Provincetown International Film Festival

  • Georden West’s PLAYLAND Set in Notorious Boston Gay Bar to Screen at Tribeca, PTown, and Frameline Fests | Trailer

    Playland directed by Georden West
    Playland directed by Georden West

    Georden West’s Playland is a “genre-defying queer dreamscape” docu-fiction set in Playland Café, Boston’s oldest and most notorious gay bar.

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  • Cora Bora to Open Provincetown Film Festival 2023 Lineup, with Bruce LaBruce, Billy Porter, Meg Stalter, Julio Torres as Honorees

    Cora Bora directed by Hannah Pearl Utt
    Cora Bora directed by Hannah Pearl Utt

    The 25th Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) set to take place June 14-18, 2023, revealed its lineup of narrative, documentary, and short films and honorees.

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  • Sophie Hyde’s GOOD LUCK TO YOU, LEO GRANDE Opens 24th Provincetown Film Festival Lineup

    Good Luck To You, Leo Grande
    Good Luck To You, Leo Grande

    The 24th Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF), running June 15 – 19, 2022 in Provincetown, MA, announced its lineup of narrative, documentary, and short films, as well as festival honorees.

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  • Riz Ahmed to be Honored at Provincetown Film Festival + Fest Unveils Full Lineup

    Riz Ahmed in Mogul Mowgli
    Riz Ahmed in Mogul Mowgli

    Riz Ahmed (Sound of Metal, The Night of) will receive this year’s Excellence in Acting Award at the Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF). His latest film, Mogul Mowgli, which he co-wrote, produced and stars in, will be screened during the festival. The film follows the story of a British Pakistani rapper who, on the cusp of his first world tour, is struck down by an illness that forces him to face his past, his family, and the uncertainty of his legacy. Ahmed will be honored in a virtual conversation during the festival. Strand Releasing will open the film in theaters on September 3.

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  • 5 Drive-In Film Festivals You Don’t Want To Miss

    Drive-in Theater - The Wellfleet Drive-In Theatre opened in 1957- Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
    Credit: Flickr – The Wellfleet Drive-in Theater – Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism

    It’s been almost 90 years since the first drive-in movie theater opened in New Jersey in 1933, and thanks to the coronavirus, they are making a trendy comeback. During this time, festivals have had to find creative ways to showcase films, many opting for virtual cinemas and online screenings. The drive-in experience allows film-lovers and movie-goers to indulge in the community-shared experience that cinemas provide while also social distancing and staying safe. Check out the drive-in film festivals and their featured titles, happening between July and August.

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  • Coronavirus Forces Film Festivals Cancellations and Postponements (LIST)

    San Francisco International Film Festival
    San Francisco International Film Festival

    The coronavirus, (COVID-19) pandemic is having a devastating impact on film festivals with many postponing or cancelling outright. Major festivals such as San Francisco International Film Festival and RiverRun International Film Festival have canceled, while others such as Richmond International Film Festival and Florida Film Festival have been postponed until the Summer or Fall.

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  • Provincetown International Film Festival 2019 Winners – OFFICIAL SECRETS and LINDA RONSTADT Documentary Win Top Awards

    Linda Ronstadt: The Sound Of My Voice. Linda Ronstadt at her home in Malibu, January 1968. Moment captured by Henry Diltz.
    Linda Ronstadt: The Sound Of My Voice. Linda Ronstadt at her home in Malibu, January 1968. Moment captured by Henry Diltz.

    The 2019 Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) announced the award winners with Official Secrets, directed by Gavin Hood voted winner of the HBO Audience Award / Best Narrative Feature, and Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice, by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman winning the HBO Audience Award / Best Documentary Feature.

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  • Actress Judith Light to Receive Excellence in Acting Award from Provincetown International Film Festival

    Judith Light in BEFORE YOU KNOW IT
    Judith Light in BEFORE YOU KNOW IT

    Two-time Tony Award winner, actress Judith Light will receive the Excellence in Acting Award at the Provincetown International Film Festival on Saturday, June 15 in conversation at Provincetown Town Hall.

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  • Provincetown International Film Festival Announces 2019 Lineup + Honors for John Cameron Mitchell and Jillian Bell

    John Cameron Mitchell in Shrill  (Photo by: Allyson Riggs)
    John Cameron Mitchell in Shrill (Photo by: Allyson Riggs)

    The 2019 Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) announced the complete lineup of films, as well as special tributes for writer/director/actor John Cameron Mitchell and actress/producer Jillian Bell .

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  • Molly Shannon To Receive Excellence In Acting Award at Provincetown International Film Festival

    Molly Shannon Actress Molly Shannon will receive the festival’s Excellence in Acting Award at the upcoming 2018 Provincetown International Film Festival on Saturday, June 16, in conversation with author and film scholar B. Ruby Rich at Provincetown Town Hall. Shannon spent six seasons as a member of the repertory company on “Saturday Night Live,” during which she created iconic characters such as Mary Katherine Gallagher and Sally O’Malley. In 2000, she received an Emmy nomination on behalf of her work on the show. On television, Shannon was most recently seen starring in the second season of the hit HBO series, “Divorce,” in addition to making guest appearances on NBC’s revival of “Will & Grace,” the “Wet Hot American Summer” miniseries for Netflix, which served as a prequel to the cult comedy classic film of the same name (which Shannon also starred in), “Enlightened” for which she received her second Emmy nomination, “Raising Hope,” among many others. In 2016, Molly received critical acclaim and an Independent Spirit Award for “Best Supporting Actress” for her emotional performance in Chris Kelly’s film, OTHER PEOPLE. This year, Shannon is earning praise for her leading role of Emily Dickinson in Madeleine Olnek’s dramatic comedy, WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY. The film will open the festival. Other on-screen film credits include the independent dark comedy THE LITTLE HOURS; Sundance Grand Jury Prize winner ME, EARL AND THE DYING GIRL; Sofia Coppola’s MARIE ANTOINETTE; Ron Howard’s HOW THE GRINCH STOLE CHRISTMAS; and the cult classic WET HOT AMERICAN SUMMER. “Comedy, drama, film, television, Broadway… you name it, Molly Shannon can do it. We’ve been enormous fans for years and are thrilled to honor the singular talents of Molly Shannon at our 20th anniversary festival,” said Andrew Peterson, PIFF’s Director of Programming. Additionally, the festival announced that editor, author and radio host Kim Masters will give the keynote address at this year’s Evan Lawson Filmmakers’ Brunch. Masters is editor-at-Large of The Hollywood Reporter and host of KCRW’s The Business. A former correspondent for NPR and “Entertainment Journalist of the Year,” she has also served as a contributing editor at Vanity Fair, Time and Esquire, and was a staff reporter for the Washington Post. Masters will speak on her experience in the film industry, being a voice in the #MeToo and Time’s Up movements, and what will come next for gender equity after the revelations of abuse in Hollywood. Held each Sunday of the festival, the fifth annual breakfast supports the Gabrielle A. Hanna Film Institute and its mission of supporting underrepresented filmmakers and artists. “Kim Masters’ extensive reporting and insider knowledge of Hollywood puts her in the unique position to provide context and meaning at a critical juncture for race and gender equity in U.S. entertainment media,” said Christine Walker, Executive Director of PIFF and CEO of the Provincetown Film Society. “For those who believe that the Weinstein story is only relevant to a rarefied group of individuals, Masters’ insight will help dispel that notion.” MODERN LOVE LIVE, presented by WBUR and The New York Times Friday, June 15, 6:30pm at Town Hall Join WBUR and The New York Times in this very special event at the Provincetown Film Festival, where the joys and tribulations of love come to life during Modern Love Live, a live recording of their hit podcast based on the popular New York Times column. This exceptional evening will include Modern Love essay readings by Chloë Grace Moretz (THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST, KICK-ASS), Cory Michael Smith (Gotham, CAROL, WONDERSTRUCK, 1985) and Amy Seimetz (WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY, The Girlfriend Experience), hosted by WBUR’s Meghna Chakrabarti, and accompanied by live sound recording. Live music by will also be featured. *Hosted by WBUR’s Meghna Chakrabarti PIFFtalks: ALL ABOUT EMILY: REIMAGINING A LIFE Thursday, June 14, 10:00am at Provincetown Theater Join the WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY creative team, including director Madeleine Olnek and actress Amy Seimetz, for a lively conversation about adapting the life and loves of Emily Dickinson into a raucous and unexpected comedy. With extensive research, Olnek pieced together a thoroughly original story from the poet’s writings and scholarship on Dickinson. After seeing WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY and hearing the stories about the film’s creation you’ll never look at Emily Dickinson the same again! *Moderated by Janice Page, Film Editor, The Boston Globe PIFFtalks: CONVERSATION WITH CHLOË GRACE MORETZ, NEXT WAVE HONOREE Friday, June 15, 12:00pm at The Pilgrim House Sundance Film Festival Director John Cooper returns to Provincetown to be in conversation with 2018 Provincetown Next Wave Honoree Chloë Grace Moretz as they discuss her career, including her leading role in the Sundance Grand Jury Prize winning film THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST. Given the amazing directors with whom Chloë’s collaborated (Martin Scorsese, Tim Burton, Kimberly Pierce, Neil Jordan and Luca Guadagnino, among many others), there should be a lot to discuss. Come hear and meet one of the best young actors working in Hollywood. Tickets include a post-conversation reception. *Chloë Grace Moretz will be in conversation with Sundance Film Festival Director John Cooper PIFFtalks: CONVERSATION WITH CHRISTINE VACHON Saturday, June 16, 10:00am at Provincetown Theater Christine Vachon was our second ever Filmmaker on the Edge honoree (in 2000) and she was already a major force in the independent film scene. The industry has changed immensely since then, yet Christine’s passion for producing groundbreaking films and her ability to shepherd fiercely independent projects has only flourished. Christine Vachon, returns to Provincetown to share tales of her illustrious career over the past two decades with no sign of letting up. Her extensive credits include: POISON, BOY’S DON’T CRY, HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, FAR FROM HEAVEN, STILL ALICE, and CAROL. *Christine Vachon will be in conversation with journalist and author Mark Harris PIFFtalks: AN ARTIST’S PERSPECTIVE Sunday, June 17, 10:30am at Waters Edge 2 Director Ondi Timoner brings her narrative debut MAPPLETHORPE to Provincetown for Closing Night and we want to hear her perspective on creating a film about a seminal figure in the art world. Jo Hay is a celebrated artist working in Provincetown and the subject of a new short film by Lois Norman. We welcome these filmmakers and artists to discuss their work, their inspiration, and their challenges, as they find a way to tell their fascinating stories. *Moderated by Steven Raphael, Founder/President, Required Viewing

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  • Provincetown International Film Festival Announces 2018 Lineup, Closes with MAPPLETHORPE

    [caption id="attachment_28780" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]MAPPLETHORPE MAPPLETHORPE[/caption] The Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF) announced their complete lineup of narrative, documentary and short films for the 20th anniversary edition. The festival will kick off with the New England premiere of WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY, starring Molly Shannon. Written and directed by Madeleine Olnek, the film is a dramatic comedy about the secret life of Emily Dickinson. Ondi Timoner’s MAPPLETHORPE, starring Matt Smith, has been selected as the Closing Night film. Additionally, acclaimed director Sean Baker will receive the “Filmmaker on the Edge” Award in conversation with John Waters, and actress Chloë Grace Moretz will be on hand to receive the festival’s Next Wave Award; Moretz’s latest film, THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST, is a Spotlight selection. Said Artistic Director Lisa Viola, “For our 20th anniversary festival, we are absolutely thrilled to present a lineup featuring new work by a group of extraordinarily talented filmmakers, and we are especially proud that all five of our Spotlight films are directed by women!” The Provincetown International Film Festival runs June 13 to 17, 2018 in Provincetown, MA.

    2018 Provincetown International Film Festival Lineup

    OPENING NIGHT

    WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY – directed by Madeleine Olnek (Wednesday, June 13)

    CLOSING NIGHT

    MAPPLETHORPE – directed by Ondi Timoner (Sunday, June 17)

    SPOTLIGHT SELECTIONS

    THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST – directed by Desiree Akhavan (Thursday, June 14) AND BREATHE NORMALLY – directed by Ísold Ugadóttir (Friday, June 15) LEAVE NO TRACE – directed by Debra Granik (Saturday, June 16)

    SPECIAL SCREENINGS/EVENTS

    JOHN WATERS PRESENTS: I, OLGA – directed by Petr Kazda, Tomás Weinreb MODERN LOVE LIVE, presented by WBUR and The New York Times at the Provincetown Film Festival (Friday, June 15) FEMALE TROUBLE – directed by John Waters MIDNIGHT COWBOY – directed by John Schlesinger TANGERINE – directed by Sean Baker

    NARRATIVE FEATURES

    1985 – directed by Yen Tan BLINDSPOTTING– directed by Carlos López Estrada THE CAKEMAKER – directed by Ofir Raul Graizer THE CHILDREN ACT – directed by Richard Eyre DON’T WORRY, HE WON’T GET FAR ON FOOT – directed by Gus Van Sant EIGHTH GRADE – directed by Bo Burnham THE GUILTY – directed by Gustav Möller HEARTS BEAT LOUD– directed by Brett Haley A KID LIKE JAKE – directed by Silas Howard LEMONADE – directed by Ioana Uricaru LOVELING – directed by Gustavo Pizzi MADELINE’S MADELINE – directed by Josephine Decker MARIO – directed by Marcel Gisler NIGHT COMES ON – directed by Jordana Spiro PUZZLE – directed by Marc Turtletaub WE THE ANIMALS – directed by Jeremiah Zagar

    DOCUMENTARY FEATURES

    CHEF FLYNN – directed by Cameron Yates DAWNLAND – directed by Adam Mazo, Ben Pender-Cudlip EVERY ACT OF LIFE – directed by Jeff Kaufman A FINE LINE – directed by Joanna James GENERATION WEALTH – directed by Lauren Greenfield THE GOSPEL OF EUREKA – directed by Donal Mosher, Michael Palmieri JOHN McENROE: IN THE REALM OF PERFECTION – directed by Julien Faraut LIFE IN THE DOGHOUSE – directed by Ron Davis McQUEEN – directed by Ian Bonhôte, Peter Ettedgui THE PRICE OF EVERYTHING – directed by Nathaniel Kahn ROBIN WILLIAMS: COME INSIDE MY MIND – directed by Marina Zenovich SCIENCE FAIR – directed by Cristina Costantini, Darren Foster SCOTTY AND THE SECRET HISTORY OF HOLLYWOOD – directed by Matt Tyrnauer THE SENTENCE – directed by Rudy Valdez STUDIO 54 – directed by Matt Tyrnauer THREE IDENTICAL STRANGERS – directed by Tim Wardle TIME FOR ILHAN – directed by Norah Shapiro WESTWOOD: PUNK, ICON, ACTIVIST – directed by Lorna Tucker WYETH – directed by Glenn Holsten

    SHORTS

    AFTER PROM – directed by Nona Schamus BABS – directed by Celine Held & Logan George BECAUSE YOU’RE HERE – directed by Mike Syers BRAINWORM BILLY – directed by Emily Hubley THE DARE PROJECT – directed by Adam Salky, written by David Brind EDWARD HOPPER & MARSHALL’S HOUSE – directed by Bob Burnett FEVAH – directed by Randall Dottin GIRL FRIEND – directed by Chloe Sarbib HEATHER HAS FOUR MOMS – directed by Jeanette L. Buck JUDITH LOVES MARTHA – directed by Anna Gaskell KEEPER – directed by Marnie Crawford Samuelson & Shane Hofeldt KHOL (OPEN) – directed by Faroukh Virani LANDLINE – directed by Matt Houghton THE LAYOVER – directed by Joe Stankus LONESOME WILLCOX – directed by Ryan Maxey & Zack Wright MARGUERITE – directed by Maria Gracia Turgeon MAUDE – directed by Anna Margaret Hollyman MEN DON’T WHISPER – directed by Jordan Firstman MOTHER MOTHER – directed by Robert Machoian & Rodrigo Ojeda-Beck NEGATIVE SPACE – directed by Ru Kuwahata & Max Porter NEUTRAL – directed by Nathan Barnatt PAID FOR BY – EPISODE 2 – DIANE BUSCH’S WOMEN’S ISSUE AD – directed by Dawn Smith SET ME AS A SEAL UPON THINE HEART – directed by Omer Tobi SHE IS JUICED: SLICE ONE – JO HAY – directed by Lois Norman SLEEPOVER – directed by Jimi Vall Peterson SUPER 8 DAZE – directed by Rob Hampton & John Morgan WOULD YOU LOOK AT HER – directed by Goran Stolevski WORLD OF TOMORROW EPISODE 2: THE BURDEN OF OTHER PEOPLE’S THOUGHTS –directed by Don Herzfeldt WREN BOYS – directed by Harry Lighton

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  • Sean Baker and Chloë Grace Moretz to Receive Awards at Provincetown International Film Festival

    Sean Baker and Chloë Grace Moretz to Receive Awards at 2018 Provincetown International Film Festival Director Sean Baker (THE FLORIDA PROJECT, TANGERINE) has been named the 2018 “Filmmaker on the Edge” of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Provincetown International Film Festival (PIFF); and will be in attendance to accept the award in conversation with resident artist John Waters on Saturday, June 16. Additionally, actress Chloë Grace Moretz (THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST, IF I STAY), will receive the festival’s second annual “Next Wave Award,” which recognizes those who have exciting and distinctive voices, take artistic risks, and have a passionate commitment to independent film. Moretz will also be in attendance to accept the award in conversation with Sundance Film Festival Director John Cooper on Friday, June 15, and in support of her film THE MISEDUCATION OF CAMERON POST, which is a PIFF Spotlight selection. [caption id="attachment_27857" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]Wild Nights With Emily Wild Nights With Emily[/caption] The festival will kick off with the New England premiere of WILD NIGHTS WITH EMILY, a dramatic comedy about the secret life of Emily Dickinson, portrayed by Molly Shannon. Hailed by Indiewire as “the best lesbian comedy in years,” this independent film explores Dickinson’s vivacious, irreverent side — most notably Emily’s lifelong romantic relationship with another woman. The film premiered at the SXSW Film Festival where it received rave reviews. Writer/director Madeleine Olnek was awarded the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship for the film. The Opening Night Film will screen on Wednesday, June 13 at Provincetown Town Hall. The Provincetown International Film Festival runs June 13 to 17, 2018 in Provincetown, MA.

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