Armed with a pint of Victory‘s Headwaters and a plate of cheese and crackers, mini eggrolls and addicting mesquite chicken, I was ready to mingle with the masterminds behind the films in the 7th Annual West Chester Chester Film Festival at the awards party at The Note on Sunday evening.
Over the weekend of April 29 through May 1, more than 500 participants came out to watch 60 short films including five by young filmmakers. The festival’s stellar lineup represented 16 states and a few were Academy Award winners and nominees. The film festival is gaining a reputation amongst the international film festival circuit and received 170 submissions from around the world, even entries from Istanbul, Mexico, Turkey, Africa and Belguim.
Much like his parents, Judy and H. Paul Fitzpartrick, Kevin Fitzpatrick has become a major player in the film festival and serves as the board’s secretary. “The origination of the West Chester Film Festival was to illustrate an interest in film, specifically independent film, in West Chester,” said Kevin. “We are really proud that we are in our seventh season. The community really supported us from the get-go.”
The Note’s dim lighting, exposed wooden beams, brick walls, gothic chandeliers and ornate sconces provided the perfect backdrop for a casual evening filled with great independent films, intriguing conversation and fun. After a few hours of networking, bidding on silent auction items and noshing on appetizers and open bar, the partygoers began to file in and take their seats amongst the rows of large couches in front of the big screen to watch the award winners from the festival.
There were eight categories played throughout the weekend and the winner of each category received a Chester. This beloved sculpture was locally designed by Brett Walker and crafted by Ryan Blyth. And the Chesters went to… “Prayers for Peace” for Best Animation, “Sensology” for Best Art/Experimental, “God of Love” for Best Comedy, “Little Children, Big Words” for Best Drama, “Revolutionary Microphone” for Best Documentary, “Coming off the DL” for Best PA Filmmaker, “The Confession” for Best Student Film and “Reco” for the H. Paul Fitzpartrick People’s Choice Award.
The weekend was filled with workshops, films, and opportunities to get to know the filmmakers during the opening night celebration at Iron Hill, meet and greet at Pietro’s and closing party at The Note. The film festival is more than an opportunity to discover new films, it brought a spotlight to the stores, galleries and eateries that make our town great. Hotels and B&B’s were booked up and stores were tweeting how much of an increase in traffic they saw.
Participants traveled from NY, CA and all over to attend and Ryan Quinn came from Pittsburgh for the festival. His film, “Iowa is Closed Today” has traveled to seven festivals but this one brought him and his family to town for the first time. Ryan talked about his budding love affair with West Chester and said, “I love small towns like this. We went to some cool little shops, older buildings and great restaurants. This festival is the best I have been to with this film. The organization, social events, and people in charge have by far been the best.”
The evening ended with the unveiling of the winner of the H. Paul Fitzpatrick People’s Choice Award, which went to Henderson junior, Courtney Baxter. This award was renamed this year to honor the man who was such a driving force in starting the film festival to town and it is very fitting it went to a West Chester Native. “Reco” was the first short that Courtney produced (she was also the lead actress) and entered in a film festival and it captured the hearts of audience members throughout the weekend.
“I live in West Chester and go to Henderson, so this is nice it’s in my hometown. I am so impressed and think it is all wonderful. I went to a few blocks that “Reco” wasn’t in and it was all great,” exclaimed the glowing Baxter. “There wasn’t one film you were like ‘when will this be over?’ but that is the beauty of short films. I hope to be back next year and everyone I met is so wonderful.”
As with all good things, they must come to an end, but be sure to be on the lookout for the 8th Annual West Chester Film Festival (they are currently looking for volunteers for the event) next April, when incredible films and filmmakers take over our town for the weekend.
