They came, they saw, they applauded. Said Plum Tuckered Film Festival director, Victoria Weeks, “The house was packed. So many thanked me and our team for finding these twenty-three excellent short films from all over the world…with many from right here in our Appalachia neighborhood.”
PTFF expanded this year to become a two-day festival with showings on Friday and Saturday night. Well over a hundred viewers got to watch a variety of films from campy to funny to serious; including films making statements about topics being discussed in the news every day. A number of film entries were from Appalachia…some of them award winners in their category.
The venue was Verglas Media’s expansive studio in the old Bank Building in Davis, West Virginia and featured Tucker County’s only 12-foot screen and movie-class surround sound system. PTFF was begun in 2015 as a way to encourage local filmmakers and filmmaking in West Virginia. The festival quickly grew to include national and ultimately, international films, while maintaining special emphasis and separate awards for entries from Appalachia.
Directors of six films, along with members of their teams attended the showing Saturday night. Filmmakers and audience members had the chance to mingle and discuss their film’s inspiration and learn some behind-the-scenes nitty-gritty.
Local businesses and volunteers donated food, time and services.. “In so many ways, this was by the community and for the community.” said Weeks. “It would not have been possible without everyone’s generous support.” Visit plumtuckeredfilmfestival.org to see this year’s award winners and keep in the loop with next year’s festival, including submission and event dates.
