Rehoboth independent film festival names program partners

The 26th Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival will be held from Wednesday to Sunday, Nov. 6 to 10, hosted at the Cinema Art Theater’s two-screen complex in Lewes, along with additional screening venues at Unitarian Universalists of Southern Delaware on Route 9 west of Lewes, and Possum Point Players’ 185-seat theater in Georgetown.

Staying true to its mission of sharing powerful visual storytelling with the diverse audiences of Sussex County, the festival format is evolving to be more inclusive and engaging to a broader audience base. This year’s program tracks include Black Indie Voices, in partnership with the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice; Out Loud LBGTQ+, with community partner CAMP Rehoboth; Blue Hen Showcase, supported in part by the Fierberg Family Foundation; and Your World Youth, supported by WSFS Bank. 

“This inclusive event will welcome and engage all residents, celebrating the rich tapestry of our diverse community. The programmatic changes will offer filmmakers a fantastic platform to share their works with a wider, more inclusive audience while enhancing their reach and impact,” said Helen Chamberlin, RBFS executive director.”The screening venue partnership with Possum Point Players also reaffirms the film society’s strategic goal to be more inclusive with the surrounding communities.”

“Possum Point Players is very excited to offer a new screening venue addition for the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival. Not only does this cooperative effort between Sussex County arts organizations expand the scope of the film society’s presenting opportunities, but also will give new audiences an opportunity to see our beautiful facility,” said Kenney Workman, Possum Point Players board president.

Festival patrons can expect 30 original indie films in the program, including the new tracks that will replace spring mini-film festivals hosted over the last few years.

This coming spring, the film society will shift to an annual special screening event with current community partners around celebrations including Black history in February and Pride in June, with plans to identify new partners and expand special screening events around women’s history in March, and Hispanic heritage in September and October.

The Rehoboth Beach Jewish Film Festival will continue as a separate, four-day program celebrating its 10th anniversary from Thursday, Feb. 27 to Sunday, March 2, at the Cinema Art Theater.

For more information, go to rehobothfilm.com.