The Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival 2008
It's the perfect time of year to trade the chilly air for a comfortable seat in a heated movie theater. And that's exactly what organizers of the annual Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Society hope area cinema-enthusiasts do this weekend.
The Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival -- an annual event that brings more than 100 independent films to the Movies at Midway -- is scheduled to kick off Wednesday, Nov. 5.
"Seeing films at an independent film festival is different than some mainstream movies because you get a wider variety of audiences and a variety of artistic expression," said Fritz Schranck, president of the Rehoboth Beach Film Society, the nonprofit group responsible for organizing the event. "They are also usually very experimental and have gorgeous cinematography."
According to Schranck, viewers will get a chance to view movies that would typically not come to Sussex County theaters. Flicks are divided into three main categories including documentaries, feature films and short films. There will also be a Family Fun Film featuring The Goonies and children are encouraged to dress as pirates.
For those who may be overwhelmed by the selection, the RBFS produces a program that outlines how to purchase tickets and provides information on the movies available.
"The best way to ensure people have a chance to see a movie they really want to see is to become a member," Schranck said. "That gives them the opportunity to pre-order tickets."
The festival includes local nights which gives members and nonmembers a chance to view the films before the crowds arrive. RBFS will show 16 movies in one night. Ticket ordering begins Monday, Oct. 27 through Friday, Oct. 31 for shows on Wednesday, Nov. 5.
"Local nights is a way to make sure our patrons have a good chance to see the films and aren't shut out of viewing options on the weekend when we're full of visitors," Schranck said.
After moving here eight years ago from the New Jersey area, Pat Romaine became a member of the film society.
"I was used to things like Broadway and I just kept thinking there's got to be something to do," she said. "The films are beautifully done from all different countries and they're all very stimulating."
source: delmarvanow.com
