Eat, Drink, Watch, Think: The Chesapeake Film Festival Comes to Town
Established and aspiring filmmakers will be showcasing their storytelling skills to enthusiastic audiences at The Chesapeake Film Festival from October 11-14. Now in its 11th year, the curated festival highlights films from new talent as well as historical gems, and can be counted on to entertain, challenge, and inspire with moving stories from around the world. This year, nearly 50 films have been selected, from scripted dramas to comedies to compelling documentaries on topics that impact communities here on the Eastern Shore and across the nation.
EAT AND DRINK
The Opening Night Gala Reception, held at the Academy Art Museum in Easton, will bring filmmakers, fans, and foodies together to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and desserts prepared by top local chefs from the exclusive restaurants and caterers in the area.
Gourmet by the Bay, St. Michaels
After 17 seasons, Gourmet by the Bay has become one of the leading boutique catering companies on the Eastern Shore. Owners Sidney and Jim Trond believe that well-prepared food made from honest ingredients speaks for itself; that good service is personal and attentive without being overbearing; and that every event first and foremost is about creating great memories for their clients.
The Wylder Hotel, Tilghman Island
On nine acres of lush grounds and private waterfront property, the area’s newest hotel is home to Tickler’s Crab Shack and Bar Mumbo, as well as a private marina with 25 boat slips. Take a walk among the wild flowers, enjoy the sea air, and explore this island getaway where the food, ambiance, and 54 guest rooms have the charm of a bayside bed & breakfast with the feel of a luxury hotel.
Stars at Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michaels
This award-winning restaurant offers fine dining with a magnificent view of the Miles River. Whether choosing to dine indoors or out on the terrace, guests can enjoy dishes prepared with seasonal, local ingredients including those grown in the Inn’s kitchen garden.
Limoncello Italian Restaurant and Wine Bar, St. Michaels
Their mission is to provide first class hospitality while celebrating Italy’s vibrant culinary culture through food and wine. Here, you’ll enjoy an exceptional dining experience reminiscent of the quaint eateries and wine bars of coastal Italy and the country sides.
Expect an evening of magic at the restaurant known for its unique marriage of the best of American and French cuisines. The ambiance and allure of the intimate and quaint setting in picturesque downtown St. Michaels is the backdrop for gourmet chef Doug Stewart’s personal and intriguing style.
Flying Fork Catering, St. Michaels
Your event should be a reflection of your unique voice, incorporating meaningful elements as well as your special flair. We believe in your vision and strive to get to know you, not just your dietary preferences, in order to highlight your individuality and design a gourmet experience that’s in perfect harmony with you every step of the way.
Scossa Restaurant and Lounge, Easton
Here, meals are a celebration! The food is unparalleled and the same can be said of the dining room and atmosphere. Grant and Giancarlo personally managed the design and layout, and not a detail has been overlooked. You will feel as though you have been transported to one of the finest restaurants in Manhattan.
WATCH AND THINK
The Opening Night Gala continues with the screening of Director Dustin Harrison-Atlas’ film New Chefs on the Block at the historic Avalon Theatre. The film follows two chefs in D.C., Aaron Silverman of Rose’s Luxury and Frank Linn of Frankly...Pizza, as they struggle to open and maintain their first restaurants. Against all odds, one becomes Bon Appetit magazine’s Best New Restaurant in America. The other is forced to redefine success.
In addition to New Chefs on the Block, the festival will feature close to 50 films that celebrate storytelling and filmmaking and many include special guests, roundtable discussions or Q&A with filmmakers who will be present.
Environmental shorts
An Unlikely Partnership (directed by Chris O’Leary)
Pavel: I Protect Tigers (directed by Martin Stirling)
An Island Out of Time (by Tom Horton, Dave Harp and Sandy Cannon-Brown)
Don’t-miss films for gardening lovers
Five Seasons: The Gardens of Piet Oudolf (directed by Tom Piper)
The Gardener (directed by Sebastien Chabot)
Feature length films that don’t shy away from dramatic treatments of social issues
The Sentence (directed by Rudy Valdez)
In the Executioner’s Shadow: A Story of Justice, Injustice and the Death Penalty (directed by Maggie Burnette Stogner)
Boko Haram: Journey from Evil (directed by Beth Mendelson)
Maryland premieres with an international flare
Moving Stories (directed by Rob Fruchtman)
Searching for Ingmar Bergman (directed by Margarethe von Trotta and Felix Moeller)
Closing the festival will be an engaging film about Hollywood legend Hedy Lamarr and her secret talent, Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story, directed by Alexandra Dean. The closing film will be followed by an award ceremony honoring Best Narrative Feature, Best Documentary Feature, Best Narrative Short, Best Documentary Short and Best Student Short films. Awards will also be given for Best Actor and Best Actress, Best Director and Best Editor.
For tickets and further information, visit www.chesapeakefilmfestival.com
