A tribute to Cambria filmmakers Kyle and Carlos Plummer is part of Summer Fest. Photo submitted
August 27 through the 30, the Cambria Film Festival will present Summer Fest, a virtual mini-fest. This first-time festival will feature some of the highlights from the first three years along with a few extra bonus features. This is a chance for festival lovers to experience the films from the comfort of their home.
“We have always wanted to host an event in the summer,” said Cambria Film Festival Director, Dennis Frahmann. “This seemed to be a good way to introduce the concept of a virtual festival to our attendees. We’re still not sure what we will be able to present live at the full festival in February. But we know there will be a virtual element.
“We were so fortunate that we had already completed a successful festival before the Covid-19 shutdowns. And we have been watching and taking note of other festivals around the country and how they adapt to a virtual format.”
One pass for just $10 will give viewers access to all of the films. It will also include access to recorded Q&As with filmmakers and a live-streaming discussion as well as an online after-party on Saturday, August 29. Passes are available at cambriafilmfestival.com
Some of the highlights of this mini-fest include the 2018 Audience Award winning feature, “Wild Prairie Rose.” Also featured is the latest from the 2019 opening night filmmaker, Dina Mande. Dina has a new documentary film about Paso Robles winemakers called “Tin City.” Additionally, the festival will explore the local filmmaking scene with an updated reprise of the 2020 Local Filmmaker showcase. Finally, there is a tribute to Cambria-based filmmakers, Carlos and Kyle Plummer.
“The Plummer brothers are remarkable,” said Frahmann. “if you have not been able to see a lot of their work previously, now you can.”
Also instrumental in organizing Summer Fest is Director of Operations Judy Levine, who has has spearheaded the research and guided the committee through the technical issues.
“We’re a excited to be adding a virtual element to our festival,” Levine said, “because we realize it will allow people outside of Cambria to enjoy these films and gives flexibility for people to watch on their own schedules. I think we’ll continue beyond 2021 as well, because is enriches what we offer. We are able to provide more unique content in the virtual world. Filmmakers, directors, actors and producers, who might otherwise be unable to travel, will now be able to participate. We feel this will be a great benefit to our viewers.”
The full Cambria Film Festival is slated to return February 4 through 7, 2021. Hundreds of films have already been submitted, all dealing with romance and the complexities of love. The Festival will showcase between fifty and sixty shorts, and ten or more feature films. Check the website for details on when the 2021 festival tickets go on sale.
