The SouthSide Film Festival in Bethlehem, PA

The SouthSide Film Festival is put on each year in mid-June by the SouthSide Film Institute of Bethlehem, PA. This Lehigh Valley Film Festival has screened independent films from 62 countries and 35 states, making it a truly international experience for independent film. While each year focuses on a specific genre and international region, all genres are represented throughout the festival, from documentaries and dramas to comedies, animation, experimental shorts, and even horror films. The complete list of films can be found here. Part of the mission of this festival is to bring excellent independent films to the Lehigh Valley so that locals can enjoy this art form without having to travel to a larger festival in a major city. And since Bethlehem's SouthSide district is diverse with artists, it's a logical place to host such an event.

Each year the schedule of films for this 5-day Bethlehem Film Festival varies, but there are always an opening night party (free to all), closing night party (admission-only), and a late night movie (admission-only), favorites of yearly attendees. Since the SouthSide Film Institute does not yet have its own facility, screenings take place in three locations: Lewis Auditorium & Sinclair Auditorium (both on Lehigh University's campus), and the Victory Firehouse at 205 Webster Street, just 5 blocks from Lehigh University's campus. The SouthSide is pedestrian-friendly, so it's easy to park your car for the day and walk to the venues, as well as explore the shops and restaurants that make Bethlehem's SouthSide such a fun and diverse neighborhood.

The showings are all in the evening, except for a few select films on Saturday, which start in the early afternoon. This means that even those who cannot take off of work can still enjoy all that the SouthSide Film Festival has to offer. You can purchase tickets for a single showing all the way up to an unlimited pass-the choice is yours. The ticket prices for 2010 are as follows:

Unlimited All-Access Pass $50 ($35 for Seniors ages 62+ and Students with valid ID)

Stack of 10 Tickets $40

Stack of 5 Tickets $20

Single Screening Admission $5 (Opening Night $10)

All tickets except single-screening tickets can be purchased in advance online using PayPal. Simply print out your confirmation and bring it to Déjà Brew, the SouthSide Film Festival's headquarters, and redeem your tickets. For a complete list of tickets, including details, click here.

For more information, visit:
SouthSide Film Festival
Festival Headquarters:
Déjà Brew Coffee Shop and Deli
101 West 4^th Street
Bethlehem, PA 18015
610-865-2739
www.ssff.org
Get answers to questions, pick up a schedule, and purchase tickets and passes here.