“This year features more than 100 films from around the world that tackle a wide variety of issues at the forefront of humanity; whether related to social change, the environment, war, or people and places on the edge of society. As a festival that supportsthe work of emerging filmmakers, many of whom will be attending, we strive to develop a program that is both a showcase of independent film and a gathering place for filmmakers and for people who love independent film.”
-Judy Laster (WHFF’s Exec. Dir.)

The Woods Hole Film Festival, which showcases and promotes the work of independent filmmakers from New England and shows films that are relevant to life on Cape Cod, announces the line-up of the sixteenth annual festival from Saturday July 28, through Saturday August 4. Besides the large number of New England filmmakers represented in the festival, this year’s roster of films includes an unprecedented number of films created by filmmakers from around the world. There are also several panels supported by the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod, master classes, music events and of course, parties. For the first time attendees can plan a personalized schedule and rate and comment on the films they’ve seen through the B-Side online community (details at www.woodsholefilmfestival.org).

This year brings such talent to Woods Hole as Les Blank who will screen his most recent film, ALL IN THIS TEA in addition to leading a master class in documentary filmmaking looking at BURDEN OF DREAMS, his documentary about the making of Werner Herzog’s FITZCARRALDO (Thursday, August 2, 2:00 PM).
Sam Weisman, director of GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE, THE OUT OF TOWNERS, and others will be presenting another interesting master class in directing for film (Friday, August 3, 2:00 PM).

Some of Boston’s resident filmmakers will be heading down for the festival such as Arlington, MA-based director and writer David McLaughlin for his screening of ON BROADWAY starring a bevy of Boston-area natives, including Joey McIntyre, Eliza Dushku, Mike O'Malley, Lance Greene, Will Arnett, Robert Wahlberg, and Amy Poehler (Saturday, August 4, 8:00 PM, Redfield Auditorium).
Boston-based director David Tames will attend the world premiere of SMILE BOSTON PROJECT, a short film which follows artist Bren Bataclan through the first three years of his campaign to leave paintings in public places with a note that says, “This painting is yours to keep if you promise to smile at random people more often.” (Saturday, August 4, 5:00 PM, Old Woods Hole Fire Station).
There will be an enlightening series of panels throughout the week: The future of long form documentary in the age of Internet video Sunday, July 29th - 2 P.M. to 3:30 P.M., Panel Discussion: Delivering Video via the Internet: Challenges and Opportunities Tuesday, July 31 - 2 P.M. to 3:30 P.M, Media Literacy in the 21st Century Wednesday, August 1st - 4 P.M. to 5:30 P.M., Cities Without Walls (cWOW) Thursday, August 2 - 4:00 PM, Survival Strategies for Independent Producers Saturday, August 4th - 2 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. and Making a Good Living as a Filmmaker – An In Depth Workshop with Animator Bill Plympton Saturday August 4th 11:00 AM.
Find out what films and panels are the perfect fit for you on their website. There you will find locations, showtimes, synopses, and ticket and pass prices.