Story Can Change The World
November 1-4, 2012
The Washington West Film Festival is set just west of downtown, in the sophisticated technology and wine region of Washington, DC. Filmmakers and audiences will experience a breathtaking autumn in and around our glamourous region, hidden quietly just outside Washington.
Announcements
- Mar 14, 2012 _ New Website In Development Thanks to our partner Viget Labs we are very pleased to have a greatly improved website in development, which will support stunning images, film clips, and trailers, as we anticipate a fantastic 2012 festival at Washington...
- Feb 27, 2012 _ Films From Around the World Film submissions arrive every day from around the world, most recently from Sweden, Morocco, Japan, Australia, Belgium, and...
- Feb 23, 2012 _ Ad Agency We're very pleased to announce that the largest Ad Agency in the mid-Atlantic, LM&O Advertising, here in Arlington, has become the Official Advertising Agency of the Washington West Film...
- Jan 20, 2012 _ 2012 Film Submissions Begin Submissions are now open for the 2012 Washington West season. Earlybird deadline for submissions is February 29. Click http://www.withoutabox.com/login/10092 to...
- Jan 9, 2012 _ 2012 Dates Announced It's official. The 2012 Washington West Film Festival will be November 1 - 4, featuring some of the absolute best films and filmmakers from all around the...
100% Donated Every Year
Every year 100% of our net regular screening box office proceeds go directly to helping a world in need. Our audiences will see the differences we make together, and how every dollar is spent.
Our Story
Intelligent story not only entertains, but it truly can change the world. Nowhere is this more true than in the most influential city in the world. It's our explicit core belief - that story can change the world - and so the purpose of the Washington West Film Festival is to leverage the power of storytelling and filmmaking to inspire and capture the hearts and minds of our audiences who in turn can make lasting, tangible differences in our world.
At Washington West, we will screen and, in many cases, premiere some of the finest independent films from all around the world, in three in-competition categories: dramatic feature length, documentary, and short films. As Washington West matures, watch our programming schedule for occasional Hollywood-studio red carpet premieres.
We hold in highest regard and look forward to spotlighting films which provoke us to dream, which make us laugh at ourselves, films which inspire us to see the potential of what could be, and which ultimately paint a picture of the raw human condition.
One of our objectives is to showcase and tell the stories of the remarkable Washington-west area to both filmmakers and audiences. BUT what makes us unique at Washington West, and what excites us the most, is that beyond celebrating rich stories and rewarding the master filmmakers who tell them, we are choosing to actually enter the story. Among other things, we will give 100% of all our net regular screening box office proceeds - every year - to a project or team that is changing the circumstances of people in dire need, in our city and around the world.
Just a few miles west of the most influential city in the world, a remarkable story is being written - and we invite YOU to enter the story with us.
Announcements
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March 14, 2012
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New Website In Development
Thanks to our partner Viget Labs we are very pleased to have a greatly improved website in development, which will support stunning images, film clips, and trailers, as we anticipate a fantastic 2012 festival at Washington West.
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February 27, 2012
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Films From Around the World
Film submissions arrive every day from around the world, most recently from Sweden, Morocco, Japan, Australia, Belgium, and Canada.
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February 23, 2012
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Ad Agency
We’re very pleased to announce that the largest Ad Agency in the mid-Atlantic, LM&O Advertising, here in Arlington, has become the Official Advertising Agency of the Washington West Film Festival.
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January 20, 2012
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2012 Film Submissions Begin
Submissions are now open for the 2012 Washington West season. Earlybird deadline for submissions is February 29. Click http://www.withoutabox.com/login/10092 to submit.
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January 9, 2012
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2012 Dates Announced
It’s official. The 2012 Washington West Film Festival will be November 1 – 4, featuring some of the absolute best films and filmmakers from all around the world.
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November 5, 2011
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Closing Night Award Winners
Washington West presents Jury Award Short Film Best Director to Saba Riazi for The Wind Is Blowing On My Street, Jury Award Best Short Film to Prayers For Peace directed by Dustin Grella, and Audience Choice Best Short Film Award to The Dancer directed by Seth Stark Saturday night.
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November 4, 2011
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Opening Night Packed House
The Washington West Film Festival opened to a capacity audience last night, at Reston Town Center Bow Tie Cinema with the film’s director, editor, and attorney from the film in attendance.
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October 28, 2011
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Live Interviews with Filmmakers
The inaugural Washington West festival begins in six days, offering film director interviews by the audience throughout the festival weekend.
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October 10, 2011
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Tickets Now On Sale
Tickets are now on sale for the inaugural Washington West Film Festival. On website click ‘Tickets’ for box office and online ordering information.
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August 28, 2011
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HBO Film To Open Festival
Washington West is very pleased to announce that HBO’s recently acquired film, The Loving Story, is the festival’s Opening Night Film for Thurs, Nov. 3, 2011.
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August 27, 2011
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Westin Hotel Is Festival Headquarters
The magnificent Westin Reston Heights Hotel is named a Major Sponsor and the Official Headquarters of the Washington West Film Festival in Nov.
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August 11, 2011
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Senior Director Hired
Sundance and Tribeca staff veteran, Samantha Dols, is named Senior Director of Festival Operations by Executive Director Brad Russell today.
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July 12, 2011
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Reston
The CEO and the President of the Reston Association warmly offer partnership to the Washington West Film Festival.
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June 25, 2011
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Board Member
Producer of a 2011 Sundance short film, and former VP and Head of Global Footwear at Puma, Adrian Gill, named Board Member at Washington West today.
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May 27, 2011
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Opening Night Venue
Reston Town Center and the soon-to-be renovated state-of-the-art Reston Cinema will host our inaugural Opening Night Film screening on Nov. 3, at 6:30 pm.
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April 8, 2011
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Official Photographer Selected
Studio563 from Austin, TX signs on as a sponsor of Washington West, and will shoot our November festival as official photographer. http://www.austinwedphotographer.com/
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January 22, 2011
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International Films Arrive
The first four international film submissions arrived this week at Washington West, from the UK, Belgium, Iran, and Canada.
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January 5, 2011
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Film Submissions Now Available
Washington West officially opens for film submissions on Withoutabox.com.
Filmmakers
Essential to us are both: established filmmakers, but also emerging independent storytellers. While we honor some of the most influential filmmakers of our time, it’s our passion to introduce the lesser-known, under-resourced future masters of film - our generation’s Hitchcocks and Spielbergs - to a waiting and watching world.
As we elevate these rising and extraordinarily gifted young storytellers, we will also welcome and honor at gala celebrations each year, an accomplished director, screenwriter, or actor whose work has greatly influenced both filmmakers and audiences, as an example of the extent even just one storyteller can have in our world.
2011 Films
Opening Night Film
The Loving Story
Directed by Nancy Buirski
Produced by Elisabeth James
(77 minutes)
A documentary co-produced by HBO, tells the story of Richard and Mildred Loving, a couple whose 1958 marriage led to their arrest and a watershed Supreme Court case that overturned anti-miscegenation laws in Virginia. Filmmakers Nancy Buirski (Director, Producer) and Elisabeth James (Producer, Editor) will be in attendance and available for a Q & A session following the film. Bernard Cohen, one of the two attorneys who represented plaintiffs Richard and Mildred in Loving v. Virginia will also be in attendance.
Closing Night Film
Sun City Picture House
Directed by David Darg
Produced by Bryn Mooser
(27 minutes)
The story of Raphael Louigene, a young Haitian man who recruits his two aid worker friends, Bryn and David, to help him achieve his dream of building the first movie theater in Port-au-Prince, Haiti since the devastating earthquake of January 2010. David Darg will be in attendance.
Harlistas - An American Journey
Directed by Alfredo de Villa
(91 minutes)
A first-of-its-kind documentary that follows the emotional journeys of Latino Harley motorcycle riders in the U.S. as they seek adventure, camaraderie and the achievement of the American Dream.
The Famous Firsts of Chuck Jones (USA, Feature Length)
Friday, November 4th 6:30 PM
Center for Innovative Technology
The First Cartoons of Academy Award winner Chuck Jones, creator of Warner Bros beloved classics, the Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote, and Pepe Le pew & co-creator of Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Elmer Fudd, and Daffy Duck. Celebrate the life and works of a true master of animation. Jones directed over 250 animated shorts while at Warner Bros; he received an Academy Award for The Dot and The Line in 1965 and directed Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Peabody Award Winner in 1966 & Horton Hears a Who, Peabody Award Winner in 1971.
ArtInsights Animation and Film Art Gallery co-owner Leslie Combemale will present the First Cartoons of Chuck Jones, a collection perfectly suited for the First Ever Washington West Film Festival. Combemale, an expert in the history of animation, will lead a fun and informative discussion on the contribution to film history this important animation innovator represents. Rare original art from the career of this great artist will be shown as part of this presentation. For further education on the art of animation and Chuck Jones, head over to www.artinsightsmagazine.com and www.chuckjonescenter.org. For a web gallery of rare Chuck Jones original art, you can go to www.artinsights.com.
Shorts Program One (84 minutes)
Recess (USA)
Directed by Bradley Montesi (3:18)
It's a regular day on the recess grade school playground. As a new student attempts to make friends with the other children, he learns kids can be mean. As he digs deep inside himself, he finds he may already have all the friends he needs.
5 Minutes Each (Canada, Serbia/Montenegro)
Directed by Vojin Vasovic (9:50)
A metaphorical story about the constant struggle of the artist to reach those five minutes of limelight. A tale about an upswing and downfall, with the climax appearing concurrently and unexpectedly.
The Wind is Blowing on my Street (Iran)
Directed by Saba Riazi (15:00)
A girl in Tehran forgets her headscarf while checking the mailbox and the wind blows, causing the door to lock behind her. As people pass by, she fears getting in trouble because of not having the scarf on in public.
Profile (Germany)
Directed by Timo Pierre Rositzki (7:10)
Caro has just gone shopping when she is approached by Thomas. He seems to know her, but she can't remember him. When he convinces her to have a coffee with him, Caro has no idea of the surprises this encounter will bring...Profile is a film about the dark side of social networking websites.
Challenging Impossibility (USA)
Directed by Sanjay Rawal and Natabara Mark Rollosson (28:11)
Challenging Impossibility chronicles the weightlifting odyssey of the late spiritual teacher and peace advocate Sri Chinmoy. Already an advocate of the necessity of physical fitness in the spiritual life, this New York City-based Guru was inspired to demonstrate the tangible power of inner peace by performing incredible, but real feats of strength.
The Lab (USA)
Directed by Ryan Scheer (9:17)
Two lower class teenage boys decide to spend an afternoon of boredom lighting fireworks and running through the woods until they stumble upon an abandoned trailer home. Conflicted over their discovery, their decisions clash which leaves them face to face with death proving that some things are better left alone.
Afghan (Canada)
Directed by Pardis Parker (11:39)
An afternoon surprise forces two friends to turn hate crime lemons into hilarious lemonade. Two young men debate how to deal with the anti-Arabic graffiti that has been sprayed on their car, but in a humorous way.
Shorts Program Two (86 minutes)
And What Remains (USA)
Directed by Mark Havener (9:57)
What defines a father is what he leaves behind. A universal story of regret, of reconciliation, and of hope, And What Remains explores the complexity of a father's relationship with his son within the simplicity and beauty of Eastern Kansas.
Diego and His Brothers (Philippines)
Directed by Marty Lopez (27:16)
It is World War II and the Japanese have begun occupation in the Northern part of the Philippines. Three brothers now find themselves on a journey in search of an aircraft to help them escape from the Japanese occupation.
I'm Having a Difficult Time Killing My Parents (USA)
Directed by Jeff Tomsic (15:00)
T.J. (T.J. Miller) is a thirty-two year old slacker who lives with his loving parents. While his peers and ex-girlfriend have grown up, T.J. harbors fantasies of killing his parents so that he can inherit their home.
The Necklace
Directed by MaryLee Hermann (5:57)
Strong, dependable Margaret has the ideal life according to everyone who has always been able to count on her. But things are not always as they seem. Feeling trapped and alone she reaches out to Christie, her free-spirited sister, hoping to find the courage to pursue her own dreams. Starring Kimberlin Brown (The Young and the Restless) and Traci Dinwiddie (Supernatural).
We're Leaving (USA)
Directed by Zachary Treitz (13:00)
Rusty has to find a new place to live with his wife and his teenage American alligator, Chopper.
Prayers for Peace (USA)
Directed by Dustin Grella (7:38)
A narrative stop-motion animated short in which the artist confronts the memory of his brother, who was killed in the Iraq war. The artist reflects on how he identified his brother and deals with guilt for not thinking about his brother as often as he feels he should.
Shorts Program Three (78 minutes)
The Majestic Plastic Bag (USA)
Directed by Jeremy Konner (4 minutes)
This mockumentary, narrated by Academy Award-winner Jeremy Irons, tracks the "migration" of a plastic bag from a grocery store parking lot to the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" in the Pacific Ocean.
At the End of Slavery (USA)
Directed by Ted Haddock (33:12)
In a world where 27 million children, women and men live as modern-day slaves, the fight for justice cannot wait. At the End of Slavery: The Battle for Justice in Our Time takes you inside the violent and ugly business of slavery, from the brothels of the Philippines to the brick kilns of India.
Left Alone (USA)
Directed by Seth Boggess (15:00)
Ian (Paul Noble) is a Chicago cab driver searching for someone who will listen. As he grieves the death of his son, Ian is compelled to reach out to the strangers he encounters on the job. Based on the Anton Chekhov short story "Misery", Left Alone explores our need for compassionate listening when we're in pain, and the obstacles we face in that pursuit.
Kavi (India)
Directed by Gregg Helvey (19:00)
2010 Oscar-Nominee and Winner of the 2009 Student Academy Awards, Kavi is about a boy in India, who wants to play cricket and go to school, but instead he is forced to work in a brick kiln as a modern-day slave. Unsatisfied with his fate, Kavi must either accept what he's always been told, or fight fora translator.
Splitscreen: A Love Story (England)
Directedby J.W. Griffiths (2:25)
The screen is split down the middle. On the left wewitness the world through the eyes of a woman. On the right we see the worldthrough the eyes of a man. Although they live thousands of miles apart, theirlives seem to be inextricably linked.
The Dancer (India)
Directed by Seth Stark (11:15)
Shot on location in a remote village in India, TheDancer shows life through the eyes of an 11-year-old orphan boy, SatishKumar. Satish is sent away to anorphanage, where he hopes to escape the despair of the streets and find the joyto dance. This true story is basedentirely on an interview with Satish, who speaks only Telugu, and direction wasgiven through a translator.
Contact Us
Address:
P.O. Box 16191
Washington, DC 20041-6191
Tickets
The Loving Story
Thur 11/3 6:30pm, Bow Tie Cinema Reston Town Center
Buy Tickets
The Famous Firsts of Chuck Jones
Fri 11/4 6:30pm, Center for Innovative Technology
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Shorts Program Two
Fri 11/4 9:00pm, Center for Innovative Technology
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Shorts Program Three
Sat 11/5 2:30pm, Center for Innovative Technology
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Closing Night Film and Party
Sat 11/5 7:30pm, Center for Innovative Technology
Buy Tickets
Regular Screening - $12
Opening Night Film - $15
Closing Night Film and Party - $100
All tickets have limited availability. Tickets may be purchased through our website beginning October 10th. Day-of-Show tickets may be purchased at the screening venue (Reston Town Center for Opening Night & Center for Innovative Technology for all other screenings) 1 hour before the published start time.
Screening Regulations:
1. Ticket holder must be seated 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time or the seat may be forfeited.
2. The use of cameras or other recording equipment is prohibited during screenings.
3. All cell phones should be turned off or placed in silent mode prior to the start of each screening.
4. General Screenings and Special Screenings are not rated. Viewer discretion is advised.
5. Patrons of the Washington West Film Festival consent to be photographed or filmed and grant Washington West the right to use any footage for promotional and/or archival purposes.
More details regarding tickets will be available soon!
Get Involved
HOW TO VOLUNTEER FOR THE WASHINGTON WEST FILM FESTIVAL
Application Process
If you are interested in becoming a part of the Washington West Film Festival team, we want you on board! Once you have familiarized yourself with the information below, send an email to samantha@wwfilmfest.com with the following information: your name, phone number, whether you would like to work Part-Time or Full-Time, resume OR paragraph on why you want to be involved with Washington West.
Requirements
Volunteers must:
-Be at least 15 years old.
-Have command of the English language and display strong communication skills.
-Enjoy working with a diverse team of dedicated and energetic volunteers!
Commitment
Decide the level of commitment you can offer Washington West: Part-Time or Full-Time.
Part-Time Volunteers work a total of 4 hours throughout the festival and have flexibility in creating their schedule.
Full-Time Volunteers work a total of 12 hours throughout the festival and must commit to a pre- assigned schedule.
For both roles, our Volunteer Department will work with you to create a mutually convenient and beneficial schedule.
Benefits
Besides being a part of history with the 1st Annual Washington West Film Festival, volunteers will receive the following:
Ticket - 1 ticket to a regular screening
T-Shirt - Washington West Film Festival T-Shirt.Assignments
In your volunteer application, you may request to be placed in one of the following departments. We cannot guarantee you will be assigned your first choice, but we will do our best to accommodate.
Theatre Operations - Ushers, Ticket Takers, Balloting, Customer Service
Events - Party planning, decorating, catering, set-up and clean up
Production - Works Crew, Screenings Team, Venue set-up and clean up
Film Office - Filmmaker Coordinators, VIP Guest Relations
Questions? Please contact our Volunteer Department at samantha@wwfilmfest.com We look forward to hearing from you!