For its 26th year, the Bucks County FilmFest will showcase local filmmakers at the historic Newtown Theatre. The festival features juried short films from high school, college, and emerging filmmakers from the Greater Delaware Valley.
Schedule of Events
Doors open – 10:30 a.m.
Film screenings* – 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Table reads* – 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Film screenings* – 1:24 – 2:45 p.m.
Break – 2:45 – 3:30 p.m.
Panel discussion* – 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Film screenings* – 4:45 – 5:45 – p.m.
Awards ceremony – 6:00 p.m.
About the “Film Screenings”
Curated Movie Showcases (stay for all three!): A “Screening” is a dedicated block of short films played back-to-back on the big screen. Because 25 incredible short films were selected for this year’s festival, we have organized them into three distinct screening blocks.
Each block features a unique mix of storytelling genres, including narratives, documentaries, animations, and thrillers from high school, college and emerging artists. Guests are encouraged to stay for all three screenings. Experiencing the full lineup ensures all 25 visiting filmmakers get to feel the warmth and enthusiastic support of our local Newtown community from start to finish. Plus, watching every film gives you the ultimate say when casting your vote for the Fan Favorite Award.
About the “Table Read”
Live Script Reading: Think of a “Table Read” as a live, behind-the-scenes theater performance where you get to experience a movie before it ever hits the screen. Actors sit together at a table and read aloud the top award-winning screenplays from our competition, bringing the characters, action, and dialogue to life right in front of you. It is an exciting, creative peek into the very first step of making a movie.
About the “Panel Discussion”
Filmmaker Q&A and Conversation: Our “Panel Discussion” is a casual, hosted conversation featuring award-winning filmmaker Robert May, director of the new PBS docuseries Bucks County, USA. Robert will talk about the craft of storytelling, share behind the scenes insights from filming right here in our local community, and answer questions about how independent films get made. It is a great opportunity for film fans and local neighbors alike to hear firsthand from a celebrated filmmaker.