Arts & Entertainment

5th Annual Bel Air Film Festival Kicks Off Oct. 18

The Town of Bel Air Film Festival will be held October 18-20, at the Bel Air Reckord Armory.

Films from all over the country that have been shown at a variety of major film festivals will soon be on the big screen in Bel Air. 

The Town of Bel Air, in conjunction with the Bel Air Cultural Arts Commission, will host the 5th Annual Town of Bel Air Film Festival October 18-20, at the Bel Air Reckord Armory. 

This year’s film lineup features inspiring and thought provoking films. 

"These are films that are from all over the country, and they are shown at some of the major film festivals," said festival director Rebecca Jessop. "We scout films that have been greatly acclaimed at other festivals and bring them here to ours."

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Not only will festival attendees get to watch the films, there will also be opportunity for discussion at the conclusion of each movie. Jessop said they have brought in people affiliated with the films, or experts on the film's topics to lead discussions and answer questions.

“We are so proud that we are able to bring such high quality films to the area that may not be seen otherwise,” Jessop said.

Find out what's happening in Bel Airwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Here's a rundown of the schedule for the film festival: 

Jack Gerbes, Director of the Maryland Film Office, and Susan Burdette, Town of Bel Air Commissioner, will open the festival. Special Guest Host is former professional Jockey Jennifer Rowland Small. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Opening night, Friday, October 18th at 8 p.m. features Secretariat’s Jockey, Ron Turcotte.   
This intimate and heartfelt film offers a rare behind-the-scenes view of Hall of Fame jockey Ron Turcotte, who along with his legendary horse Secretariat won the prestigious American Triple Crown in 1973. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 19th at 4 p.m. features the award winning Magic Camp.
To escape the pressures of growing up, magic-obsessed kids congregate at the one place they can be themselves; Tannen's Magic Camp, the oldest and most prestigious training ground for young magicians. 
Special Guest Hosts are cast members and magicians Hiawatha Johnson, Jr. and Reed Spool. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.    

Saturday’s lineup continues at 7:30 p.m. with the film In God We Trust. Eleanor Squillari went to work every day believing she was working for a great company, a great man. For 25 years she sat fifteen feet from Bernard L. Madoff as his personal secretary. She never imagined that he was perpetrating the largest financial crime in history. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Sunday, October 20th at 1 p.m. will feature Medora.   
Medora is an in-depth, deeply personal look at small-town life, a thrilling, underdog basketball story, and an inspiring tale of a community refusing to give up hope despite the brutal odds stacked against them. 
Special Guest Hosts are Carol Deibel, past Director of Planning for the Town of Bel Air for over 26 years, and author of the book Bel Air Chronicles, and Trish Heidenreich, Economic Development Director for the Town of Bel Air. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

Tickets are $5 per person and include one complimentary soda and popcorn. A $10 All Access Pass is also available. Children under 10 years of age are free. 


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