By Jacob Clavijo – Staff Writer
Hundreds from the community gathered at The Academy Center of the Arts for the inaugural Lynchburg Film Festival—the free event, which screened over 20 local and international films, impressed attendees.
“Everyone came out; it was just a great experience,” said Jesse Ohler, who attended the event in support of his friend, Isaac Hicks, who screened one of five Lynchburg-made short films.
Marquee sign at The Academy Center of the Arts for the Lynchburg Film Festival, 2024. Photo by Andrew Wilds
Despite reservations about the public’s response to the event, organizers were confident they could deliver. Alex Zhort, who co-created the festival with his wife, Natalie, said he always wanted to bring a film festival to Lynchburg after attending numerous festivals.
“Every time I go to one and come back, I just think, why does Lynchburg not have one,” Zhort said.
“I think it’s a very important piece of art that people need to have a good experience with,” Natalie Zhort added.
Co-creator Alex Zhort speaking to audience at Lynchburg Film Festival, 2024. Photo by Andrew Wilds
After months of planning the event, which included screening over 200 submissions, audience members marveled at the quality of the work presented.
“For me it was the creativity of what they thought of in terms of subject matter and then how creatively they filmed,” said attendee Lynn Shapiro.
Attendees Mariam Wood, Allison Burger and Lynn Shapiro at Lynchburg Film Festival, 2024. Photo by Andrew Wilds
Zhort, a filmmaker himself, was adamant that one of his goals was to respect the works shown by ensuring appropriate video quality and sound.
“This is very important to us, and we will always do this, which is to treat the films as works of art and things that people put a lot of their time and work and love into,” Zhort said.
Both Zhort and his wife were thankful for the community support. They also hope that attendees left with a better understanding of the Lynchburg filmmaking scene.
Audience members watching a screening of short film Caravan. Photo by Andrew Wilds
“Part of the film festival is to show that we have filmmakers here,” Zhort said.
Visit Lynchburg Film Festival for more information.
