‘Blitz,’ ‘Maria’ Among Buzzy ...

This time last year, executive directors of film festivals were programming screenings and premieres without stars due to the labor union strikes

Published Time: 18.10.2024 - 19:31:52 Modified Time: 18.10.2024 - 19:31:52

This time last year, executive directors of film festivals were programming screenings and premieres without stars due to the labor union strikes. Now, some 12 months later, says Middleburg Film Festival executive director Susan Koch declares, “We’re welcoming back filmmakers and actors. It’s our strongest year yet.”

The festival, which is based in horse country due east of Washington, D.C., kicks off its 12th year with Steve McQueen’s “Blitz.” The World War II drama, starring Saoirse Ronan, will be co-presented with the British embassy. British ambassador to the United States Karen Pierce will receive the festival’s inaugural Film Diplomacy award in recognition of her longstanding commitment to the film industry. McQueen will be in attendance.

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With its close proximity to Washington, the organizers have strong ties with the embassies and state department. “Last year, we launched a film diplomacy initiative to use the power of film to help us increase our understanding of the world and one another. From the beginning, we’ve tried to involve the diplomatic community as much as possible, but we’ve really ramped up,” says Koch.

“Sing Sing” stars Colman Domingo and Clarence Maclin will be in attendance and honored with the Impact Award. The duo will also sit down for a conversation moderated by Variety’s Clayton Davis. “Emilia Pérez” has been set as the Friday spotlight film, with one of the film’s stars, Zoe Saldaña, receiving the festival’s Spotlight Actor Award. Songwriting and composing duo Camille Dalmais and Clément Ducol will be recognized with the Special Achievement in Music Award for their contribution to “Emilia Pérez’s” original score and 16 original songs.

Other honorees include “Maria’s” DP Edward Lachman, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award for Cinematography.

Over the years, the festival has become a must-stop on the awards campaign trail as studios and publicists target D.C. vot -

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ers. But Koch has not lost sight of the festival and its founding principles. First and foremost, it is a place for film lovers. While the slate features its fair share of films generating Oscar buzz, Koch includes independent gems, “films that attendees might not get the chance to see.”

RaMell Ross will be in attendance following a screening of his feature film debut, “Nickel Boys.” “He’s extraordinary. These are filmmakers whose work we are going to be seeing for a long time. You know they’re going to continually be taking chances and broadening the lens,” says Koch. “There are films like ‘Nickel Boys’ that are tough, but that’s one of the things about being able to see these films in a communal setting, because you can talk about them, and then you can hear from the director about their vision, and that’s the key part of these festivals, and that dialogue ensues.”

Diversity and representation have been key for the festival. The annual women’s luncheon celebrating female filmmakers and actors is a highlight; this year, filmmaker Marielle Heller hits the fest with “Nightbitch,” starring Amy Adams, while Gia Coppola and her Pamela Anderson-starrer “The Last Showgirl” was a late addition to the lineup. “We’re so happy she can come. But we’re excited about strong, interesting women coming,” says Koch.

As previously announced, Variety’s Creative Collaborators Award will be presented to Jason Reitman and cinematographer Eric Steelberg for their past work and latest film, “Saturday Night.”

Composer Mychael Danna will be honored with the Distinguished Composer Award. Danna’s award presentation will be accompanied by a concert featuring a selection of his most acclaimed scores, including “Life of Pi.” The scores will be performed by a 60-piece orchestra and choir.