Film lovers will pack two historic Geneva venues this weekend as the Finger Lakes Film Festival returns for its fifth year.
The annual event, which features short films from around the world, takes place February 28 in Geneva. Organizers say the festival remains free and open to the public.
“We are excited to bring another eclectic batch of wonderful short films to film lovers in the Finger Lakes,” said festival co-organizer Tim Banach.
The program includes five distinct feature-length blocks of short films. Screenings will take place at The Dove Block Project’s Jim Spates Theater and the historic Smith Opera House.
Doors open at 10 a.m. at The Dove Block, located at 465 Exchange Street. Programs begin at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 2:15 p.m. Seating is limited, and organizers recommend arriving early.
Doors open at 5 p.m. at The Smith. The locally produced film Geneva Falls premieres at 5:30 p.m. Additional programming blocks begin at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Many filmmakers will attend the festival. Organizers will host a Q&A session after each block of short films.
After the screenings at The Smith, the festival will host a meet and greet with filmmakers at The Linden Social Club from 11 p.m. until closing.
Banach, who also serves as Deputy Director of the Rochester/Finger Lakes Film Commission, thanked the host venues and sponsors.
“We are thankful to our hosts at The Dove Block and The Smith, venues that have special significance in the Finger Lakes, and obviously in Geneva in particular. This year’s festival would also not be possible without the generous support of Empire Fiber Internet, who share our commitment to providing a one-of-a-kind cultural event for the whole community to enjoy,” Banach said.
He added that the Rochester/Finger Lakes Film Commission supports the festival as a way to showcase the region.
“The Rochester/Finger Lakes Film Commission is also thrilled to support the festival as a terrific way to put our region on the map for filmmakers from across the country and around the world. The Finger Lakes is not only an area where we celebrate film as viewers, but it’s also a terrific place to make films.”
Sydney Schumacher, Executive Director of the Geneva Business Improvement District, said the organization continues to back the event.
“The Geneva Business Improvement District is proud to support the Finger Lakes Film Festival for the fifth year in a row. It’s a terrific addition to downtown Geneva’s seasonal arts and cultural scene,” Schumacher said.
For more information, including lodging options in Geneva, visit fingerlakesfilmfestival.org.
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