Indie Film Festival Celebrating Love and Activism
The White River Junction festival is a celebration of love, social change, and indie filmmaking, set to run from Thursday to Sunday, February 13 to 16. Established in 2004, the White River Indie Film Festival (WRIF) is a vibrant gathering featuring 26 films and a rich array of events, all hosted at Junction Arts & Media and Briggs Opera House in White River Junction.
Kicking off the festival is a lively party on Friday in the lobby of the opera house, paying homage to Valentine’s Day. The evening will be set to the music of Route 5 Jive, followed by a screening of “A Photographic Memory.” Directed by Rachel Elizabeth Seed, this documentary delves into the life of pioneering photojournalist Sheila Turner-Seed. Seed’s personal exploration of her mother’s legacy after her untimely passing when the filmmaker was just 18 months old sets a poignant tone for the festival.
Travis Weedon, the festival programmer since 2022, shared his vision for this year’s lineup, aiming for a balance of heartwarming and socially conscious films. Weedon’s careful curation has significantly boosted attendance over the years, with audiences for popular screenings growing from 60 to 180 people. The festival has evolved from showcasing primarily serious and emotionally challenging films to offering a diverse selection that includes lighter, palate-cleansing options.
Exploring Love and Social Change
The festival lineup features a compelling mix of films that address pressing social issues while also celebrating love and human connection. Among the thought-provoking selections are “No Other Land,” an Oscar-nominated documentary shedding light on Israel’s occupation of the West Bank, and “To a Land Unknown,” a gripping drama that follows the journey of two young Palestinian refugees seeking a path to safety. Weedon highlighted the importance of presenting nuanced narratives that offer fresh perspectives on complex issues, such as the Palestinian diaspora.
On the lighter side, love takes center stage in films like the Belgian drama “Young Hearts,” which follows a teenager’s journey of self-discovery as he navigates his burgeoning feelings for a neighbor. Additionally, “The Balconettes,” a horror-comedy collaboration between Noémie Merlant and the director of “Portrait of a Lady on Fire,” promises a quirky and entertaining viewing experience.
Embracing Indie Spirit
The festival’s commitment to supporting indie filmmakers is evident throughout its programming. In addition to showcasing feature films, WRIF offers a platform for local talent with screenings of short films like Brian Carroll’s “Endlessly an Observer,” which pays tribute to the work of late photographer Suzanne Opton. The festival also provides opportunities for emerging filmmakers to network, learn, and grow through events like #PitchFest and master classes on various aspects of filmmaking.
As festival-goers prepare to immerse themselves in a diverse array of cinematic experiences, one thing is certain: the White River Indie Film Festival promises a captivating blend of love, activism, and creative expression that is sure to resonate with audiences of all backgrounds and interests. Whether you’re drawn to compelling stories that challenge the status quo or heartwarming tales that inspire, this year’s festival offers something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate.
About The Author
Margot Harrison is the Associate Editor at Seven Days, where she coordinates literary and film coverage. In 2005, she won the John D. Donoghue award for arts criticism from the Vermont Press Association.
