Aug. 8, 2014 By Michael Florio
The 10th annual Rural Route Film Festival takes place at the Museum of Moving Image this weekend.
The festival aims to showcase international films that take place far outside of city life. Alan Webster, an Astoria-based filmmaker who grew up in Elkader, Iowa, is the organizer.
There will be 16 films screened at the museum starting 7 pm Friday, including five features and 11 short films, from countries such as the Ukraine, Russia, Slovenia, Hungary, Somalia, the United Kingdom and the US.
One of the themes of this year’s festival is a focus on the ancient pagan cultures of Eastern Europe, with an opening night screening and reception to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sergei Paradjanov’s Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors, set in the Ukraine’s Carpathian Mountains.
Along with screenings there will be live music performed on the museums courtyard.
“Alan Webber has put together a truly dazzling and spectacular program of films for the tenth edition of the Rural Route Film Festival. The selection of new and classic films and music will truly transport the audience,” David Schwartz, the Museum’s Chief Curator said.
A festival pass, which grants access to all screenings, costs $27, with tickets for individual shows costing $10. Museum members can get in for free.
For more information and weekend schedule, please click here.