WEST CHESTER, PA — April 4, 2024 — THE 18TH WEST CHESTER INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM FESTIVAL at UPTOWN!

The West Chester International Film Festival at Uptown! has officially announced its full lineup of films for 2024. Over three days, from April 26 to 28, 73 short films will be shown in film blocks, pop-up events, and a Young Filmmaker Festival.

“We are proud to have a home at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, where all our main film blocks will be shown, as well as hosting our Opening and Closing Night Parties and the Young Filmmaker Festival,” said Sarah Beck, President of the West Chester Film Festival.

Located in the heart of Downtown West Chester, Uptown! is the prime location for all things entertainment in West Chester, Pennsylvania. The festival weekend kicks off with the Opening Night Party at 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 26, followed by the first block of 10 short films. Highlights in this block include:

-       How Sweet the Sound, the true story of John Sutton, a blind singer who entertained commuters at Suburban Station in Philadelphia for decades.

-       An Avocado Pit, an Oscar-shortlisted film from Portugal in which Larissa, a trans woman, and Cláudio, a cis man, dance away their differences until morning.

-       Fading Giants, a documentary from Norway showing the devastating effects of climate change on glaciers over decades.

-       A Close Encounter, a thrilling comedy in which a chance meeting leads to unexpected revelations.

"Uptown Knauer Performing Arts Center is thrilled to partner with the West Chester Film Festival!” said heather Grayberg, Program and Development Director of Uptown. “This collaboration between our organizations is a highlight of our programming at Uptown and we are excited for yet another successful year. Uptown continues to focus on our pillars of theatre, music, dance, comedy, and film. Partnering with the West Chester Film Festival allows both of our organizations to achieve our missional goals and most importantly, bring top tier entertainment to West Chester and surrounding communities."

Official Film Selections, Award Nominees, and the full schedule can be found online at westchesterfilmfestival.com. Tickets are available at uptownwestchester.org/pf/west-chester-film-festival/.

For additional information about the West Chester International Short Film Festival visit www.westchesterfilmfestival.com or email info@westchesterfilmfestival.com. Find us on social media @WCFilmFestival.

About the West Chester Film Festival:

The West Chester International Short Film Festival celebrates the spirit of independent filmmaking and diverse voices from around the world with an annual three-day festival in Downtown West Chester, PA. Films from dozens of countries, all thirty minutes or less, are shown in two-hour film blocks at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center. It is an exciting flurry of short film blocks, workshops led by industry professionals, networking events, fantastic parties, and more. As a nonprofit, 100% volunteer organization, the WCFF is dedicated to showcasing and supporting the West Chester community with this event. The full schedule, film details, sponsorship packages, award nominees, and more information can be found at www.westchesterfilmfestival.com.

About the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center:

Experience Arts and Entertainment at its finest at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center. Immerse yourself in exceptional performing arts in historic downtown West Chester, featuring Broadway-style theater, jazz, classical and contemporary music, film screenings, comedy, and renowned speakers. Join Uptown Studio for our award-winning classes and summer camps. Visit www.uptownwestchester.org/ to learn more and for our full lineup of shows.