CHARLOTTESVILLE (WINA) – It’s opening night of the 2023 Virginia Film Festival with films and events through Sunday at the Paramount Theater, the Violet Crown, and the Culbreth Theater at UVa. The director of this year’s 36th annual Jody Kielbasa says the gala at the Paramount at 7 o’clock is the film “Maestro” starring Bradley Cooper, who is also the director. Kielbasa says Kerry Mulligan also does an amazing performance portraying his wife.

And Friday night, Kielbasa says a legend — Ava DuVernay — will be on-hand at The Paramount for the premiere of her new film “Origin”.

There are four other films screening tonight… and all the information and ticketing is available clicking here.