Massachusetts Film Festival Gearing Up for Another Year
Going to the movies in Massachusetts, and especially Boston, is always a fun activity, and as the years go by, it becomes more of a classic activity. Believe it or not, back in the day, movie theaters were the only way people could see big flicks when they came out. Then, came the home video, and people could see the movies in the theater and then catch them at home on VHS months after they debuted. Now, we’re spoiled, and with home streaming services, we can watch new movies all the time from the comfort of our homes.
But, there’s something special and nostalgic about going to see a movie in the theater. It’s even better if you actually go to a film festival to catch that niche flick that’s getting so much buzz online. Now, one Massachusetts film festival is gearing up for another year.
Massachusetts Film Festival Getting Props
The experts at USA Today have released their roster of the best film festivals in America, as part of their 10 Best series. This series has experts picking spots for which to vote, and then readers voting for their favorites. “Film festivals can be as astonishingly varied as cinema itself, showcasing everything from glossy premieres to daring independent productions to underground cult films,” USA Today notes in the feature.
Coming in at No. 1 is the Cinema Columbus Film Festival in Columbus, Ohio. USA Today raves about this festival, stating, “With a mission to inspire and connect audiences through the power of cinema, the Cinema Columbus Film Festival collaborates with venues throughout central Ohio to showcase a curated selection of independent films from around the world.” Spanning multiple genres including drama, comedy, documentary, and experimental works, the festival highlights the diversity and creativity of contemporary filmmaking. Attendees can immerse themselves in engaging screenings, thought-provoking panel discussions, and Q&A sessions.”
Unfortunately, no Massachusetts film fests made the cut. But, one fantastic film festival is gearing up for a new season, and that’s the Boston Film Festival. The Boston Film Festival is one of the longest-running industry-recognized events for movies, according to their official website. The 41st Massachusetts event is set for this in September and “will showcase cutting edge indie films, top documentaries, shorts, animated, fall release studio films with attention to a new sports category along with environmental focus, social impact, and wild life/nature submissions.” Submissions are still being taken.
As for some history on film festivals, according to Britannica, the very first festival took place in Venice in 1932. “Since World War II, film festivals have contributed significantly to the development of the motion-picture industry in many countries,” they note. “The popularity of Italian films at the Cannes and Venice film festivals played an important part in the rebirth of the Italian industry and the spread of the postwar Neorealist movement.”
