30 Years of Celebrating Film: Three Rivers Film Festival
Recently, Pittsburgh seems be on the feature film radar, with many movies being shot right here in the Steel City. From The Dark Knight Rises (Batman), Love and Other Drugs and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Pittsburgh seems to be a rising star in the film world.
But that doesn't mean film is a brand new entity to Pittsburgh; in fact, Pittsburgh will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the annual Three Rivers Film Festival in November. Read on to see what you can expect from this annual film fest.
Three Rivers Film Festival: November 4 – 19
Visit website for complete schedule
Pricing: One film, $9; six-pack pass, $45; opening and closing night films, $15
Website: http://3rff.com/
Harris Theater
809 Liberty Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 682-4111
Melwood Screening Room
477 Melwood Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
(412) 681-5449
Regent Square Theater
1035 S. Braddock Ave.
Edgewood, PA 15218
(412) 682-4111
Serving as the oldest and largest film festival in the region, the Three Rivers Film Festival is the place to be for film buffs. Over a 16-day-period, the festival, which is a program of Pittsburgh Filmmakers, will feature over 40 films from a wide variety of genres—documentaries, foreign films, short films, independent American films, restored classics and local films.
And these films aren't just bringing out Pittsburghers. In fact, up to 20 countries are represented in film submissions annually. Just last year, films were submitted by countries like Mexico, Sweden, Spain, France, Israel, Russia, Canada. In addition, many applicants from all over the United States are represented.
But films aren't the only highlight throughout the festival. In addition to screening tens of films, film-goers will get to see visiting artists, participate in informal post-screening discussions, attend parties and more.
Media Relations Coordinator Carol O'Sullivan is especially excited for the annual appearance of the Alloy Orchestra, a three-piece band from Boston who plays live in front of a restored silent film on closing night.
"They are so great, taking the art of film to a new level," says O'Sullivan. "The Pittsburgh audience really has become one of their favorite fan bases."
While the Alloy Orchestra performances promises to be a crowd favorite, the short films are also a fun screening to look out for. Last year, more than 130 submissions came in from all over the world, and only 13 of the best-of-the-best short films were selected for viewing. According to the Pittsburgh Filmmakers, this program gives artists the opportunity to take creative risks, break new ground or challenge the viewer. In addition to their films being broadcast in front of hundreds of viewers, they will also have the opportunity to win prizes (first place, $500; second place, $300; third place, $125).
The film festival will take place all over the city in Pittsburgh Filmmaker's three art house movie theaters, the Harris Theater, the Melwood Screening room and the Regent Square Theater. Serving as one of the largest and oldest independent media arts centers in the country, Pittsburgh Filmmakers has consistently given a platform to emerging artist, students, non-profit organizations and more. This organization fills an important role in educating the public about the film world. They even offer courses in film, video and photography to university and independent students in the region.
It doesn't matter if you're a major film buff or a film newbie—there's plenty of film fun to go around.
Christine Mouser is currently living in the Pittsburgh area, where she is an editorial intern for Pittsburgh Magazine. She is set to graduate from Penn State University this summer, with a degree in print journalism. She has written for HappyValley.com, Town&Gown magazine and Penn State's Valley magazine.
