Festival Events & Highlights

OPENING NIGHT
Friday, October 15th
Filmmaker jeff Lipsky with The U.S. Premiere of TWELVE THIRTY!

Director Jeff Lipsky returns to Salem Film Festival for his second time as our featured Opening Night guest and we couldn't be more thrilled than we are to offer the U.S. Premiere of his recently completed film TWELVE THIRTY! Fresh from competition in Montreal and unseen by any other audience in America, this brilliant, potent film confirms once and for all that Mr. Lipsky is truly a force to be reckoned with. The 2009 Salem Film Festival featured ONCE MORE WITH FEELING as well as FLANNEL PAJAMAS, both to enthralled audiences.

As someone who has devoted most of his adult life to believing in the magic of the movies, as do we, Jeff recently said: "Seeing a movie in a theatre can still be the most entertaining vacation from reality imaginable. It can profoundly impact one's life (which, for a filmmaker, is the greatest achievement), and it can inspire young people as completely and utterly as can any other august art form... more so, I believe." Read the recent Statesman Journal interview with Jeff here!

OPENING NIGHT FESTIVITIES
Friday, October 15th
Party at Prudence Uncorked
325 High Street SE • 9:00pm

Our generous hosts Prudence Uncorked will host a grand celebration on opening night of the 2010 Salem Film Festival. Celebrate and mingle with our visiting filmmakers, the creators of the soul and character encompassing this year's festival. Tickets to this exclusive event are $40 or entrance is included with your VIP Pass.

WORLD PREMIERE EVENT
Saturday, October 16th
An Evening With Filmmaker Joanna Priestley, including the World Premiere of her Animated Short film, EYE LINER!

Since our first film festival four years ago, we've been trying to coax the Mistress of Mischief to join us in Salem. The internationally acclaimed animator, Joanna Priestley, named the "Queen of Independent Animation" by Bill Plympton, has finally been available to accept our invitation. At long last, her busy schedule allowed her some free time that perfectly matched with our eent -- and the wait is over! Not only will the Lady of Lark herself be joining us for an entire evening of dazzling entertainment that encompasses her 20+ year career, but she has honored Salem Film Festival patrons by saving her newest work just for you! We are over the brilliantly colored animated dancing moon to have this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present the World Premiere of her recently completed film EYE LINER! This very special Evening with Joanna Priestley is no kiddie cartoon show, instead be prepared to experience her insightful and unique look at the glorious unpredictable nature of it all!

 

 

 

 

FILMMAKER RECEPTION
Saturday, October 16th
Party at Christo's Pizzeria 1108 Broadway NE • 9:00pm

Join us after a full day of movie-watching on Saturday for another opportunity to socialize with filmmakers and other lovers of fine film. Michael and Lisa of Christo's Pizzeria will provide light appetizers and a no-host bar.

UKULELE BOOGALOO with Jim D'Ville
Sunday, October 17th
The Return of MIGHTY UKE and our own Salem Ukulele Strummers!

We did before and we'll do it again!

Last spring, filmmakers Tony Coleman and Margaret Meagher went on the road with MIGHTY UKE, taking the country by storm one sweet note at a time. Salem was no exception and that single glorious night at Salem Cinema is still being talked about. We couldn't be more proud than we are to offer an encore strummin', singin' and screening event, so tune those ukes and join in. Take your inspiration from this delightful documentary, but that's barely the beginning. The film will be followed by a Ukulele Boogaloo, featuring none sing, you can play. The Salem Uke-aholics and members of SUSA will help, too, proving once again that the tiny uke proves that great things really do come in small packages.

DRAG QUEEN THING WING-DING
Wednesday, October 20th
Following the screening of SISSYBOY, we are putting on one spectacular extravaganza!

Any film lover will tell you that one of the most fabulous facets of great filmmaking is its ability to inspire as well as entertain, so when we watched Katie Turinski's film, SISSYBOY, we knew that we didn't want it to end when the credits rolled. What better way to keep the mood alive than to present our very own Drag Show Extravaganza!? Not only will Katie and some of the original sissyboys be wtih us for a night unlike any other, but you should come prepared to be wowed by the fantastic Rikki Lee and fine FabuLanzaa, to name just a few!

Everybody loves a good show and whether you are a seasoned drag show veteran or a timid virgin, this will truly be a film festival night to remember! So break out your heels, hair, sequins and satin and join us for an exciting evening filled with music, dancing, a little mischief, and hopefully a scintillating bit of something you've never experienced before!