This op-ed ran in the Salem News on March 5, 2010.
The Salem Film Fest, which wrapped yesterday, has in a mere three years become one of the city’s favorite late-winter diversions.
Each year, it seems, more and more want to get into the act as sponsors, presenters, performers, hosts or cineasts. Over the past week, almost three dozen documentary films were screened, most of them at CinemaSalem, whose owner, Paul Van Ness, founded the event in 2008. (more…)
This article ran in the Salem News on Feb. 12, 2010
By Alysa Obert
Gordon College News Service
MARBLEHEAD — Marble-head High junior Jessica Doherty competes on the swim and tennis teams, helps out with the recycling club, made the honor roll, and started her film career — all before her 17th birthday.
Melissa Doherty, a junior at Marblehead High, is a volunteer at the Salem Film Fest. Courtesy photo
“It’s important for people my age to get out there and actually do something that they’re interested in,” said Doherty, who is also volunteering at this year’s Salem Film Fest, Feb. 26 to March 4.
Chris Gilbert, director of the festival’s volunteers, said Doherty stood out when he gathered volunteers last week at CinemaSalem, where most of the festival will take place. (more…)
Salem — A legendary documentarian will step out from behind his camera to discuss his work during Salem Film Fest next week.Salem Film Fest 2010 will be the first festival to feature the cinematic talents of both Les Blank, whose documentary film career has spanned more than 40 years, and his son Harrod Blank. (more…)
Published in the Salem News on Feb. 19, 2010.
By Larry Claflin Jr.
Staff writer
"Good Fortune," produced by former Beverly resident Jeremy Levine, explores how international efforts to alleviate poverty in Africa may be undermining the communities they aim to benefit. The film will be screened Saturday, Feb. 27, at 4:15 p.m. Courtesy photo
In just its third year, the Salem Film Fest has grown into the largest festival for documentaries in New England, according to Joe Cultrera, one of the event’s founders and its programming director. (more…)
Groups are welcome at the festival
If you’re an educator or organizer, you should be aware that the Salem Film Fest offers significant discounts for college, high school, middle school, and elementary field trips during festival hours and also during weekdays between February 22 and March 4. Groups of 50 can enjoy individual admission price of $6, with teachers/chaperones attending for free. Furthermore, educational institutions who schedule one such field trip qualify all teachers, staff, and students at that institution for a $6 individual admission for all films throughout the festival! Contact us for more information.
courtesy image
The Salem Film Fest Selection Committee recently got good news when one of the films already selected for the festival was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Feature Documentary category.
“The Cove” will screen at the Salem Film Fest on Monday, March 1, at 7:30 pm, six days before the Oscar ceremonies on Sunday, March 7. (more…)
