Clifton Film Festival Set for Saturday

The fourth annual Clifton Film Festival, featuring talent from Robinson Secondary School students to experienced filmmakers alike, takes place this weekend.

“I love that the community comes together for this,” said Dani Weinberg, who founded the event and organizes it each year. “Anyone can see videos on YouTube, but this gives family the chance to see the films on the big screen.”

Twenty-two films will be on display this year, and about 200 are expected to attend the event at the in Lorton on Saturday, Weinberg said. The festival initially took place in Clifton but moved to the arts center as the participation grew.

“Every year the film gets better, the technology gets better and more people can participate,” Weinberg said.

New this year is a red carpet with the festival’s logo in the background. A food truck and cash bar will also be available for festival participants.  

Awards will be given out in several categories, including Best Film and Best Cinematography. There are also separate categories for student filmmakers and those over 21 years old. Winners receive editing software that could help them in next year’s festival.

The event will be live streamed so filmmakers who aren't able to attend it can be a part of the festival.

The festival this year also features a daytime showing starting at 4 p.m., with evening showings beginning at 7:30 p.m. at the Workhouse Arts Center, 9601 Ox Road. Tickets are $5 for the day showing, or $10 for the evening showing. To purchase online, visit the festival’s website.