Thirteen years ago, a handful of film fans from Rehoboth Beach tossed around the idea of showing independent films in local restaurants. This tiny group of five’s first move: advertise a meeting for fellow film buffs – just to see how much interest was really out there.
Cut to the next scene: About 30 people turn out for that first meeting. During the meeting, they watched a film about small-town residents with a big dream, and by the end of the evening, the Rehoboth Beach Film Society was born.
The following year, in November 1998, the Society screened its first Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival, a three-day event. In the next 12 years, the Film Festival became a much-anticipated event for locals and visitors alike, and the Rehoboth Beach Film Society established itself as a major cultural resource for the Delaware beaches and surrounding towns.
Today, the Society has a membership of about 1,300. In 2008, more than 18,000 tickets were sold during the now five-day festival - the most in the Festival’s history.
The Film Festival now showcases approximately 100 of the best American and international films including features, documentaries, and shorts. All films are shown at one location, the Movies at Midway, north of Rehoboth Beach. During the Festival, the Big Tent situated behind the movie theater is the event’s nerve center – that’s where tickets, refreshments and all kinds of cool souvenirs are available, and it’s where theatergoers can hang out and discuss their favorite films.
The audience at the Rehoboth Beach Film Festival does a lot more than sit and eat popcorn – they get to pick their favorite films in several categories. Best Feature, Best Debut Feature, Best Short and Best Documentary are announced at the Festival’s Closing Party.
And there’s much more than just film screenings going on throughout the Festival. Film buffs can attend informative seminars, chat with celebrity guests and attend a number of other special events. Elementary school film buffs can enjoy Children’s Cinema Corner, which features age-appropriate films, face painting, craft stations and more.
Since 2004, a deserving student director has been the recipient of the Morris Fierberg Student Film Award, named for the longtime Society member and volunteer. The Morris Fierberg Award, $1,000 in cash, is announced as part of the Festival.
This year’s Festival is set for Nov. 10-14. Tickets for the Film Festival’s offerings are $9 for general admission and $8 for seniors, youth and students.
For more information, call (302) 645-9095 or go to www.rehobothfilm.com. |
