Washington West Film Festival, presented by Boeing, Makes Two Major Announcements

Closing Night now includes an “In Conversation Event” with Academy Award Nominated Cinematographer Bradford Young and Oscar/Grammy/Golden Globe Award-Winning rapper and activist Common

Two-time Emmy winner Ty Burrell will join us for a free, advanced screening of upcoming “Modern Family” episode & 20-minute post-screening Q&A

October 19, 2017, Reston, Virginia – The Washington West Film Festival, presented by Boeing, today made two major announcements related to the world-class event it will be hosting in Reston and Arlington, Oct. 25-30, 2017.

First, Washington West is pleased to announce that it will cap its festival on Sun., Oct. 29th at 5:00pm with an in-depth, joint conversation with Bradford Young and Common. Young is an Academy Award nominated cinematographer known for his work on Selma, Arrival, and the upcoming Han Solo Star Wars Film. Common is an Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe Award winning rapper and activist. The conversation will follow screenings of two short films: Young’s Letter to the Free and Common’s Black America Again, which was directed by Young. A reception with light appetizers and drinks will follow the event.

Young’s short film Letter to the Free was inspired by musical recordings and performances that take place “behind bars.” The film assembles a collection of our generation’s most talented and gifted jazz musicians at the Queens Detention Complex and then allows their beautiful music to tell their stories.

Common released the 21-minute, black-and-white short film Black America Again in conjunction with the release of his studio album that carries the same name (which, again, was directed by Bradford Young). It touches on key, contemporary topics with powerful lyrics from Common and corresponding images reflecting on recent events.

Second, two-time Emmy award winner Ty Burrell will host a special event at Reston Town Center’s Bow Tie Cinema on Sat., Oct. 27th at 7:00pm, a free, advanced screening of an upcoming episode of the long-running comedy “Modern Family.” Burrell then will be part of a 20-minute, post-screening question-and-answer period.

Modern Family has collected a total of 22 Emmys along with a Golden Globe and is beginning its ninth season. Burrell is best known for playing the character of Phil Dunphy, a sometimes bumbling father and husband of Claire Dunphy, played by actress Julie Bowen. Burrell likewise will be at Washington West to promote screenings of films from Kids in the Spotlight (KITS), a Los Angeles area charity for which Burrell serves as celebrity ambassador. KITS creates an environment for foster kids to tell their challenging life stories through film. The KITS Shorts Program includes six different short films and screens at noon on Sun., Oct. 29th at the Bow Tie Cinema in Reston. It will be preceded by a Red Carpet event that will include Burrell. KITS is one of three charitable organizations with which Washington West has partnered to extend the power of story and to which the festival will contribute all box office proceeds.

General Information about the Washington West Film Festival

Last month, Washington West released a robust schedule of 56 films that will anchor its six-day, October experience that will bring a substantial presence to Arlington, Virginia, this to supplement the festival’s traditional anchor location of Reston. Ticket bundles and Fest Experience Packages for the Oct. 25-30 event, along with a full list of films, organized by date, location, and category are available at www.wwfilmfest.com.

You can find information on ticket packages as well as a schedule of films at https://wwfilmfest.com/schedule-tickets/.

Sponsors

Boeing is proud to be the Presenting Sponsor of the Washington West Film Festival. For more than 100 years, Boeing – the world’s largest aerospace company – has helped to make the impossible, possible through innovative products and technology, and a deep commitment to the community.

Additional support is provided by Boston Properties, Cadillac, Canvas, Cstraight Media, Leidos, LMO Advertising, Reston Community Center, the Reston Town Center Association, and Yorktel Media.

For a full list of sponsors, visit https://wwfilmfest.com/about/sponsors/.

For the Media

A limited number of press passes will be distributed to verified members of the press. Visit www.wwfilmfest.com/about/press-kit/ for more information. We will make film-makers and others available for interviews in advance and during the film festival based on availability. Please direct advance requests to jim.cudahy@7marcom.com.