Saturday, November 2, 2024

City of Pottsville Announces Inaugural Pottsville Film Festival

The City of Pottsville has officially announced its first-ever Pottsville Film Festival, a three-day cinematic event slated for May 30 through June 1, 2025. 

This festival, a celebration of creativity, storytelling, and community, will showcase the talents of filmmakers from across the nation, featuring a mix of screenings, workshops, and social events in Pottsville’s downtown.

Headlining the festival are two notable special guests: Danny Grimaldi, celebrated for his role as Patsy Parisi on The Sopranos, and Pottsville native Meredith Averill, graduate of Pottsville Area High School, is an award-winning television writer and producer whose credits include Locke & Key, Wednesday, and The Haunting of Hill House

Festival Highlights

Friday, May 30
The Pottsville Film Festival kicks off with an exclusive Meet & Greet with Grimaldi and Averill at the Eagle Tavern. Following this, attendees will enjoy a Red Carpet Event at Arrow Studio & Events, where filmmakers and guests can connect over a shared love for film.

Saturday, May 31
The Majestic Theatre will host a day of Film Block Showings, featuring works from student, local, and national filmmakers. Guests can explore the Beer Garden and enjoy live entertainment, adding a festive atmosphere to the screenings. For aspiring writers, Meredith Averill will lead a Writers Workshop at the Pottsville Campus of Alvernia University, providing invaluable insights into the industry. The day will wrap up with an Italian-Style Dinner Party at The Chopping Block, complete with a Q&A session featuring Danny Grimaldi, offering a behind-the-scenes look at The Sopranos.

Sunday, June 1
The final day begins with a Sunday Brunch, leading into the festival’s highly anticipated Awards Ceremony. Three $500 cash prizes will be awarded for Best Student Film, Best Pennsylvania Film, and Best of the Fest, along with 15 additional trophies in categories recognizing outstanding film achievements.

Get Involved

Filmmakers are encouraged to submit their works starting, November 1, 2024. Submissions can be made via the FilmFreeway portal, accessible through the official festival page on www.downtownpottsville.com. Ticket sales for the event will also be available on the website in the coming weeks.