Rehoboth Beach Regional Film Showcase
The Rehoboth Beach Film Society (RBFS) is proud to present the 2024 Regional Film Showcase (May 3 – 5) at the Society’s Cinema Art Theater (CAT) in Lewes. This year’s selection will feature seven films from three states, an assortment that demonstrates the diversity and vibrancy of the independent film community in the Mid-Atlantic region. One filmmaker will win the Fierberg Film Prize, to support their on-going film projects and continue to develop their craft. A Jury Prize will also be awarded to one winner. We hope that you will take the opportunity to attend the Regional Film Showcase to support the works of emerging filmmakers and engage with them through post-discussions. . Visit rehobothfilm.com to view film finalists and purchase tickets ($5.00)!
SHORTS PROGRAM – SET 1
Friday, May 3 – 7:00 pm (JEMS Theater)
Film #1: IT’S STILL NOT ABOUT ME
Filmmaker: Debbie Camper
A young woman and her disconnected family must pull together when her younger brother/ their youngest son goes missing. [US, 47 min, NR].
Film #2: THE WORLD ACCORDING TO PUSSY NOIR
Filmmaker: Amy Olden
Follow Pussy Noir’s historic fellowship at the Kennedy Center as she blends history, queerness, and couture into a queer fashion show/ [US, 24 min, NR].
Film 3:MI IN ORBIT: RECEIVED
Filmmaker: Riley Heath
A group of friends receive a signal from space and try to track its source together. [US, 1 min, NR].
Patrons are encouraged to participate in a post-film panel discussion immediately following with the filmmakers to gain insights on their process.
[Total program runtime: 72 minutes]
FEATURE FILM
FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS
Filmmaker Benjamin Wagner
Saturday, May 4 – 4:00 pm (JEMS Theater)
When filmmaker Benjamin Wagner was diagnosed as post-traumatic stress syndrome, he suddenly saw trauma and its impact all around: in rising incidences of gun violence and hate crime, the increase in adolescent suicide rates, growth of antidepressant use, binge drinking, and a mental health crisis so urgent that it prompted a national hotline. And so, he decided, as the subject of his 2012 PBS documentary, Fred Rogers, always encouraged him, "to look for the helpers” who are healing the deeply anxious and uncertain communities around them. [US, 74 minutes, NR].
Patrons are encouraged to participate in a post-film panel discussion immediately following with the filmmakers to gain insights on their process.
SHORTS PROGRAM – SET 2
Sunday, May 5 – 1:00 pm (MAIN Theater)
Film #1: LOOKING INWARD – BLACK HISTORY & THE ARTS
Filmmaker: Justinian Dispenza
Documents the artist fellowship process through the Kent Cultural Alliance. 6 artists dug through thousands of historical documents and images from the Chesapeake Heartland Archive to find what spoke to them, and then created their own artwork from the inspirations they found. This Documentary is a journey through Black History and the Arts and how we all can benefit from 'Looking Inward.' [US, 30 min, NR].
Film #2: LET HER SING
Filmmaker: Siamak Dehghanpour
An Iranian female singer struggles to sing solo, but the government won't let her do that. [US, 21 min, NR].
Film #3: THE METAMORPH
Filmmaker: Maximillian Remmier
A child shapeshifter longs for a best friend, but their involuntary form changes leave them unrecognizable to any friends they do make. Tyler has struggled to control their morphing abilities their entire 9-year-old life. Unable to be recognized by anyone they knew prior; they reside alone near a public park. They meet a boy named Sam, hoping to form a friendship with him that won't end as soon as they transform again. [US, 13 min, NR].
Patrons are encouraged to come out and participate in a post-film panel discussion immediately following each screening to provide feedback and gain insights on their process.
Sunday’s program will close with the announcement of showcase winners. Regional Film Showcase winners announced!
[Total program runtime: 64 minutes]
Admission is $5. Purchase advance tickets online at rehobothfilm.com or call/visit the Cinema Art Theater box office in Lewes (Wed-Sun) or 30 minutes prior to each screening.
