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. 29^th 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. 27^th 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. 29^th 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.

Washington West Film Festival, presented by Boeing, Announces Charitable Partners for 2017

Arcadia Farms, Kids in the Spotlight, and the Robert Duvall Children’s Fund will receive box office proceeds of Oct. 25-30 event in Reston, Arlington, and Eastern Loudoun County

October 9, 2017; Reston, Virginia – The Washington West Film Festival, presented by Boeing, today announced three charitable partners to which all box office proceeds from the Oct 25-30 event will be donated. The festival operates on the premise that “Story Can Change the World” and compels itself each year to extend the power of story by challenging audiences to engage. That effort begins with ticket purchases because Washington West, in turn, donates all box office proceeds to, and partners with, organizations and causes that are making a difference.

“Most certainly, story can change the world, but that is only when it is propelled by the imagination, inspiration, and sustained commitment of organizations and people that are making a difference,” said Washington West Founder Brad Russell. “With the three charitable partners our board has selected for 2017, we see that type of inspiration and sustained commitment. We are proud to put our support behind these great organizations and then watching their stories unfold.”

Visitors to Washington West not only are treated to more than 56 films and a world-class, overall experience, their attendance likewise will have a tangible impact on these three organizations.

The Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food & Agriculture, also known as Arcadia Farms, was established in 2010 to improve the health of our community, support the viability of local farmers, and preserve the environment for future generations. Through its programs, Arcadia works to address issues of food access and food justice, raise awareness about healthy food and its sources, and establish innovative connections between local, sustainable farms and consumers. You can learn more at www.arcadiafood.org.

Kids in the Spotlight, Inc. (KITS) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded in May 2009. Its program trains youth in foster care programs and other underserved youth to create, write, cast, and star in their own short films. This training culminates in an annual film festival competition where KITS presents “Movies by Kids, for Kids.” Kids in the Spotlight allow kids to express themselves through the art of filmmaking and encourages interest in careers in the movie industry, which is so prevalent in the Los Angeles area where KITS operates. Ty Burrell, from the hit comedy Modern Family serves as a KITS celebrity ambassador and will be in attendance at Washing West for screenings of KITS films.

The Robert Duvall Children’s Fund (RDCF) is a 501 c(3), charitable organization committed to providing for the welfare, health, education, and relief of children and their families who are poor, distressed, or underprivileged. This is accomplished, in turn, by promoting and supporting activities of charitable organizations that provide medical assistance, promote education, instruction and development, or provide assistance in meeting requirements relating to food, clothing, and other basic needs for children and their families around the world. The Robert Duvall Children’s Fund also strives to educate children about the importance of environmental conservation initiatives through partnerships with nonprofit organizations focused in this area.

Two weeks ago, 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 for the first time, 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.

Ticket Sales
Find information on ticket packages as well as a schedule of films.

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 filmmakers and others available for interviews in advance and during the film festival based on availability. Please direct advance requests to jim.cudahy@7marcom.com.