Turn $5 Into a Weekend Worth Remembering

Independent film—a term that turns some folks away before they’ve even read the plot. But leave that perception behind and attend this year’s River’s Edge International Film Festival at Maiden Alley Cinema on November 3-6, and you will find that there’s more to filmmaking than you ever imagined. In fact, there is quite possibly a film lover inside of you just waiting to be awakened.

Fully Loaded

If you’ve been hesitant to attend the festival before, then you need to know all that The River’s Edge Film Festival has to offer. First, it’s a chance to view 46 films produced by filmmakers across the world. There are a variety of film types ranging from short films to full feature films, documentaries to animation.

Films in this year’s line-up include a mix of fun-loving romance, comedy, drama, and films that will empty your tear ducts. There are films that will make you think differently and films that might even make you cringe. Filmmakers will inspire you with creativity and innovation.

7 Years Underground: A 60’s Tale

“Independent films should not be intimidating. The festival is for anyone who enjoys film in any way, shape or form,” says Landee Bryant, Executive Director of Maiden Alley Cinema. “The films are broken up into two-hour segments, so it is either one feature film or several short films. There are some serious films in the festival, and there are some really great films meant to be fun and entertaining.”

Meet filmmakers from across the globe. Talk to them at any of the Q & A sessions that follow some of the films. You’ll have an opportunity to find out what inspired some of the quirky plots they’ve developed and learn more about the techniques they used, often using a limited budget.

“One can’t go into these films expecting the same experience they might have attending a huge, big budget film, but it is a great comparison to have,” advises Bryant. “Most of the films are made on a fraction of the budget, by people who are really passionate about their craft and aren’t just looking to make money. That is what made me fall in love with the art!’

Meherjaan

“When you see some of these films you are going to see someone’s heart and soul on the screen. They put their hard work, love and usually their own money into a project that meant a great deal to them,” says Bryant.

And you never know if and when the next great filmmaker will come out of this festival. It wouldn’t be the first time that an independent filmmaker has made it to big budget films.

The River’s Edge Film Festival is not only the place to see amazing films, but it opens doors to meeting new and interesting people. If you’re new to Paducah, contact Johanna Rhodes at Etcetera Coffeehouse in LowerTown (320 North 6th Street) and she’ll connect you to new faces and great experiences through volunteerism on one of the four days of the festival. The festival is a fun way to get involved in the community and to learn more about the art of filmmaking.

Restive

The best part is that it’s not expensive! For only $5 you can see a block of original films at one of the three film locations. Or you can purchase a weekend pass for only $50. The weekend pass gives you access to all films, as well as to festival activities including a cocktail party with the filmmakers on Saturday night.

Films will be shown at Maiden Alley Cinema, the Yeiser Art Center, and Market House Theatre in Paducah’s historic downtown.

For a complete list of film schedules, titles and descriptions please visit www.riversedgefilmfestival.com. You can also stop by Maiden Alley Cinema at 112 Maiden Alley.

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