Film Festivals

Virginia Film Festival
Now in its 28th year, Virginia’s largest gathering of directors and cinematographers will feature it’s first-ever high school-level competition. Make the festival an excuse for a weekend getaway to Charlottesville, where the festival is showcased at downtown cinemas throughout the day and night. –CM / Nov. 5-8 in downtown Charlottesville; many screenings are free and open to public; virginiafilmfestival.org

Middleburg Film Festival
More than just cinema, Middleburg’s film festival features master classes with submitting directors, live orchestra renditions of famed soundtracks and gourmet farm-to-table dinners at the Salamander Resort and Spa, the host of this year’s festival. The line-up has included Oscar-nominated films (“The Imitation Game” and “Seymour: An Introduction”) while offering panel discussions with the talent both on and behind the silver screen. –CM / Oct. 22-25 at Salamander Resort & Spa; middleburgfilm.org

(October 2015)