The Phoenicia Festival of the Arts will introduce a film festival during its fourth annual celebration, expanding the three-day event’s lineup of visual art, music, performances, poetry, and community programs.
Events will take place along Phoenicia’s Main Street and at the Phoenicia Playhouse from Aug. 21 to 23.
Christina Varga, the festival’s founder and producer and the owner of Varga Gallery and Studio, said she hopes the event will strengthen Phoenicia’s identity as an arts destination.
“Each time we do something, I hope to impact the town just a little bit more every time until it really becomes an arts mecca,” Varga said.
The festival will begin Friday, Aug. 21 at 6 p.m., with a gong ceremony led by Hari Prakaash, poetry by Sparrow, a guitar performance by Paul McMahon, and Phoebe Legere performing “Bee Spangled Banner” on accordion.
The following day will feature the North American premiere of “Everyone Dies Trying to Make a Masterpiece” by Brazilian artist and filmmaker Gustavo Von Ha at the Phoenicia Playhouse The premiere will cost $10.
The screening is part of the first Phoenicia Film Festival, an expansion of the arts festival’s film programming. The new program is supported by a grant from Arts Mid-Hudson, presented in partnership with the Phoenicia Playhouse, and curated by Jack Warren.
Saturday’s events will also include an outdoor artist market and sculpture garden supported by the Phoenicia Business Association. John Gabriel will host an open mic on the boardwalk for music, poetry, storytelling, and other performances.
Phoenicia’s Eagle Day parade, presentation, and performance will coincide with the festival on Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. The arts festival will also hold its first pet parade, organized by David Pillard, as part of the Eagle Day procession.
Awards will recognize the most exotic pet, best-dressed pet, and the pet and owner who most resemble one another. Giant wearable sculptures by Legere depicting endangered animals of the Hudson River will also appear in the parade.
The festival’s final day will begin at 11 a.m. with a “Wise Woman Panel” featuring Legere, Linda Mary Montano, and Susun Weed. The discussion will explore unconventional lives, rebellion, spirituality, aging, and nature.
The Phoenicia Film Festival’s short-film program will officially launch from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Phoenicia Playhouse, followed by an awards ceremony. Tickets will cost $10.
Prizes will recognize the best short by a woman director, animated short, experimental short, art short, and audience favorite. The winning films will be screened during Sunday’s closing events.
“Creating a space for artists, a third space for people who need a place other than work or home, a place where you can do creative projects, workshops, all that sort of stuff,” Varga said. “That seems to be my role in life.”
Varga plans to hold the film festival separately from the Phoenicia Festival of the Arts next year. She eventually hopes to organize four festivals annually, allowing three months to plan each event.
Exhibitions, installations, artist talks, and workshops will take place throughout Phoenicia during the weekend. More information is available by emailing phoeniciafestivalofthearts@gmail.com.
Mia Quick is an editorial assistant at The Overlook. Send correspondence to mia@theoverlooknews.com.
