WEST CHESTER, PA — The full lineup of films has been announced for the 2023 West Chester International Short Film Festival. Forty-nine films have been selected for this year’s festival, including films from seventeen different countries. These films will be shown in two-hour blocks through the weekend at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center in Downtown West Chester, PA.
“I love the variety of the Film Festival,” says Kevin Fitzpatrick, the Vice-President and Filmmaker Liaison of the Film Festival. “In a single two-hour block of films, you could see a tense drama, the funniest comedy of the year, a thought-provoking documentary, a brilliant animation, and more!”
Highlights this year include some films that showcase the history of West Chester as well as films that give insight into diverse stories from around the world.
- The Mushroom Man: A documentary about chemist G. Raymond Rettew. In his backyard laboratory, Rettew applied principles from his mushroom business and became the first person to develop the mass production of penicillin, saving countless lives during WWII and beyond. Produced by Doug Gahm and Deb Divine (descendants of Rettew) and narrated by Eugene Levy, the development of this untold story has been a labor of love. “As producers, Deb and I strongly believe we have a unique opportunity to share this powerful story with others as part of the rich history of Chester County,” says producer Doug Gahm. “It’s a story steeped in the history of the mushroom industry of Chester County and a story that evolved into one of the most important medical discoveries of its time.”
- Feeling Through: An Oscar-nominated drama. In Feeling Through, the first film to star a DeafBlind actor, Tereek encounters Artie, a DeafBlind man in need of help getting home. From an awkward meeting emerges an intimate bond and discovery.
- El Tratamientio (The Treatment): An Oscar-shortlisted comedy from Spain. An innovative cure for baldness has been found! This clinic offers what you’ve always wanted . . . for an unusual price.
- Grump in the Night: An animated heart-warming comedy. One stormy night, a man is awoken by strange noises downstairs and soon finds himself facing off with a TV-loving poltergeist.
All the details for this year’s Fest are now available on the WestChesterFilmFestival.com website, including film descriptions, full weekend schedule, Pop-Up Film Block details, venue information, and more. The 2023 West Chester Film Festival will be held from April 28th through 30th, 2023.
For additional information about the West Chester International Short Film Festival visit www.westchesterfilmfestival.com.
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