2018 Schedule of Films and Events! Start planning your weekend now! There’s so much to do – parties, concerts, panels, discussions and of course great films, Better rest up, no time to sleep November 1st – 4th! Film Schedule
Awards Ceremony & Reception
Join the filmmakers as we provide awards for best films, actors, music and more! Entertainment provided by the Marty Mellinger Trio, featuring Marty, Bennie Sims and Leon Jordan. Special Meet & Greet opportunity with Jazz performer Justin Kauflin prior to his concert. This event is open only to VIP Ticket […]
ReadingFilmFEST Student Assembly
Filmmaker Erik Bloomquist Presents to Berks Students Erik Bloomquist, writer, director and actor, will present to Berks County High School and College students on November 2nd at RACC’s Miller Center at 9 AM. Erik will speak about his journey as an indie filmmaker, followed by a Q&A with the audience. […]
Actor’s Seminar
An Interactive Seminar for Actors An interactive Actor’s Seminar will be presented by Golden Globe Nominee Lisa Eichhorn. Ann Gillette, who has worked in casting and production for over twenty years, will moderate the workshop. The Actor’s Seminar will focus on helping theater actors make the transition from stage to screen. […]
Berks Arts Council presents Justin Kauflin
Jazz Pianist, Justin Kauflin will be our very special closing act of the 2018 ReadingFilmFEST on Sunday, November 4th, at 7:30 PM at the WCR Center for the Arts. The concert and a “meet and greet” with the artist will be free to ReadingFilmFEST VIP passholders. Concert only tickets will […]
StudentFEST
ReadingFilm’s core mission is to develop the production community in the region. This is our third year of including special competition for student filmmakers in the ReadingFilmFEST. Student filmmakers comprise a special group of independent filmmakers. They have not yet made the connections required of professional filmmakers, but they have […]
Special Film Presentation: Keep On Keepin’ On
Special Film Presentation: Keep On Keepin’ KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON depicts the friendship of music legend and teacher Clark Terry, 89 and Justin Kauflin, a 23- year-old, blind piano prodigy. Kauflin, who suffers from debilitating stage fright, is invited to compete in an elite Jazz competition, just as Terry’s health […]
Latino Block
Outside Time (Afuera Del Tiempo) Director: Marco Velez Esquivia Runtime: 90 minutes A man returns to the past to stop his girlfriend from ending their relationship before he can propose to her but every time he comes back she breaks up with him giving him a different excuse. Now he […]
Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty
Samuel Barber: Absolute Beauty Director: H. Paul Moon Runtime: 102 minutes Known for his mournful “Adagio for Strings,” Samuel Barber was never quite fashionable. This acclaimed film is a probing exploration of his music and melancholia. Performance, oral history, musicology, and biography combine to explore the life and music of […]
In the Night I Remember Your Name
In the Night I Remember Your Name Director: Vicki Speegle Runtime: 43 minutes Lesbian. Pastor. Grandmother. My mother Joyce Speegle was all of these. And then in 2005 she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. But even in the midst of the disease she clung to her desire to make a difference. […]
Thank You For Supporting: 80 Years of Mingus Magic
Thank You For Supporting: 80 Years of Mingus Magic Director: Ryan Adamowicz Runtime: 45 minutes The enchanting story behind a magic shop in Reading, Pennsylvania that has been in operation for eight decades. Learn about the history, the culture and the community that has kept the magic alive in Reading […]
Live The Stream: The Story of Joe Humphreys
Live The Stream: The Story of Joe Humphreys Director: Meigan Bell Runtime: 92 minutes Trout streams are fountains of youth for 86-year-old Joe Humphreys: a man who was born to fish, lives to teach, and strives to pass on a respect for our local waters. website: http://www.livethestreamfilm.com/ Screening Info Date: Sunday, […]
I Like Me
I Like Me Director: Joshua Land Runtime: 83 minutes In the midst of family tensions, an egocentric free spirit who hits rock bottom finds unexpected success as a self-empowerment guru after publishing a self-help book. website: http://ilikememovie.com/ Screening Info Date: Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 8pmVenue: GoggleWorks TheaterAddress: 201 Washington St, […]
Still Waters
Still Waters Director: Peter Gordon Runtime: 79 minutes Stephen Haff, former high school teacher, struggles to maintain Still Waters In A Storm, the tiny one-room school in Bushwick, Brooklyn he runs for free, and which has become a sanctuary – both for the students and himself. From its beginnings as […]
Beating Heart
Beating Heart Director: Caujat Laurent Runtime: 85 minutes Since he is unemployed, Julian is a real house-husband taking care of his daughter with love. He took on debts without telling his wife. To get out of it, he will improvise as an outlaw. Screening Info Date: Saturday, November 3, 2018 […]
Opioid Crisis Block
The Girl Next Door Director: Mark Clauburg Runtime: 22 minutes Ocean County makes up less than 7% of New Jersey’s population. However, it is home to the second most drug overdose deaths in the state. This short documentary explores the issues facing our community from the unique perspective of a […]
World View Block
Pale Mirrors Director: Salem Salavati Runtime: 15 minutes “Shawbo” a woman which has only 24 hours to be pregnant. This might be her last opportunity to be a mother, but assuming the vague future completely has confused her. For this important she need go to city prison … UTOPIA Director: […]
Friday Night Shorts
Cycle Director: Christopher Romano Runtime: 14 minutes A single mother and recovering drug addict is given the chance to use heroin again, after being clean for 8 months. website: https://www.facebook.com/cyclefilm2018/ Tubgate: Cunningham’s Scrap Director: Fraser Murdoch Runtime: 16 minutes Troopti and Benjy of Tubgate Council are each toiling with the case […]
Made In Reading
Thank You For Supporting: 80 Years of Mingus Magic Director: Ryan Adamowicz Runtime: 45 minutes The enchanting story behind a magic shop in Reading, Pennsylvania that has been in operation for eight decades. Learn about the history, the culture and the community that has kept the magic alive in Reading […]
The Truth About Marriage
The Truth About Marriage Director: Roger Nygard Runtime: 89 minutes This documentary by filmmaker Roger Nygard (“Trekkies”) follows three not-so-ordinary couples to see how things turned out several years after their weddings. The film presents challenging ideas about relationships, as it answers the question: Why is marriage such a difficult […]
Bored In The USA
Bored In The USA Director: Mike Finazzo Runtime: 82 minutes “Life is simpler in black and white.” This line, uttered midway through Bored in the U.S.A., could well serve as the film’s thesis statement. Following the budding friendship of Kelly (Kelly Lloyd, Wits End), a bored housewife, and Chris (Chris […]
Something
Something Director: Stephen Portland Runtime: 86 minutes A couple, struggling to cope with a new baby, find themselves unraveling when they begin to suspect a mysterious intruder is in their house. website: http://www.something.film/ Screening Info Date: Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 6pm Venue: Reading IMAX Theater Address: 30 N 2nd St, […]
Thriller Films
16 MINS Director: Stephane Verzi Runtime: 16 minutes In a Post Apocalyptic world, two lovers race against time and the elements to secure enough penicillin to save a life. website: http://hextc.org/ Don’t Look Director: Luciana Faulhaber Runtime: 71 minutes Classic 1980’s comedy horror is alive and well in this over-the-top and […]
Truth
Truth Director: Eric Paul Erickson Runtime: 105 minutes Following a bloody revolution and civil war, former army officer Xavier Faraday is ushered into an interrogation room and chained up opposite Maria Ramses,his appointed representative for the fledgling government’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee. Offered a chance at amnesty for detailing his […]
The Clown
The Clown Director: Bruce Gorman, Jr. Runtime: 87 minutes Barnaby Hatchett, a corporate working stiff whose life is a mess, is harassed everyday as he goes in and out of work by a dark clown that lives in the parking lot, and that only he can see. website: https://www.calliopepictures.com/ Screening Info […]
Running A.T. Full Speed
Running A.T. Full Speed Director: Ryan Simmons Runtime: 87 minutes One man’s dream of raising $100,000 for the orphans of Uganda by beating the world’s longest distance speed record, the Appalachian Trail. website: http://www.runningatfullspeed.com/ Screening Info Date: Saturday, November 3, 2018 at 1:30pmVenue: Reading IMAX TheaterAddress: 30 N 2nd St, Reading
Counter Histories: Rock Hill
Counter Histories: Rock Hill Director: Fr3deR1cK Runtime: 60 minutes Nine young black men exercise their power to change history. It’s 1961 and the Civil Rights movement is stalled with protest after protest, arrest after arrest, bailout after bailout and then return to life as usual in the segregated South. Students […]
Saturday Shorts
Fumero-Ism: The Grafstract Director: Keith Aronowitz Runtime: 16 minutes Fumero-Ism, The Grafstract, profiles the well known NYC street artist and muralist known as Fumero. The film examines his interest and growth in art from childhood to present, reveals his process, and what motivates him to keep putting out incredible work […]
Social & Health Issues Block
Sacrificial Virgins Director: Andi Reiss Runtime: 30 minutes The Human Papilloma Vaccine (HPV) is a treatment in widespread use but its efficacy in preventing cancer is medically unproven, while unintended, adverse reactions are blighting and even ending the lives of girls and young women across the world. However, pharmaceutical manufacturers […]
Cage the Bear – The Black Bang
Cage the Bear – The Black Bang Director: Adrian Horodecky Runtime: 74 minutes An alien spaceship crash lands in Siberia with the power to destroy the world! Will Vladimir Putin rebuild it, and take over planet Earth? Who will Cage the Bear? Can the Freevengers stop the Black Bang! website: www.facebook.com/cagethebear […]
Long Lost
Long Lost Director: Erik Bloomquist Runtime: 95 minutes When Seth receives a mysterious letter inviting him to spend the weekend at a secluded mansion in the country, he soon realizes the people inside the house may know him better than he knows himself. website: IMDB page Screening Info Date: Friday, November […]
Coming Soon! The 2018 Schedule!
The films are in! Our jurors have eaten all the popcorn they can handle and have viewed all our submissions. Votes are counted….. .stay tuned for our announcement for this year’s schedule. Many thanks to Chris and all of our jurors for their time and commitment to making this year’s […]
New Faces at ReadingFilmFEST!
New Faces at ReadingFIlmFEST! ReadingFilmFEST is thrilled to have Cammie Harris join us this year as our Operations Manager. We met Cammie last year after the WCR Center for the arts hosted the festival (Cammie is also their part-time director). Cammie loved the energy of the FEST and we loved […]
ReadingFilmFEST Writer’s Roundtable
Writer’s Roundtable New this year at ReadingFilmFEST will be the writer’s round table. There will be a reading of The Big Shebang, a short screenplay by local high school student Emily Rothermel. The Big Shebang concerns two teenagers as they navigate the troubled waters of friendship, love, and the […]
Filmmaker Talkback
ReadingFilm wants to hear from filmmakers. What are the challenges of creating your art? How are you working around these? How can we help? Join ReadingFilm Commissioner Santo D. Marabella for an informal discussion about the state of independent filmmaking. Date: Saturday, November 11, 2017 at 10:00 am Venue: The […]
Parties, Parties and more Parties!
Parties! Parties! Some festivals call it “networking”, but we’ve dropped the euphemism to call it what it is… a good time! Hang out with your favorite filmmakers and checkout some of our favorite places to see and be seen! Many thanks to our reception venues and sponsors! Located in the […]
Student Assembly
New for 2107, ReadingFilmFEST presents a special film screening and filmmaker talkback for high school and college students in Berks County. The assembly will feature a screening of the film CELLING YOUR SOUL, with filmmaker, Joni Siani in attendance for Q&A with the students. About the film: Celling Your Soul, […]
Closing Night Film: Sueño en otro idioma
Join us for a very special presentation of Sueño en otro idioma (I DREAM IN ANOTHER LANGUAGE) – this year’s recipient of the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award. Presented by The LGBT Center of Greater Reading and Reading Pride Celebration, this beautiful film was shot in Mexico. ABOUT THE FILM A young […]
Filmmaker Forum
Filmmaker Forum – New Technologies ReadingFilmFEST introduces a Filmmaker Forum, open discussion with all of our visiting and local filmmakers, and open to the public. The forum will focus on the new technologies that are impacting both production and distribution of films: including Hi Res small camera production, 3-D shooting, […]
Virtual Reality Demonstration
Live Virtual Reality Demonstration An interactive VR performance/experience featuring live ambient music by Dave Hall accompanied by reactive Tilt Brush paintings by Kris Jackson created during the show. The performers will demonstrate how technology is being used both in live events and for conceptualizing larger narrative experiences. Kris Jackson is […]
Awards Ceremony and Reception
Awards Reception Celebrate the accomplishments of our many filmmakers while enjoying entertainment by Chris Heslop and friends. Free to pass holders. Event tickets available online or at the door. Event Info Date: Sunday, November 4, 2018 at 5:30pmVenue: WCR Center for the ArtsAddress: 140 N 5th St, Reading
Opening Gala
Opening Night Gala Meet the filmmakers, schmooze with your friends, walk the red carpet, pose for the paparazzi and enjoy entertainment by the Hot Club of Reading. Open to VIP Passholders and Filmmakers only. Event Info Date: Friday, November 2, 2018 at 5:30pm Venue: WCR Center for the Arts Address: […]
THIS IS READING
THIS IS READING Director: Tony Gerber Runtime: 50 minutes THIS IS READING is a 50 minute film created by Tony Gerber. The film describes the multi-media experience brought to Reading by Gerber and playwright, Lynn Nottage, in July, 2017. Members of the THIS IS READING production team will be at […]
Submit Your Film Now!
ReadingFilmFEST is now accepting submissions for both professional and student films via FilmFreeway. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of our festival. Regular deadline is July 15th! (don’t worry, we understand if you need more time…late deadline is August 1st.) Categories include: Narrative Feature Documentary Film Short Film […]
Melissa Varone joins ReadingFilmFEST team!
Melissa Varone will serve as FEST Manager, managing the day to day operations of the festival. With 20 years of marketing, communications, and public relations experience, Melissa offers marketing strategy and event planning consulting services for businesses and non-profits in our community. “Having a primary focus in supporting the business […]
THIS IS READING opens July 14th!
THIS IS READING, a dynamic site-specific multimedia installation blending live performance and visual media, will occupy the historic Franklin Street Railroad Station in Downtown Reading, re-animating the long vacant building. Using as it’s foundation the challenges, and triumphs of people living in and around Reading, PA, THIS IS READING will weave […]
StudentFEST Winners!
Nearly 50 College and High School students from around the region and around the world presented their short films to ReadingFilmFEST’s StudentFEST. Winners will be announced and screened in each of 4 categories for both High School and College students: Narrative Documentary Music Video Animation Stop in to see tomorrow’s filmmakers […]
ReadingFilmFEST Trailer!
ReadingFilmFest_Trailer_2016 from Tracy Schott on Vimeo. Click here to view the trailer! ReadingFilmFEST’s promo trailer is scheduled to hit the theaters this weekend. However, you all got a preview here! This was a really fun project for our filmmaking team. Big thanks to the entire cast and crew: CREW: Executive […]
Our Vision for RFF
We are totally excited about the vision of ReadingFilmFEST! It will bring together both seasoned and emerging filmmakers with submissions in all genres, and provide opportunities to share ideas and experiences. From storyboard and budgeting, script to shooting, and edit to marketing, we are excited to celebrate the art of film […]