This year’s New Hope Film Festival, which opens Friday, boasts a robust lineup of 90 total selections, including 85 films representing 16 countries and five original scripts.
First established in 2009, the festival is dedicated to discovering and nurturing independent filmmakers seeking to showcase their work on national and global stages.
“The festival is an international premiere event set in the heart of New Hope, a town long-known as an incubator for emerging art,” said New Hope Film Festival President Doug Whipple.
The festival, which runs through April 14, offers physical, in-person screenings at the newly renovated New Hope Arts facility.
The festival will open with a local film showcase, which includes three short documentaries about New Hope. They are: “The Hauntings of New Hope,” which explores its reputation as one of the most haunted places in Pennsylvania; “New Hope Rondo,” examining real estate developments’ implications for the town’s queer bohemian culture; and “Lady Ivory: The Life & Music of Liz DuFour,” from the New Hope Celebrates History: Artists & Authors series, which celebrates the extraordinary life and musical journey of New Hope area piano musician Liz DuFour.
One of the most anticipated films is “Rhino Man,” a documentary chronicling the courageous field rangers who risk their lives to protect South Africa’s rhinos from poachers and extinction. The documentary includes commentary by His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, who is an activist committed to reducing the illegal wildlife trade. He also serves as the president of United for Wildlife, a program of The Royal Foundation, the philanthropic vehicle of The Prince and Princess of Wales.
Another featured film receiving recent critical acclaim is “The Problem of the Hero,” a portrayal of 20th century writer Richard Wright and his complex relationship with playwright Paul Green. The film, directed by Shaun Dozier, recently won the Impact Award at the Naples International Film Festival and was called “enthralling” and “fascinating” with an “incredible” performance by Peter Wong, of BeyondChron, San Francisco.
Other star-studded films in the festival lineup include biopics of former NBA all-star and first overall draft pick Joe Barry Carroll and “Tell Me Iggy,” a portrait of punk rocker Iggy Pop, which offers exclusive interviews with the icon and his friends Johnny Depp, John Waters, Debbie Harry (Blondie), Nick Kent and Beatrice Dalle.
“Trust in Love” features Academy Award-winning actor Eric Roberts and founding member of The Doors, Robby Krieger, in a story about failing record producer Mickey Ferrara, who rallies to meet the challenges of his conflicted family.
“Take the Ice,” follows the journey of Dani Ryan, the founder and former commissioner of the National Women’s Hockey League, and shares the perspective of a team of elite athletes making strides for recognition and equality in their sport.
Film previews are available on the festival’s blog.
The entire lineup, the schedule, ticket prices and more can be found in the 2024 Program Guide. Links to the digital, e-magazine version of the guide and advance tickets are available at www.newhopefilmfestival.com.
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