SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC NEWS) — The 19th annual Syracuse International Film Festival is returning to Central New York this week, featuring 33 films and short films from around the world, including ones from within the community.
Trent Welstead, the associate director of programming for SIFF, believes the festival is a great way for the community to engage in ways they haven’t before.
“I think that there’s still a lot of value in sharing stories and new experiences to challenge yourself to question your assumptions and experience things that you might not otherwise have been accustomed to,” Welstead said.
This year’s festival will be held in several locations, including the Milton J. Rubenstein Museum of Science and Technology in Downtown Syracuse. Earlier this year, the museum opened the National Grid ExploraDome, where the films will be screened. MOST President Lauren Kochian is excited to welcome not only the festival to Armory Square, but also the community effort that both the museum and festival share.
“They’re doing this important work in the community,” Kochian said. “Anytime we can work with a likeminded community group, it’s really great for both of us.”
While the festival is a way for Central New Yorkers to be involved in the exposure of local, national, and international cultures, it ultimately celebrates the filmmakers. SIFF board member Eric Vinal knows this is a way for filmmakers to see what Central New York has to offer for their future projects.
“The impact for people that aren’t from here is to see how great Central New York is and to see how great it can be to shoot something here but also to show we are appreciating filmmakers all across the world and all across the country,” Vinal said.
Festival activities include the film screenings, a Q&A panel, the New Filmmakers Showcase, and the SIFF 2022 Awards Ceremony.
One highlighted award is the Sophia. “The award is one we give out to people that make outstanding creative achievements in the word of independent cinema,” said Welstead.
This year’s Sophia award is being presented to members of the Central New York community, CEO and Head of Production respectively for American High, Jeremy Garelick and Will Phelps.
The festival brings it positive impact to Syracuse beginning Oct. 12 and ends on Oct. 15. Other locations of screenings include the Hotel Syracuse in Downtown Syracuse, as well as ArtRage Gallery and the Jewish Community Center Syracuse.
For more information and festival tickets, visit https://syracusefilmfest.com/.
