The eighth annual Cambria Film Festival, scheduled February 5-9, features more than 80 films and special events, all designed to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase their work.
Special events include an opening night champagne toast reception honoring guest of honor Sy Rosen, a producer and screenwriter who began his career writing episodes for The Bob Newhart Show. He produced and wrote for many familiar TV shows, including Taxi, The Wonder Years, Maude, MASH, The Jeffersons, and My Two Dads. His short films The Matchmaker and Little Victories will be screened, and his latest short, Death Pays Flora a Visit, is in competition in this year’s festival.
In addition, a tribute to Rosen, along with a Q&A session, is scheduled Friday, February 7.
Other events include an emerging filmmaker night featuring a student feature film starring Linda Hamilton, a filmmaker welcome night, a gala reception and awards event, and the return of the popular lunchtime film talks.
Judges who selected the films to be screened from some 400 entries include film financier Carine Hejazi, director Matt Hinkley, filmmaker Kevin Judge, producer Stephanie Reuler, author and screenwriter Christoper Riley, author Robert Tieman, writer/producer Heidi VanLier, and producer/director Greg Young. Writer/director Randi Barros, actor/producer Suanne Spoke, and filmmaker Alexander Zavala are serving as this year’s student film judges.
Festival co-directors Lilliana Montero Plummer and Jeff Plummer, taking the reins from previous director Dennis Frahmann, are looking to grow the festival and attract filmmakers, actors, and film lovers “from all corners of the globe.”
Films will be screened at four venues: Cambria Center for the Arts Theatre, Gallery Theatre, Moonstone Cellars, and the Otter Theater.
All-access festival passes are available for $169, film passes to attend all live screenings are $119, virtual passes allowing access to virtual screenings for a limited time after the festival are available for $45, and individual special event tickets are available for purchase online.
Editor’s Note: SLO Review is proud to sponsor this year’s Cambria Film Festival. Watch for updates and reviews of films being featured in competition in the coming days.