Festival of the Week: Delray Beach Film Festival

Location: Delray Beach, FL
Festival Dates: March 13 – 18, 2007

With so many festivals popping up these days, it can be hard to stand out from the crowd. The Delray Beach Film Festival, however, has made an effort to be a bit different from the standard fest, taking advantage of its location on the sunny Florida shore, while still catering to the needs of the moviemakers and the local community. “We provide a relaxed atmosphere for filmmakers to network, schmooze and screen films,” says founder and director Michael Posner. “We have events daily for our filmmakers, free surfing lessons, free belly dancing lessons, a golf tournament, beach tennis lessons and workshops daily–and of course cocktail parties every afternoon and spotlight parties every evening.”

But DBFF isn’t just a bit of fun in the sun; all of the festival’s profits will be split between the Humane Society (Posner is a former veterinarian) and the communication departments of the Palm Beach County schools. Giving back to the community while making the most of an idyllic location? It’s clear that Delray is a festival that is making a difference in the moviemaking world and beyond.

For more information, visit www.dbff.us.

Sound Off: Do you think it’s important for festivals to be “different,” or do you prefer a more traditional festival program without all the side attractions? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments section!

–Jennifer Straus