October 18-28, 2018 featuring 125 films from 37 countries
by Cyndy Drue
Film festivals are a lot of fun if you’re lucky enough to spend the whole day and evening in the theater seeing films, many of which are being shown for the first time. You can get to know other film buffs since everyone is usually friendly and you have something in common to talk about – the film you just saw or the one you’re about to see. And there’s the Q+As afterwards with the film director and stars that always adds an element of exclusivity. This year look for Paul Dano, Joel Edgerton, Jason Reitman among many more.
The Opening Night film is Ben Is Back, starring Julia Roberts and Lucas Hedges (Academy Award nominated for his role in Manchester by the Sea in 2016). His father Peter Hedges is the writer / director and is scheduled to appear after the film. For a review, see this from Variety.
The Opening Film will take place Thursday, October 18 at 7:30 pm at the Philadelphia Film Center, formerly the Prince Theater at 1412 Chestnut Street.
Closing night film is Teddy Pendergrass: If you don’t know me, a documentary about Philadelphia’s own Teddy Pendergrass, singer of Harold Melvin and the Bluenotes with hits like Don’t Leave me this way, If you don’t know me by now, and many others. You’ll see interviews with Teddy’s family and friends along with The Sound of Philadelphia founders, Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. There will be a live concert following the screening.
The film will be shown at 7 pm, Friday, October 26 at the Philadelphia Film Center and at 7:20 pm at the Ritz East Theater, 125 S 2nd Street.
Tickets go on sale Friday October 5 to Philadelphia Film Society members, and to the public on Monday, October 8th and can be purchased through the Festival website, Filmadelphia.org/festival, in-person at the main box office at the Philadelphia Film Center or over the phone at 215-422-4970.
There are three Festival Badge levels: Weekend, All Access and VIP. The VIP badge gives you reserved seating at every screening, a ticket to M. Night Shyamalan’s Halloweeen party, and more.
The full Festival schedule and digital Festival Program Guide is available now at Filmadelphia.org/festival
To make it easier for you to navigate the schedule, the festival offers the return of PFF27 Pregame: Inside the Guide. The PFS programming team will give the inside scoop on this year’s festival at these locations:
Monday, October
Martha (2113 E. York St in Kensington)
6 PM – 8 PM
Wednesday, October 10th
Glory Beer Bar & Kitchen (126 Chestnut St, Olde City)
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
