Fall Film Festivals-Underway Across the US for Hopeful Successful Turnouts

Trying to pick which movie to go see can be painstaking if you simply cannot make up your mind. Plus, if traditional movie theaters are not for you, then perhaps the Fall Film Festivals going on now will inspire you get off the couch before you pop in another DVD at home. A great way to get out and enjoy the fresh fall air, you will surly enjoy the Fall Film Festivals with interesting titles to choose from, lets take a look!

I found a nearby Film Festival that seemed quite interesting. Sweet Briar College is hosting Fall Film Series with films beginning at 7pm in Tyson Auditorium, the public is more than welcome and admission is free. On September 11th and 12th, they will be showing "Sin Nombre", a film depicting the violent Central American street gang member who has fled his home on a train north. Casper, the gang member is in search of a better life in a new country aboard freight cars. Through his journey he is outrunning authorities and other possible dangers and he also meets a friend, Sayra, a Honduran lady who also is trying to make it to the American border. The film is directed by Cary Fukunaga, the film is rated R. I thought this film, being a student of Latin American Studies myself in college was an interesting film to see. I think it would give the audience a clearer definition why so many immigrants from Latin American countries come to the United States, the film also sounds like it would be packed action and maybe a little romance too!

Frank's Fall Film Festival, located in Jackson, Wyoming is another festival I found to be a good resort. The festival will actually show 11 films throughout the months of September and October and you can buy a passport to see all 11 films for 55 dollars. The films they have to offer are a wide range of titles, from thrillers to kids' movies. The Cove, rated PG-13 shows from September 18-20 at 9pm and September 21-24 at 4:30. The thriller has tons of special effects as the team of divers go deep sea diving into a cove in Japan to expose one of history's most shocking crimes against nature. The movie was chosen as Audience Award at Sundance, and has proven to be one of the most talked about films of all year. Ponyo, rated G is an animated adventure, which was inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, "The Little Mermaid." This film was written and directed by the legendary animation artist Hayao Miyazaki. This film sounded very educational for children as has a very unique visual rendition of the classic Anderson fairly tale but also defines its meaning with keeping the planet in balance and multigenerational love. If you want to see a full list of all the films, visit the website, http://franksfilmfestival.com. I think you will more than likely find a film you would love to see!

New Jersey Fall Film Festivals will be presented by The Rutgers Film Co/New Jersey Media Arts Center. There will be a broad range of over 50 movies, varying from International film, American independent films, short and experimental, classic and cutting edge selections. The 28th year in production, the festival will fun from September 4th-November 8th. A panel of judges will view the films, and decide on 38 finalists on November 8th, 2009. The finalists will be publicly screened at the festival and the prize winners(over 6,000 dollars in prizes) will be announced after the screenings. This particular film festival would be a good way to learn about how Film Festivals work and how you could even become more involved in the process of being a film maker or judge. There are several films to choose from, please visit the website, www.newjerseynewsroom.com for more information. One outstanding feature I thought that was holiday friendly is that they will also host the annual Halloween 3D show on 10/30, which will show a 3D screening of the classic horror film, Creature of the Black Lagoon. The Admission Price includes 3D glasses, prices are 10$-general public, 9$-students, seniors and 8$ for Rutgers film co-op/NJMAC friends.

If you want to really go international this year on film festivals, then Martha's Vineyard International Film Festival is for you. From September 11th-14th the films will show on the island to settle into the fall season. Films included are Irena Salina's Flow, about the global water supply, Marjane Satrapi animated "Persepolis" and the Israeli film, "Jellyfish", which was a big hit at Boston's Jewish Film Festival last year. There are also nightly parties open to the public , and other reserved seating dinner event with private screenings as well, www.mvfilmfestc.om will inform on each movie as well as who to contact for ticket prices.

Finally, I thought I should leave the best for last in this case! If you have not had enough sunshine, then Hawaii International Film Festival is the best pick for you, save up though, its not just a block away to most of us. This particular film festival is sort of known as the film festival of "east meets west" and will show over 100 international films. The dates are from October 15th,-25th, prices/passports are not yet available but do check on the website for more information soon. The festival started in 1981, and has been dedicated to understanding and advancement in cultural exchange for the people of Asia, the Pacific and North America through the medium of film. This film festival has been highly recognized by governments worldwide, filmmakers, scholars and educators. Past shows have included Once Were Warriors, The Piano, Shine, Shall We Dance, and Hidden Dragon. Departures, a Japanese film actually had its first premiere in 2008 at the festival and won the the Audience Award and then went further on to win the 2009 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. It has been rumored that Lost regular, Daniel Dae Kim is practicing in an HIFF trailer for a sneak peak on September, 30th. Please visit www.hiff.org for more information on this year's festival, as I am sure it will be as grand at the the previous!

Any of the above festivals should be a great way to get excited about the film industry, whether it is a quiet night at Sweet Briar or an exciting adventure to Honolulu, the films are all informative and well perceived in the atmospheres that will provide them, I hope you will at least make it to one of them!