WOODSTOCK – Community, Film and Peace.
That’s the hope for this year’s Woodstock Film Festival as its organizers vow to showcase fiercely independent films for the 27th year in a row.
On Wednesday, in the bustling Village of Woodstock, flanked by Woodstock’s infamous peace poles, organizers, filmmakers, local officials and the community gathered at large in front of the Woodstock Artists Association and Museum on Tinker Street to ceremoniously open the festival.
This year’s event, which runs through Sunday, October 18, will mark the final festival under the leadership of Co-Founder and Executive Director Meira Blaustein, who was recognized for her years of dedication to highlighting independent films.
“Through this festival, Meira, you have created a place where filmmakers can take chances, new voices can be heard and audiences can discover something that changes how they see the world,” said Woodstock Town Supervisor Anula Courtis. “Sometimes the most meaningful stories are those that take courage to tell.”
The festival, which began in 2000, will highlight 37 narrative features and 26 documentaries over the next five days at multiple locations throughout the Hudson Valley: Woodstock, Rosendale, Kingston, Catskill and Saugerties.
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger acknowledges the influence the festival has had, not just on the local economy, but on the promising future of filmmaking in the Hudson Valley.
“By supporting independent filmmakers, elevating diverse voices and bringing audiences together, the Woodstock Film Festival enriches our cultural life here, strengthens our local economy and reflects the creativity and independent spirit that this county is known for,” said Metzger. “This festival has helped define Ulster County as a place to make, see and create films.”
Metzger claims that before the inception of the festival, the region was an untapped resource for film scouting and production, citing a report from the Hudson Valley Film Commission that states it’s currently working on 25 films.
She said the Ulster County Offices of Tourism and Film are reporting an additional five projects.
“It’s impossible to separate Meira’s influence from these achievements in our county,” said Metzger.
“Over 26 years ago, I was told not to do this festival in Woodstock because the town would never support it. I disregarded that, and we did it,” said Blaustein. “I feel fortunate to have run this successful organization that benefits so many filmmakers from near and far.”
Meira says her replacement will be announced this Sunday.
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