The River's Edge International Film festival brings independent film to the smart, arts-oriented, mid-American river town of Paducah, Kentucky. Hosted by Maiden Alley Cinema, the MAC's executive director, Landee Bryant, visited Sounds Good to discuss the weekend long festival.
Paducah, KY already has a burgeoning visual and performing arts scene, and the River's Edge film festival is right in the center of this cultural hub. Starting in 2005, the festival is a four day event built around the showing of quality independent film from around the world. For the film lover, River's Edge provides multiple venues in which to experience the best the world of cinema has to offer. For the filmmaker, the festival offers opportunites for exhibition, education, and networking with contemporaries. River's Edge celebrates the artform of filmmaking and the art of the cinema.
The River's Edge Film Festival kicked off with a special showcase of films from across the UNESCO Creative Cities Network at the REIFF headquarters, Maiden Alley Cinema, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 1st. True to their dedication to the promotion of cross-cultural awareness, MAC presented short films from around the world including Santos, Brazil, Rome, Italy, and Nagoya, Japan.
Friday through Sunday, accepted films will be presented at four unique downtown venues. This includes not only Maiden Alley Cinema, but also the Yeiser Art Center, Market House Studio Theatre, and the riverfront Holiday Inn. Saturday, November 3rd, there is a meet and greet opportunity at Kirchoff's with the featured filmmakers in attendance. The meet and greet will take place at 9 a.m. The festival will conclude on Sunday, November 4th, with a sampling of the award winning films and showing of the Best of the Fest winner at 5 p.m. at Maiden Alley. Friday through Sunday there is a green room available to filmmakers, all access pass holders, and volunteers located at the Paducah Cigar Company at 217 Broadway. The green room will be open from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. everyday except Sunday, on which the green room will close early at 5 p.m.
35 films will be featured at River's Edge, including documentary by local artist, Glenn Hall, about the Asian carp epidemic in Paducah called Dark Water. A narrative documentary called Bulleit County will also be featured, described as a mix of the classic and dark films, No Country For Old Men, Deliverance, and The Shining. A full film schedule can be found at the REIFF website. Landee Bryant emphasizes the character behind these films, encouraging prospective festival goers to expand their horizons beyond pricey blockbusters. "Don't be scared or intimidated by or think that [these films] aren't something that will be just as entertaining or wonderful as the films you see that millions of dollars go into. These are labors of love for a lot of people, they're done on a dime, but the production value is just as great, and you can really see the heart and the soul of the artists and the filmmakers in them."
All access weekend passes can be purchased online, or you can pay $5 at individual screening blocks. Students can receive a free all access pass with their student ID. For more information on the River's Edge International Film Festival, visit the REIFF website or the Maiden Alley Cinema website.
