Whether you’re a film buff or not, you’re probably familiar with the film festival circuit’s heavy-hitters like Cannes and Sundance. While these star-studded mega fests screen distinguished works by hundreds of filmmakers, other festivals around the country celebrate the art of filmmaking and storytelling without the blaring media spotlight. These under-the-radar film festivals are all about good films and good stories.
If you’re looking for an authentic experience to satisfy the cinephile in you, put these four off-the-beaten-path film fests on your travel bucket list.
This eccentric film festival in Columbia, Mo. celebrated its 10th birthday this year. True/False focuses on documentaries, but don’t confuse non-fiction for no fun. You can bring food and libations into Ragtag Theater, the fest’s main venue, and parades and indie bands keep the mood easy-going and free-spirited.
Now in its 15th year, the Waterfront Film Festival is all about film screenings and summer fun on Lake Michigan. This year, the festival moved from its original home of Saugatuck to South Haven, Mich., but the spirit remains. Shorts, features and documentaries are screened outdoors and in other intimate settings. After the film, you can party with directors, cast members and film aficionados on the beach.
Maine International Film Festival
The Maine International Film Festival brings 10 days of movies to Railroad Square Cinema and the Waterville Opera House in Waterville, Maine. More than 100 dramas, documentaries and shorts from around the world fill MIFF’s program, and the intimate festival gives visitors a chance to interact with directors and crew through Q&As and panel discussions.
While this film festival attracts big names and surprise screenings (Ben Affleck debuted Argo at Telluride in 2012), the under-the-radar location and blend of both Oscar-worthy films and undiscovered gems make Telluride a best-kept secret in the film festival circuit. The program is kept under lock and key right up until the festival kicks off, but it never disappoints.
(Main image: Canon in 2D)
