Big Changes for Salem Film Festival! | Arts & Culture

Autumn brings in beautiful fall foliage into the Salem area. This year, and from here on out, autumn will also mark the arrival of the annual Salem Film Festival to take place on October 15-22, 2010!

Unlike years past, the festival will take place on the third weekend in October instead of in April. The change allows organizers additional time to create what is already a dazzling event, and to increase awareness of this festival to the local community and visitors from out-of-town.

The Salem Film Festival showcases a broad scope of films. Independent films are mostly featured, with a diverse mix of international and professional films, and features and shorts. According to their website, the Salem Film Festival aim at bringing in outstanding films and filmmakers to Salem for the purpose of “showcasing independent film talent, providing educational opportunities for amateur and student filmmakers, fostering film appreciation in the community, strengthening the local economy, and improving Salem’s quality of life.”

Also new this year, organizers are planning to expand the number of venues that will showcase the films and filmmakers. Last year, the festivities took place exclusively at Salem Cinema located on 1127 Broadway NE, Salem. This year, there are plans to add venues such as The Grand Theater and Ike Box.

Loretta Miles, festival coordinator and owner of Salem Cinema, says they are just wrapping up all the details such as submitting films. Visit their website beginning in March for all the info.

So mark your calendars for the Salem Film Festival in October. You don’t want to miss this!

Photo Caption: A full house at the 2009 Salem Film Festival which took place at the Salem Cinema. Photo courtesy of Salem Film Festival.