Welcome to the 17th edition of the Philadelphia Film Festival and what we hope will be a great reception to our selection of
more than 250 films from almost 50 countries.
Each year, we at the Philadelphia Film Society (PFS) challenge ourselves to produce a more exciting, diverse and
provocative film festival than the previous ones. Though the 17th year of the Philadelphia Film Festival (PFF) isn’t a
landmark year on the calendar, this year’s Festival is significant in many new and exciting ways. Beyond the 250 films from
more than 40 nations of the world that promise to entertain, enlighten and engage, there are a number of dynamic changes
in the programming.
Some of these changes include: A tribute to contemporary Indian cinema (Bollywood and beyond); a resurgence of French
cinema; a retrospective of classic film noir; a celebration of the award-winning shorts from the 3rd Greater Philadelphia
Student Film Festival; an expanded Danger After Dark section; first-ever juried awards for animation; the return of the
Cinema of the Muslim Worlds category; and the far reaching Lights! Camera! Music! series, from popular to modern to punk.
Our programmers work year round evaluating films at international film festivals in Berlin, Toronto, London, Rotterdam and, domestically , in Park
City (Sundance) and Palm Springs, as well as in the humbler confines of their offices and homes — all so that we can bring the best to Philadelphia!
As Festival attendees, you will have your chance to give feedback on the programmers’ selections when you cast your ballots for the audience
awards for best feature film, best documentary and best Danger After Dark selection. We are constantly striving to provide programming not just at
PFF and the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, but also all year long through partnerships with other institutions within the city
and in the neighboring suburbs and counties.
Partnerships producing panels, seminars, exhibitions and special events during this year have included such educational and cultural institutions
as Drexel University, University of the Arts, University of Pennsylvania, the Prince Music Theater, International House, Scribe Video, the Bryn Mawr
Film Institute, the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, the Print Club of Philadelphia, the Jewish Film Festival, One Film/One Book/One Philadelphia, New
Hope Celebrates Film and the Franklin Institute.
This year, we continue to reach beyond city lines to return for the third year to the Bryn Mawr Film Institute. The production of all these programs
is possible thanks to the continued support and hard work from many people behind the scenes, including the PFS Board of Directors and the PFS
Advisory Board. This year, we also have welcomed several new staff members who include new Membership Coordinator, Jared Miller. We also would
like to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our loyal volunteers. This diverse group ranging from high schoolers to senior citizens fuels the Festival in
immeasurable ways. We would also like to thank the State and City governments, foundations, corporate sponsors, advertisers, hoteliers, restaurants
and individual donors for their support that is crucial to making this Festival possible.
I hope that everyone enjoys the Festival. If you’re not already a PFS member, please join us so that you can be counted among the ranks of film
lovers s in our region.

–Thom Cardwell

The full festival program on the site