New Film Festival of Columbus to Debut at Gateway Film Center
By: Halle Tate
Columbus is quickly becoming a major metropolitan city in the Midwest and nationwide. Celebrating its 200th year, we knew it would be the perfect time to debut a new festival. The Film Festival of Columbus, also known as FFOCOL (pronounced “focal”), is starting its first year at The Gateway Film Center on OSU’s campus October 2-4 in conjunction with the idUS experience.
You might think Columbus isn’t the place for a nationally recognized film festival, but think again. We’re pulling in films with big-name actors and directors including John Krasinski (The Office), Olivia Williams (Rushmore), internationally known director and actor David Auteuil (Manon of The Spring), as well as Loki Films directors Rachel Grady & Heidi Ewing (Jesus Camp, Freakanomics).
Aiming to put Columbus on the map as a destination for filmmaking and creative conquest, FFOCOL will be a three-day event bringing together people from across the state and country. There are fifteen films in the line-up and we’re holding 2-3 workshops throughout the week. We are excited to hold the festival at The Gateway Film Center; Central Ohio’s first dedicated film center with state-of-the-art digital projectors and seven screens.
Being a part of the production team for FFOCOL has been exciting. By helping to create the schedule, design the t-shirts, and coordinate our sponsors I’ve seen this project come together and it’s crazy to think that the launch is just around the corner! Get ready for a line of FFOCOL merchandise, a 40-page program in full color, opening and closing parties, as well as screenings of student films and a Short Film program brought to you by The Ohio Art League.
Several local company sponsors including Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, CD102.5, Greater Columbus Arts Council, Four String Brewing Co. and Columbus Underground are backing this new and exciting festival. Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams and Four Strings beer will served throughout the entire event . How can you beat a pint of sweet and Salty Carmel or a cold, frothy pint of Brass Knuckle while watching a soon-to-be award-winning film?
Three films you don’t want to miss are Somewhere Between (screening Wednesday at 2:30pm), Gayby (screening Wednesday at 9:30pm), and Nobody Walks (closing night film screening Thursday at 8:00pm). Check out our website (www.ffocol.com) for summaries and trailers.
It’s been a wild ride putting this show together and we want you to be there. Get ready for three action-packed days of culture, art and filmmaking!
See the entire FFOCOL Film Screening schedule here.