Friends, we are in full production mode as we wrap up the last details and prep for opening day. It's always exciting and we love putting this on for you. To add to the mix, Sam Kann and Phayvanh Luekhamhan have been talking to the media to hype this year's offerings and what a cultural event like this means for downtown Montpelier. Below are the film options for Saturday. (We will post about special events separately.)
Saturday Films 3/15
Queer Shorts | 11:30 AM | Capitol - Masks Required
*Masks are required and will be provided. The first of three shorts programs explores queer joy, resistance, community, struggle, and love across the world. Q&A with filmmaker Fiona Obertinca following the screening. Other shorts programs on Saturday include:
- Coming of Age Shorts | 2 PM | Capitol - Q&A with filmmakers Sarah Bloom and Philip Thompson following the screening.
- Mothership Monthly Film Festival Selects | 12 Noon | Savoy Downstairs - Q&A with filmmakers Noah Mauchly, Daisy May, Dillon Tanner, Kaitlyn Carroll, and Ryan Siegmann following the screening.
Narratives by renowned storytellers
Caught by the Tides | 4:30 PM | Savoy Upstairs
"I think it is objectively one of the boldest films we've considered and takes advantage of the cinematic medium to its fullestโby which I mean the colors, images, and sounds are transporting and emotional. A film that feels more about the power of the medium than any particular story, a film that got into my bones and created images that will be forever burned into my memory." โ screening committee review
Sponsor: Montpelier Performing Arts Hub, The Point Radio
The Shrouds | 7 PM | Savoy Upstairs
"This film reminded me of how important a competent and experienced filmmaker is. I was aware of this from the first scene of this ambitious story, which is the next extension of Cronenberg's fascination with the human body, right into the grave. I was with this the whole way." โ screening committee review
Sponsor: National Life, The Penguin 97.9 & 105.7
Documentaries making Vermont Premieres
Twice Into Oblivion | 11:30 AM | Savoy Upstairs
"The shots of rural Haiti & the Dominican Republic shimmer. The interviews of survivors are candid and gut wrenching." โ screening committee review
Sponsor: Law Office of Sidney Collier, PLC
Seeds | 7 PM | Capitol
"Excellently weaves sweet and human stories with staggering stats of discrimination from the banks, government and farming communities that target Black farmers, leading to financial instability and land loss." โ screening committee review
Sponsors: Salon Black Walnut, NOFA-VT
Preceded by 5:30p Sowing Seeds discussion at 54 Main St. Please RSVP to Sowing Seeds separately.
Heightened Scrutiny | 7:30 PM | Savoy Downstairs
"An incredibly prescient documentary on the kind of threats and injustices the trans community faces in the United States' current political climate and how it relates to civil rights as a whole." โ screening committee review
Sponsors: Hunger Mountain Coop, The Montpelier Bridge
Other documentary shows on Saturday include:
- Join or Die | 1:45 PM | Savoy Upstairs - Discussion with the filmโs editor Chad Ervin, Montpelier Rotary Club President Marc Gwinn, and Knitting Guild Secretary Judy Bond following the screening. Sponsors: Gram Central and Big House Cultivators
- Predators | 4:30 PM | Capitol - Sponsors: Skinny Pancake and Positive Pie
Today Phayvanh talked about how the festival contributes to downtown Montpelier's business recovery.
Ways to support Montpelier's businesses when you're attending the festival
- Patronize our sponsors: From eateries like Sarducci's, Skinny Pancake, Three Penny Taproom, Positive Pie, and Filibuster, to Gram Central, one of Montpelier's first dispensaries, there's a lot to find in the smallest state capital.
- Make a weekend of it: Stay at the Capitol Plaza using our preferred partner link for a special festival rate; pick up grocery needs at the Hunger Mountain Coop, use the ATMs at North Country Federal Credit Union, see a show at the Montpelier Performing Arts Hub, and pick up a book published by Whiskey Tit or Rootstock Publishing.
- Come visit us at the festival hub, located inside KSherpa at 28 Main Street. We'd love to help you design your schedule over a cup of chai. When you support the festival, you support all of downtown Montpelier.
Katharine Huntley
Earlier, Sam talk about the movie and program selection for 2025.
See you at the movies!
