Charlottesville has a robust arts and creative community, exemplified by its annual Virginia Film Festival. This year’s festival takes place Nov. 3-6, and in addition to the more than 100 movie screenings, it will feature a star-studded lineup of panel discussions, making it the perfect weekend getaway for film buffs. For a truly Virginia-centric trip, grab tickets for talks featuring Danny McBride, Shirley MacLaine and Ron Suskind, who all have roots in the state.
McBride, who grew up in Spotsylvania, is known for his comedic roles in Superbad, Pineapple Express and most recently for his voice role in Seth Rogen’s Sausage Party. However, at the festival, McBride will speak about his new HBO series Vice Principals with co-creator Jody Hill on Friday 6:45 p.m. at the Culbreth Theatre.
Oscar-winning actress Shirley MacLaine, a Richmond native, will appear at The Paramount Theater on Friday at 7 p.m. for a celebration of her more than 50-year career. She will discuss the trajectory of her career and the diverse roles she’s played and will take questions.
Suskind returns to U.Va., his alma mater, to participate in the festival’s Life, Animated discussion. The film, adapted from Suskind’s best-selling book, details how Disney animated movies helped a family communicate with a son with autism. A discussion will be held on Sunday at 4 p.m. at St. Anne’s-Belfield school.
While you’re there, check out these movies with Virginia ties
Light House Studio Shorts
Nov. 3, 5:30 p.m. at Vinegar Hill Theatre
The Charlottesville-based studio will debut a series of short films spanning genres.
Loving
Nov. 3, 7 p.m. at The Paramount Theater
This film is based on the true story of the Civil Rights case Loving v. Virginia. The story follows an interracial couple that broke the law, married in 1958 and were arrested and forced to leave the state.
The Anthropologist
Nov. 4, 6 p.m. at PVCC Dickinson Center
The film’s storyline follows the global adventures of a 13-year-old girl from Fairfax and her environmental anthropologist mother.
Jeff Wadlow Sneak Preview
Nov. 4, 9 p.m. at Newcomb Hall Theater
Jeff Wadlow is a Charlottesville native and filmmaker credited with creating Kick-Ass 2, Bates Motel, and Non-Stop. Wadlow returns to previews his latest action-comedy, True Memoirs of an International Assassin.
Fundi: The Story of Ella Baker
Nov. 5, 2 p.m. at Violet Crown C
This documentary chronicles the life of Ella Baker, born in Norfolk, who was an activist who worked with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and Martin Luther King Jr. in the Civil Rights movement.
A Late Style of Fire: Larry Levis, American Poet
Nov. 5, 3:45 p.m. at St. Anne’s-Belfield
This documentary highlights the life and work of Richmond-based poet Larry Levis.
Through
Nov. 6, 11 a.m. at Vinegar Hill Theatre
Hikers travel through the Shenandoah National Park and along the Appalachian Trail while trading life stories and lessons.
Anywhere But Here and Seeking Asylum
Nov. 6, 2 p.m. at Violet Crown A
These two documentaries, created by local filmmakers, will be shown together, addressing race and inequality. Anywhere But Here features interviews with 13 African-American men incarcerated at the Albermarle-Charlottesville Regional Jail. Seeking Asylum follows the journey of African-Americans who have left the country in the wake of oppression.
Before the Fall
Nov. 4, 8:45 p.m. at PVCC Dickinson Center
Adapted from Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, this film examines the love story with a modern twist set in the southwest Virginian mountains.
Home is Where the Farm Is
Nov. 6, 3:45 p.m. at Violet Crown B
A Virginia Beach man cultivates his limited land to grow fresh foods.
