Sixth annual festival expects over 3,000 attendees
The sixth annual Black Hills Film Festival (BHFF) opens on Wednesday, May 6, and plays through Sunday, May 10. This year’s program kicks off with two films highlighting journeys of discovery by Black Hills residents — through art in Spearfish Canyon and a bicycle odyssey in China.
The BHFF lineup of more than 30 films will feature documentaries, shorts and feature films from South Dakota and around the globe. They will salute “Trains in the Movies” with an action-packed session with Jim Clark, Hollywood’s go-to man for trains for more than 30 years, along with a special presentation of the classic film “Union Pacific” by Cecil B. DeMille.
The BHFF is a celebration of cinema and the independent filmmakers who do what it takes to get their vision to the screen. This year’s films include work from several countries incuding Australia, Canada, China, France, Mexico, Mali and the United Kingdom — as well as local movies produced in South Dakota.
The festival plays host to a number of industry professionals, offering insight into how movie magic is created. Many filmmakers featured in this year’s festival will be on hand after their films are shown to answer audience questions, while others will conduct in-depth seminars on the art of movie making. Receptions and after-parties will take place as well, where festival pass holders can visit with movie insiders from around the globe.
Festivities kick off Wednesday evening, May 6, with independent film premieres at the Elks Theatre in Rapid City and continuing all day Thursday. Friday, May 8, through Sunday, May 10, an extensive slate of films show at three venues in Hill City with an award ceremony for best film in each category on Saturday evening.
Passes are on sale through the website at BlackHillsFilmFestival.org or call 574-9454. Passes may also be purchased at Dahl Arts Center at 713 7th Street, Rapid City, or at Warrior’s Work Gallery and the Visitor Information Center in Hill City.