Made in Reading, Best Latino Film, Best Film by a Female Filmmaker, and the People’s Choice Award! Reception to follow. This event is open to all VIP Passholders,…

Reading FilmFEST Gala
Welcome to ReadingFilmFEST 2022 Opening Night Gala! Join us in welcoming this years filmmakers, schmooze with your friends, walk the red carpet, pose for the paparazzi and enjoy entertainment by Amber Rae and the Swinging Foxes. This is a Private event open to the filmmakers and VIP Pass Holders. Get your VIP PASS Today and join us for a great time!

ReadingFilmFEST is proud to present, THIS IS READING – Revisited
In 2017, two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright and Tony-nominated, Lynn Nottage, created This Is Reading, along with Emmy® award-winning filmmaker Tony Gerber, a multi-media art installation at the once-abandoned Franklin Street Train Station in Reading, PA. Dance, theater, music, and film filled the station with excitement, energy and people – more than 3400 people. The three-weekend run drew its audience from all parts…
ReadingFilmFEST is proud to present, THIS IS READING – RevisitedRead More

Volunteer
ReadingFilmFEST is looking for volunteers to help us welcome filmmakers and other film lovers to the festival in October. Be an ambassador for the festival and Greater Reading and earn free film passes! It’s a great way to get involved…

Attend
Come Attend the Reading FilmFEST…you won’t be disappointed! The festival includes films from independent filmmakers from around the world, including student films, shorts, documentaries, and feature films. Panel discussions will follow many of the films and film blocks. The Reading/Berks…

Support
Our mission is to promote the region as a location destination for film and media production, enrich the community through events and programming, and cultivate a regional film industry. We are committed to lifting-up voices of the under-represented and providing…
Filmmakers – Shoot your next Film in Reading PA!
Are you looking for an experienced film crew, film studio, or location scouting for your next film? Get in touch with us…Reading, PA offers a wealth of locations suited for all genres of film. Contact the Reading Film Office today!
NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Reading Theater Project’s All Hallows’ Gala
ReadingFilmFEST is pleased to support our friends at Reading Theater Project by bringing our Saturday night After-Party to their All Hallows’ Gala at Reading Film Studios. The All Hallows’ Gala promises a night of frightful, flavorful, festive FUNdraising. The evening…

Special Student Assembly: BIGG
ReadingFilmFEST, in partnership with Reading High School, and Alvernia University College Towne is proud to host a special student assembly featuring two trailblazing inventors, James Howard and David Vonner as guest speakers. James Howard is the Producer of the film Black…

ReadingFilm to present the film HELL OR HIGH SEAS
ReadingFilm is pleased to partner with RUOKBerks, Mission 22 and Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs to present the film HELL OR HIGH SEAS on September 15, 6:30 pm at Boscov Theatre, GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, 201 Washington Street, Reading, PA…

Film Tax Credit Increased to Boost PA Film Production!
The ReadingFilm Office is excited to announce that the PA Film Tax Credit has been increased to $100 million! “We applaud the Pennsylvania Legislators for increasing PA Film Tax Incentives and seeing the benefits of a vibrant film production industry…
Film Tax Credit Increased to Boost PA Film Production!Read More

Reading FilmFEST Receives $35,000 Grant
ReadingFilmFEST, a program of the ReadingFilm, is the recipient of a $35,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development. The Pennsylvania Office of Marketing & Tourism, facilitated by Senator Schwank’s office, has awarded this grant for the festival for…

ReadingFilm Announces New Board and Advisory Council Members
Reading, PA – ReadingFilm, home of Berks County’s international film festival, ReadingFilmFEST, welcomed new members to the board of directors and advisory council effective Monday, June 13, 2022. The new directors include Wynton Butler – Reading School District, Christian Crespo…
ReadingFilm Announces New Board and Advisory Council MembersRead More

FiveMinuteFilmFEST
The annual Berks County high school student film festival, Five Minute FilmFEST, is finally here! All high school student films will be broadcast on BCTV, Facebook, and Youtube beginning Sunday, April 24rd, 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM. If you miss…

Friday Night After Party!
Lisa Tiger Homes presents The Groovemasters! Cliff Starkey (photo credit Greg Wallace) Bennie Sims (photo credit Greg Wallace) Featuring Bennie Sims and Cliff Starkey, Berks own Groovemasters will light up the stage with their legendary R&B, funk, jazz vibe. Bring…

Panel: From Development to Distribution
A conversation about the changes in film release strategies and the impact on the creative process. Navigating the changing world of filmmaking and distribution Streaming, theatrical release, film festivals, self-distribution…what do you do with your finished film in this world…

Music in Picture
A workshop with composer Evan Hodges Not everyone went to music school, but everyone knows the power that music can provoke in film. This immersive workshop will educate directors and producers on how to effectively communicate with composers. This course is also vital…

Made In Reading Films
The Stakeout Director: Federico Castelluccio Runtime: 6:24 minutes Two detectives, one Cuban and one Italian, on a late night stakeout argue about the best mob movie of all time. website Righteous Sunday Director: David Speace Runtime: 7:14 minutes Righteous Sunday…

Shorts Block Remix
I’ll Meet You There Director: Karl Fernandez Runtime: 14:46 minutes A man recounts a trip to his late wife’s childhood home as they prepare for the future. watch trailer Wistful Pieces Director: Ellany Kincross Runtime: 18:03 minutes Nick and Nadia…

Shorts Films from Here to There
Let Tonight Pass Director: Hamed Ghasemi Runtime: 18 minutes Elham is an English teacher who is from a traditional family. Tonight is a very special night for her family. Her suitor will come to their home with his own family.…

Inspirational Docs
No Time to Waste Director: Carl Bidleman Runtime: 51:47 minutes No Time to Waste celebrates legendary 98-year-old park ranger Betty Reid Soskin’s inspiring life, work and urgent mission to restore critical missing chapters of America’s story. The film follows her…

Women & Politics
Can You Hear Us Now? Director: Jim Cricchi Runtime: 87 minutes Small-town activism. Nail-biting elections. A last-minute power grab. In Wisconsin, where extreme partisanship has become the norm, voters are finding their lives increasingly irrelevant to state lawmakers. Through the…

Women on Both Sides of the Camera
Women on Both Sides of the Camera Director: Mahshad Afshar Runtime: 95 minutes Benefiting from a wide range of rare archive materials, this feature-length documentary focuses on one century of the representation of women in Iranian cinema. Looking at the…

Documenting Art
Voice of Selma Director: Roya Iravani Runtime: 30 minutes The Voice of Selma (Moghaddam Museum) Project is a feature-length documentary film that guides us through the treasures collected over a lifetime of work by Selma Moghaddam and her husband Mohsen.…

Tackling Politics
We Are All in this Together Director: Daniel Troia Runtime: 70 minutes During divisive times in America, a man sets off on a cross-country bicycle journey, with no food, no money, and the hope of gaining a better understanding of…

Iranian Short Films
Goodbye Olympic Director: Mojtaba poorbakhsh Runtime: 18:37 minutes Maria is a girl whom she is a champion of Kayak; she is waiting for dispatching to the Olympics Qualification which held in France. The schedule of dispatching the kayaking team will…

The Remnants of War
Our Feet are Rooted Director: Krista Imbesi Runtime: 29:54 minutes “Our Feet Are Rooted” is a documentary about government sponsored land grabbing in Northern Uganda and the non-violent techniques community members are using to fight for their ancestral land. watch…

Special Block: Mental Health
In the Balance Director: Kemuel Charles Runtime: 23:57 minutes Two US Marine Soldiers returning home from the Iraq war, suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, must learn how to cope with their “new” everyday reality. Shawn is an ill-mannered alcoholic…

Short Docs – Bundini, Amber’s Halfway Home
Bundini Director: Patrick Green Runtime: 21:55 minutes Drew “Bundini” Brown was the source of Muhammad Ali’s spirit who stood by the champ during his triumphs, trials and tribulations both inside and outside the ring. “Bundini” is the first ever documentary…

Thriller Combo – Don’t Go Hiking, Night at the Eagle Inn
Don’t Go Hiking Director: Director Runtime: 4:56 minutes A young man encounters a mysterious stranger while hiking in the woods. website Night at the Eagle Inn Director: Erik Bloomquist Runtime: 70 minutes Fraternal twins embark on a pilgrimage to a…
Thriller Combo – Don’t Go Hiking, Night at the Eagle InnRead More

Female Filmmaker Shorts
Dust Director: Serena GiordanoRuntime: 6:24 minutesRossella and Guglielmo’s older brother, Edoardo, passed away. Death brings the two siblings back together…maybe. World Cup Director: Maryam KhodabakhshRuntime: 17:42 minutesOn the night of a couple’s migration, the child of their friend who has…
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