The Virginia Film Festival is two months away, but organizers threw a party last night to announce some big names on this year’s program. Sandy Hausman has details:
The festival runs from November 3rd through the 6th as the nation prepares to elect a new president, and Director Jody Kielbasa says one theme explored in this year’s program is politics.
“We are also announcing that legendary documentary filmmakers Chris Hegedus and D.A. Pennebaker will be joining us for a special screening of their classic documentary The War Room, which chronicles Bill Clinton’s war room leading up to his presidency, and joining them will be special guest Paul Begala. We’re also going to be screening their latest documentary called unlocking the cage, that explores animal rights.”
For those who prefer fantasy to reality, Kielbasa says the fest will also celebrate the 25th anniversaries of James and the Giant Peach and Beauty and the Beast.
“We’re going to have Page O’Hara, who is the voice of Belle and a Disney legend on hand along with Don Hahn who is the genius behind Disney’s resurgence in animation starting with The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, and of course the classic Beauty and the Beast, which was the first feature-length animated picture ever nominated for best film for an Academy Award.”
Kielbasa will announce the full program later this month but is already predicted a strong turnout.
“We’ve enjoyed seven years of record-setting attendance, and last year we had right around 32,000, and I don’t expect that number to drop this year.”
Tickets will go on sale online September 30th.