Centre Film Festival Goes Virtual: Independent Cinema Delivered to Your Door
The 2020 Centre Film Festival is fully virtual, bringing a expertly curated lineup of feature films and shorts from top independent and student filmmakers directly to your home. Discover why this year's event is unmissable—and why planning a trip to Happy Valley for next year's in-person celebration is a must.
A Lineup for Every Taste
Whether you're a devoted indie film enthusiast or drawn to specific genres, the 2020 Centre Film Festival delivers diverse storytelling. This year's selections chronicle Hollywood stuntwomen's lives, explore post-apocalyptic worlds, trace journeys of self-discovery and evolving relationships, and delve into love and grief amid quarantine. Themes span horror, comedy, family-friendly films, late-night thrillers, Sundance winners, and student works. Highlights include Made in Pennsylvania films, a staple for future festivals. With a festival pass or individual tickets, stream films anytime from November 12-16. (The website schedule offers planning guidance.)
Connect with Esteemed Filmmakers
Filmmakers at the Centre Film Festival boast impressive credentials: Sundance premieres, Guggenheim fellowships, SXSW top prizes, and Edinburgh 'best of the best' awards. This virtual edition's standout feature? Live panels where ticket holders engage directly with every filmmaker via Zoom. CFF Founder and Creative Director Pearl Gluck emphasizes that these face-to-face interactions—discussing creative processes and gaining inspiration—define a memorable festival. All Q&As are free, live-streamed on Facebook, Instagram, and the CFF website. Films are on-demand, but panels follow the posted schedule.
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Speak LIVE with Filmmakers
Films are available anytime during the festival, but live panels with filmmakers adhere to the website schedule.
Support Independent Filmmaking and Local Arts
Partnering with TheatricalAtHome, the Centre Film Festival lets pass buyers direct support to Centre County arts venues: the Historic Rowland Theatre (host of the 2019 debut), State Theatre in State College, and 3 Dots Downtown. Pandemic-hit arts organizations need this boost for a 2021 season. Buy multiple passes to aid several venues—select via the dropdown at checkout.
Extend the Festival Experience Year-Round
Like the festival itself, Centre Film Festival merchandise caters to all: apparel, accessories, and home goods. Stay stylish and safe with official masks featuring Penn State filmmakers' art—Sam Davey's poster design and Morgan Seiff's motifs—plus shirts and onesies for family viewing. Order early for shipping, and tag your selfies on social media. Shop now!
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau proudly supports the Centre Film Festival with Tourism Grants in 2019 and 2020. Pearl Gluck's vision positions it as a signature event, drawing independent filmmakers and cinephiles to Centre County. Enjoy the 2020 virtual edition and anticipate next year's live Happy Valley showcase.
