By Mary Beth Bainbridge, SFF organizer and director of Zephyr Gallery
My favorite week in Salem MA is fast approaching! In case you missed it, Salem Film Fest is March 3 through March 10, 2016. As a core volunteer with the Fest, I tried to verbalize why I adore this special week-long event.
One: the people. There are so many interesting people to meet during the week of Salem Film Fest, whether it is a visiting filmmaker, a local musician, a volunteer, or a fellow filmgoer.
Two: the popcorn. CinemaSalem uses real butter on the popcorn. Just don’t take it into PEM or the National Park Service!
Three: the Q+A. The conversation with the filmmaker or subject following a documentary enriches the experience.
Four: Salem Sketches. These mini-docs are short portraits of this fascinating city.
Five: the sponsors. It is nice to see local businesses supporting this wonderful week of independent film.
Six: the musical interludes. Before some screenings you can listen to a local musician perform.
Seven: the parties. After a day at the Fest, unwind and talk about the fantastic films.
Eight: the food. The receptions, the filmmaker breakfast at Caffé Graziani, and the after parties offer some delicious yummies.
Nine: the volunteers and staff. Anybody willing to spend their time during Salem Film Fest not watching the films is a special person for whom I am grateful.
Ten: the walls at CinemaSalem. In addition to the fun movie posters, this year the hallway at CinemaSalem will be lined with images from KEDI.
Eleven: the films. Oh yeah, the films! There is no question that any screening you attend is going to be amazing. I can never choose a favorite because each documentary is incredible in its own way.
See you at Salem Film Fest! I will be the one with popcorn excitedly talking with my neighbor about the groovy film we just saw and anticipating the next one.
Zephyr Gallery is a proud supporter of Salem Film Fest 2016 and greatly looking forward to an extraordinary week. We are sponsoring CURIOUS WORLDS: THE ART & IMAGINATION OF DAVID BECK screening on Thursday, March 3 at the Peabody Essex Museum. If you are even remotely interested in attending this screening, then get tickets now!
Counting down…
