Besides the biggie, lots of nifty little Philly film fests
Israeli, Jewish, student, and Found Footage festivals are on the cinema calendar.
The Philly film scene (15 years ago that would have been an oxymoron) is hopping with a heaping load of smaller film festivals that will supplement the region's premier fest, the Philadelphia Film Festival / Cinefest '09, March 26 through April 6.
The Philadelphia Jewish Film Festival's annual New Filmmakers Weekend opens Saturday at the Gershman Y, 401 S. Broad St., with In a Dream, a profile of Philly mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar by his son Jeremiah Zagar. The Weekend continues through Monday with four more films, including My Father My Lord, a powerful retelling of the Aqedah, about an Orthodox Jewish rabbi who is ready to sacrifice his son to God. The festival, now in its 28th year, continues through April 19. Info: 215-446-3019 or www.pjff.org.
The 13th annual Israeli Film Festival of Philadelphia continues with a selection of four prize-winning Israeli features Saturday through April 18 at locations in Center City and Elkins Park. Jonathan Paz's The Galilee Eskimos, Saturday at Gratz College, is about the residents of a bankrupt kibbutz in the hills of Galilee who abandon their homes, leaving behind a dozen senior citizens to fend for themselves. On March 26 it's Eytan Fox's international hit The Bubble. A delightful romance, it's about three Israelis who hide a Palestinian youth in their swank Tel Aviv flat. Info: 1-484-904-5421 or www.iffphila.com.
The region's best aspiring filmmakers will be showcased at the fourth annual Greater Philadelphia Student Film Festival at the Elaine C. Levitt Auditorium, 401 S. Broad St., from 7 to 10 p.m. on March 27. The evening will feature a screening of 25 finalist films selected from 135 submissions representing 13 schools in the region. Awards will be presented during dinner and drinks. Info: www.gpsff.com.
For something completely different, check out the always amusing Found Footage Film Festival at 941 Theater, 941 N. Front St., March 28 at 8 p.m. Hosts Joe Pickett and Nick Prueher, who have written for the Onion, present a selection of funny, odd, and crazy clips found at flea markets. Info: www.foundfootagefest.com.
The film season is still young. This fall will see another handful of festivals, including the second annual Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, Oct. 8 to 11. Organizers are currently accepting entries for shorts, features, and documentaries by or about Asian Americans. Entry rules are at www.withoutabox.com/login/6998; festival information: www.phillyasianfilmfest.org.