3rd Annual Phoenixville Film Festival​ Begins Sept 18

PHOENIXVILLE, PA — The Colonial Theatre in Phoenixville is hosting the 3rd Annual Phoenixville Film Festival soon.

The festival will be held from Sept. 18 to Sept. 21 and feature film screenings, filmmaker panels, hands-on workshops, and an awards ceremony.

Following numerous film submissions in various categories, including screenplays, documentaries, animation, live-action, and features, this year’s festival selected and will present 56 films, the most extensive lineup in its history, featuring four world premieres, two U.S. premieres, and 25 Pennsylvania premieres.

"Welcoming the Phoenixville Film Festival back for its third year is such a joy for us at the Colonial," Jennifer Carlson, Executive Director of the Colonial Theatre, said. "This festival is more than a showcase of artistry; it’s a celebration of the independent spirit that thrives in our community and beyond. To see our historic theatre filled with creative energy, new perspectives, and passionate voices is exactly what makes this event so special. It’s an opportunity not only to champion incredible storytellers but also to bring people together in the shared experience of discovery, connection, and inspiration."

The 174-seat White Rabbit Theatre will host the majority of the festival’s film screenings.

During the event, festivalgoers will have the rare opportunity to dive into a exchange of ideas, forge industry connections, and enjoy a curated slate of films that appeal to a wide spectrum of tastes

"We’re excited to return for the third year with more films than ever, with a more diverse selection of filmmakers than ever before,” Executive Director of the Phoenixville Film Festival Kyle B. Thompson said. "Nearly 60 percent of our films were helmed by female filmmakers, and nearly half of our films are Pennsylvania premieres made by Pennsylvania residents."

Audiences can look forward to an eclectic mix of bold storytelling and innovative cinematic voices.

Sept. 18 will feature an opening night program of short films, highlighted by "American Comic." The film stars Emmy and Grammy Award-winning actor and comedian Patton Oswalt, widely recognized for his beloved voice performance as Remy in Disney Pixar’s "Ratatouille" and his role as Spence Olchin on "The King of Queens."

The "mockumentary" follows two up-and-coming stand-up comedians, who, despite their superficial cultural differences, share remarkable similarities when it comes to egotism, self-destruction, and social ineptitude.

On Sept. 19, the day kicks off with the Screenplay Speak Easy, where audiences can enjoy live table reads as screenwriters bring select scenes from their scripts to life. Following the showcase of storytelling in action, the festival will present its first round of short films, including the Pennsylvania premiere of "RARE: A Rare Disease Revolution." Directed by Emmy award-winning journalist Lainey Moseley and Emmy-nominated director and producer John Beder, the documentary highlights the neglect faced by families battling rare diseases within the broader healthcare system.

Other festival highlights include the Sept. 20 screening of "Drink and Be Merry," starring Jefferson White, best known as Jimmy Hurdstrom in the hit series "Yellowstone," and Sean O’Neil on "Chicago P.D.," alongside Siobhan Fallon Hogan, whose memorable performances include roles in "Men in Black," "Forrest Gump," and "Holes." Set at a struggling New York dive bar in the days leading up to Christmas in 2019, the film follows a beleaguered bartender in a state of extended arrested development, who must balance taking care of his misanthropic, aging regulars who have nowhere else to go.

Also taking place the evening of Sept. 20 is the world premiere of "So Close," directed by Dara Bruselovsky. The heartfelt film follows 23- year-old Dani as she navigates the challenges of forging her own path while contending with the pressures of her parents, who insist she find a “nice Jewish boy,” and her sisters, whose successes serve as constant reminders of what she has yet to accomplish.

Then on Sept. 21, the film fest will host a series of short films and documentaries,
including the U.S. premiere of "exception(al)." The featured short film, directed by Mexican American
filmmaker Michelle Bossy, tells the true story of a young Asian American university student grappling with what it means to be the only woman of color in her class when a film professor extends unwanted attention toward her.

The four-day event will conclude with an awards ceremony, honoring the outstanding achievements of filmmakers and screenwriters whose remarkable work has captivated audiences throughout the festival.

See the full schedule of events and more details of the festival online here.

The Colonial Theater is located at 227 Bridge St. in Phoenixville.