Join us as we celebrate film year-round and feature seven of our most memorable films from past festivals.
With something for everyone, the series screens first at the Oxford Community Center (200 Oxford Road, Oxford, MD 21654); moves to St. Michaels High School (200 Seymour Avenue, St. Michaels, MD 21663); and closes at the Academy Art Museum (106 South Street, Easton, MD 21601).
For many films, filmmakers will be on hand to discuss the script, cinematography or whatever interests you about the film.
Tickets for all films are $15 and may be purchased online at chesapeakefilmfestival.com or at the door. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and all films start at 6:00 p.m.
April 20, 2018
Film: Swimmers
Oxford Community Center
Film and Q&A– 6:00-8:30 p.m.
Swimmers is a drama about Will Tyler who struggles to hold onto his livelihood on the Chesapeake Bay. He and his wife suffer from the financial woes of a poor fishing season and the sudden loss of Will’s boat. Filmed in Oxford, Swimmers won the Grand Jury Prize for Best New American Film from the Seattle International Film Festival. Director Doug Sadler will be present.
April 27, 2018
Film: TRI
Oxford Community Center
Film and Q&A– 6:00-8:30 p.m.
TRI is about Natalie, an ultrasound tech with a history of not finishing things who is inspired by a cancer patient to sign up for a triathlon. Natalie is introduced to the strange world of triathletes and meets a colorful cast of characters as she trains for the Nation’s Triathlon. Co-Producer and Casting Director Kimberly Skyrme will be in attendance.
“Local Fare” at St. Michaels High School
Friday, May 11
Film: Cafeteria Man
St. Michaels High School
Film and Q&A 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Cafeteria Man is a story of a positive movement that shows what’s possible in our nation’s schools. It’s about the aspiration of activists and citizens coming together to change the way kids eat at school. And, it’s the story of what it takes, and who it takes, to make solutions happen. Post Film Discussion will include Director, Richard Chisolm and Denna Deese Kilmon, of Easton’s Chesapeake Harvest.
Friday, May 18
Film: Wild Ponies of Chincoteague
St. Michaels High School
Film and Q&A: 6:00 -7:30 p.m.
Wild Ponies of Chincoteague is the documentary that chronicles the island’s famous Pony Penning week, including its Pony Swim and Pony Auction. Co-directors Kurt Kolaja and Tod Mesirow tell the story of three Feather Fund recipients, specifically Sabrina Dobbins, whose Chincoteague pony helped save her from severe depression and self-harm. Post film discussion will include Sabrina Dobbins, the young woman featured in the film.
“Inside Art” at the Easton Academy of Art
This series of three films is aptly titled “Inside Art!” as it makes visible the inner world of the art scene.
Friday, May 11
Film: Heavy Weight Paint
Academy Art Museum
Easton, Maryland
Film 6:00 p.m. (feature length film)
Heavy Weight Paint is a feature length documentary film about four figurative painters: Jerome Lagarrigue, Joseph Adolphe, Tim Okamura, and Taha Clayton. Each artist faces unique obstacles, but the painters’ uncommon friendship provides the moral support to spur them onward. It is anticipated that the Director Jeff Martini will be present for a Q & A following the screening of the film.
Friday, June 22
Film: The Art of the Steal
Academy Art Museum
Easton, Maryland
Film 6:00 -7:40 p.m.
“The (2009) documentary The Art of the Steal explores the controversial plan to move the Barnes Foundation’s $25 billion collection of modernist and post-impressionist art from its longtime home in the Philadelphia suburbs to a new downtown gallery — against the wishes of its founder.” (Joel Rose, All Things Considered, 2/25/10) Directed by Don Argott.
Friday, June 29
Film: The Guest of Cindy Sherman
Academy Art Museum
Easton, Maryland
Film 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Analyzing his relationship with the reclusive artist Cindy Sherman leads filmmaker Paul Hasegawa-Overacker to confront his own identity in this unexpectedly humorous documentary. Armed with a video camera, he attended art gallery openings, intriguing many with his candid, witty assessments. Among the latter was Cindy Sherman, the press-shy superstar, who invited Paul to her studio for a series of exclusive filmed interviews and a romantic relationship blossoms. Co-Directed by Tom Donahue and Paul Hasegawa-Overacker.
The REEL GEMS series is generously supported by the Talbot County Arts Council.
The Chesapeake Film Festival (CFF) is the only film festival on the Eastern Shore to bring together filmmakers and diverse audiences of film enthusiasts for an annual weekend festival in Easton, MD. Visit us on Facebook or at www.chesapeakefilmfestival.com
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