For film production, Philadelphia has long been one of the most popular states in the country. With its extensive history, picturesque cities, and beautiful landscapes, the commonwealth is a prominent location for Hollywood movies. Some of the films set and filmed in the commonwealth are the Rocky series, The Deer Hunter, The Silence of the Lambs, Age of Innocence, Philadelphia, Twelve Monkeys, The Sixth Sense, Beloved, and Wonder Boys. More blockbusters are sure to follow, as the commonwealth has added numerous incentives for filmmakers to take advantage of all Pennsylvania has to offer.
In addition to being a popular setting and filming location for Hollywood movies, Pennsylvania also has a vibrant independent film community of its own. While centered in the large cities of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, film associations can also be found in the commonwealth's several college towns. So, whether visiting the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art made famous by Rocky or looking for an interesting, local festival, opportunities to experience all types of film are abundant throughout the commonwealth.
Film in Philly
In Pennsylvania's largest city, the Philadelphia Film Festival is presented by the Philadelphia Film Society and held during the first week of April. The festival screens more than 200 films from around the country and the world, including feature-length films, documentaries, animation, and short student films. Screenings are held all over the Philadelphia metropolitan area, and the festival has recently expanded to the suburbs. Also, as of 2007, the festival has added the supplementary Greater Philadelphia Student Film Festival, which, over two days, screens films from area university students. For visitors who are unfamiliar with Pennsylvania film, this is a great place to start, as it attracts a large number of film buffs throughout the commonwealth. All major Pennsylvania film personalities will be in attendance alongside the numerous visiting filmmakers.
For a more specialized film festival experience, Philadelphia is also home to the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival. Taking place over two weeks in July, this festival screens movies of all genres and lengths that deal with issues confronting the world's gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender communities. Organizers of the festival work hard to create positive social change in the Philadelphia region by screening films that move beyond stereotypes and show the vast world of the gay and lesbian experience. All of the screenings are held at theaters in downtown Philadelphia. Because the festival seeks to educate as many people as possible about the the gay and lesbian community, all film lovers are welcomed to the screenings.
Pittsburgh Film
Pittsburgh, the commonwealth's second largest city, hosts the annual Three Rivers Film Festival, which occurs during the first two weeks of November. Now approaching its 30th year, the festival focuses on works with high artistic value that expand the horizons of cinema, including films by local filmmakers, plus documentaries, independent movies, shorts, and classics from around the nation and world. With music, city-wide parties, photography auctions, post-screening discussions, and talks with visiting filmmakers, the festival has established its own unique scene in the Pittsburgh area. The screenings are held at three theaters around Pittsburgh's downtown area, and tickets are available online. This festival is a highlight for visitors who enjoy films that challenge the mind and explore controversial topics.
Elsewhere in PA
In the northwest corner of the commonwealth on the banks of Lake Erie, the Great Lakes Independent Film Festival focuses on independent films that are made with digital technology. Taking place toward the end of September, the festival welcomes submissions of digital films in all genres, including experimental, documentary, horror, and animation. All screenings are held at the Roadhouse Theatre for Contemporary Art in downtown area of Erie. Visitors to this event are sure catch a glimpse of the digital future of film.
Also in Erie is the annual Erie Horror Film Fest, showcasing the variety and artistic excellence found in the horror genre. Attracting thousands of fans, filmmakers, and screenwriters, the festival gains a higher profile each year, and it continues to expand the number of screenings and events associated with the Fest. Held at the Erie Playhouse in the downtown section of the city, the festival takes place over five days in October and features special events such as autograph sessions with filmmakers, talks and panel discussions, and music performances.
Toward the eastern border of the commonwealth, the Allentown-Bethlehem area is home to the SouthSide Film Festival. The SouthSide Film Institute, which runs the festival, accepts all types of film submissions from anywhere in the world. The only requirement is that films are independently produce and not involved with the Hollywood system. Each year, the festival focuses on a specific style or region of filmmaking. Recent festivals have focused on experimental film, animation, and films from South America. The films are screened at several locations throughout downtown Bethlehem, and many smaller events surround the festival, including film seminars, live music, parties and a kids' animation series. The festival takes place each year in June.
In addition to these film festivals, nearly every town in Pennsylvania has a movie theater showing the usual nationally run films. Plus, cities such as Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg each contain independent movie theaters screening films that often cannot be found in smaller towns. And, for a more educational experience, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh both have IMAX theaters associated with major museums. Clearly, for film enthusiasts, Pennsylvania has much to offer.
