By Lynn O’Rourke Hayes
From FamilyTravel.com
Put a film festival on your travel wish list for a chance to preview the latest releases, learn from emerging and experienced filmmakers, and discover new destinations. Here are five to consider.
Telluride Film Festival
Every year, this picturesque mountain town triples in size when movie lovers flock to this high mountain enclave to experience the launch of the season’s celebrated films. Over the years, Telluride attendees were among the earliest screeners of “Juno,” “Brokeback Mountain,” “The Crying Game” and “The Civil War.” Attend and expect to be motivated by artist tributes, discussion panels, filmmaker conversations and plenty of surprises – including each year’s film roster. During the four-day event young audiences might be inspired to climb Everest, become an animator or to turn their talents toward movie-making. Telluride is also host to the annual Mountain Film festival, featuring top-notch documentaries. Make time to troll through the scenic town, fly fish, hike, mountain bike and sample tasty bites in locally owned and operated eateries. Check websites to confirm 2023 dates.For more: https://www.telluridefilmfestival.org; https://pasangmovie.com; www.MountainFilm.org; www.Colorado.com
Santa Barbara International Film Festival
Set on the stunning California coast, a stretch often referred to as the American Riviera, this celebration of cinematic art attracts more than 100,000 people eager to choose from more than 200 films. One of the leading festivals in the US, the eleven-day event includes celebrity tributes during which a moderator and the honoree discussing the latter’s career, complete with clips and montages from their body of work. When not focused on the silver screen, enjoy time shopping, biking, playing volleyball on the beach or hike to a waterfall in the nearby Santa Ynez Mountains.For more: https://santabarbaraca.com; https://sbiff.org
Toronto Film Festival
This Canadian celebration of cinematic art has launched many Oscar winners during its September festival. The 10-day showcase screens more than 300 films from around the world, attracting as many as 250,000 enthusiasts each year. Of particular note is a focus on Canadian shorts and the debut of Canadian filmmakers. Much of the excitement takes place at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, a five-story complex featuring cinemas and galleries. Later, explore Toronto via streetcar, visit the zoo, the Ontario Science Center and the Hockey Hall of Fame.For more: www.destinationtoronto.com; https://www.tiff.net/
Venice International Film Festival
Considered the world’s oldest film festival, and one of the “big three,” along with Cannes and Berlin, Italy’s Venice Film Festival is a part of the Venice Biennale, one of the world’s oldest exhibitions of art. Created by the Venice City Council in the 1893, the Biennale now covers Italian and international art, architecture, dance, music, theater and cinema. Typically held in late August or early September on Lido, an island in the Venice Lagoon, the festival continues to gain in popularity in one of the world’s most appealing tourism destinations. (The 79th Venice International Film Festival begins 31 August 31, 2022.) Stay in the palatial, waterfront Hotel Danielle, built at the end of the 14th century, for a preferred location, a dose of history, and spectacular views.For more: Hotel Danieli : https://www.labiennale.org/en/cinema/2022
New York International Children’s Film Festival
Established in 1997, the NYICCF encourages the creation of intelligent films for young people through their annual, Oscar-qualifying film festival as well as a national touring program and a media arts and literacy program. The organization’s efforts are designed to celebrate the power of film and to spark the inherent capacity of children to connect with complex art and diverse perspectives. This year’s Spring festival included 20 features and more than 60 shorts from around the world, including the festival’s first film from Kyrgyzstan. Programming offers titles that will engage children as young as 3 years old. Check the website for trailers and other opportunities from the 2022 festival as well as dates for 2023. For more: www.NYICCF.org.Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com
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