Film Festival of the Week: Independent Film Festival of Boston

Boston remains one of the most culturally vibrant cities in the United States–not simply for its historical significance but also now for its burgeoning independent film community. At the Independent Film Festival of Boston that community is celebrated.

This year the IFFBoston will run from April 25 – 30 and utilize such venues as the city’s historic Somerville, Brattle and Coolidge Corner theaters. Some of this year’s most anticipated screenings include actor-turned-director Sarah Polley’s feature debut, Away From Her, indie legend Hal Hartley’s Fay Grim and the latest from Wet Hot American Summer director David Wain’s star-studded The Ten. “We look for original, risk-taking films and shy away from formulaic Hollywood fare dressed-up as indies,” says executive director Jason Redmond of the festival’s one-of-a-kind programming.

The truly unique aspect of this year’s fest is the partnership it has formed with Apple. The collaboration offers any paying customer an AppleTV, pre-loaded with a variety of films from its first four fests. “It’s the best of IFFBoston in a box,” says Redmond. Now in its fifth year, this year’s event will offer more movies, more parties and, as always, the Candlepin Bowling challenge–all of which makes this an event almost as big as that infamous tea gathering in the harbor.

Head over to www.iffboston.org for more information on how you can score yourself a seat (or an AppleTV).

Sound Off: As a festival promotion, IFFBoston is offering the new AppleTV loaded with independent programming. Is this the next step for festival distribution deals? Talk back in our comments section!

–Mallory Potosky