The Centre Film Festival is happening this weekend. It was held at the Rowland Theatre in Philipsburg last year. But this year, because of the pandemic, it’s coming to a living room near you.
“So we’re in our second year, and obviously we hope to continue in person next year,” says Pearl Gluck, who teaches film in the Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications at Penn State. She’s co-founder of the Centre Film Festival.
“So it comes out to about 50 films that become instantly available to you with a weekend pass.”
The virtual festival includes horror films for Friday the 13th, comedies, documentaries, films for kids, and even a series of pandemic shorts. The festival includes work by filmmakers from around the world, around the country and from Pennsylvania.
“We’re really proud of that,” Gluck says. “We have about six offerings from ‘Made in Pennsylvania.’ And the one that’s super-local, out of State College, is Richie Sherman and John Beale’s film called ‘Franklin Manor,’ about the mobile home park that got displaced across from Walmart. It’s really terrific and it’s a premiere.”
The festival also features films by Penn State and high school students. And all of the filmmakers will participate in virtual question and answer sessions.
“When you buy a pass to the festival, you can watch whatever films you want, anytime this weekend.”
And Gluck says, you’re supporting local venues.
“State Theatre, Rowland Theatre and 3 Dots all get proceeds. It depends on you: you can choose who you want your ticket to go to. “
The Festival continues through Sunday at online, where you’ll find a list of films and ticket information.
