The first official Norwalk Film Festival (NFF) on Saturday, September 28, 2019, will provide a full day of screenings with entertaining and inspiring feature films, documentaries, and shorts attracting diverse audiences of all ages. When possible, screenings will be followed by a Q&A or workshop led by a filmmaker, community leader, and/or nonprofit group that relates to the theme of the film. Festival activities will be hosted by venues located in different Norwalk neighborhoods. All NFF activities are open to the public and most will be free.
The Festival was founded by a grassroots group of filmmakers, community cultural leaders, and movie lovers living and working in Norwalk. The theme, “Unity through Diversity through Film,” was chosen to celebrate and acknowledge the many walks of life, ethnicities, and backgrounds of Norwalk residents by providing a window into their lives and the issues they face. The goal of the volunteer-based NFF committee is to bring local communities together and stimulate conversations generated by the films. Film categories include Women in Film, LGBTQ, Immigrants, and other underrepresented groups. A special section will spotlight Student Filmmakers.
In the City of Norwalk’s endorsement announcement, Mayor Harry Rilling, said, “The Norwalk Film Festival, with its recognition of our city as a unique, multicultural community, is a welcome addition to our vibrant arts scene.”
The NFF also has the support of The Connecticut Office of Film, Television & Digital Media. George Norfleet, the Director, says, “We are enthusiastic about the Norwalk Film Festival’s inaugural year launch and very much look forward to tracking its success and progress in the years to come.”
Festival venues include Bow Tie Cinemas (Ultimate Regent 8), The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk, Norwalk Community College (PepsiCo Theatre and GenRe Forum), Norwalk Public Library, The Palace/Minds Theatre, and Troupe429 Bar. Film titles, schedules, ticket information, and the recipient of a Special Achievement Award will be announced soon on the festival website: NorwalkFilmFestival.com. To volunteer, email Action@NorwalkFilmFestival.com
For the inaugural Norwalk Film Festival, films that reflect the Festival’s mission are being scouted and curated by the NFF committee. There is no filmmaker submission process this first year, except for Fairfield County Filmmakers, who are invited to submit their films to NorwalkFilmFestival.com/Info by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, August 25. All filmmakers whose films are screened at the 2019 NFF will receive a certificate recognizing their work. The not-for-profit Norwalk Arts Society is serving as the Norwalk Film Festival’s fiscal agent and will accept donations and sponsorships on behalf of the Festival. All donations are tax-deductible.
For donation and sponsorship information, email action@norwalkfilmfestival.com
Official Festival partners include the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk Arts Commission, @203Local Instagram, and Norwalk Now.
Website: NorwalkFilmFestival.com · Facebook: Facebook.com/NorwalkFilmFestival · Instagram: Instagram.com/NorwalkFilmFestival· Twitter: Twitter.com/NorwalkFilmFest