CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Virginia Film Festival opens tonight, October 30, 2024, bringing a lineup of over 100 films, panel discussions, and post-screening Q&As to Charlottesville.

In a recent appearance on Morning News with Jay James, Jody Kielbasa, Vice Provost for the Arts at the University of Virginia, previewed highlights from the 37th annual event, sharing insights on this year’s programming and anticipated attendance. Kielbasa highlighted the festival’s diverse lineup, including ten films that will represent their countries in the upcoming Academy Awards. Featured programs include the Black Excellence series, which spotlights a documentary on singer Luther Vandross, adding to the festival’s array of culturally significant storytelling.

Director Clay Tweel will screen The Bitter Pill on Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Culbreth Theatre. In his conversation with Cville Right Now Live host Adam Hawes, Tweel delves into the film’s content, sharing his motivations for creating it and the message he hopes to convey to viewers:

Director Daniel Freed, whose documentary I Hope This Helps explores humanity’s evolving relationship with artificial intelligence, also shared his perspectives in a separate interview. Freed discussed his views on AI’s current role, which inspired the film, and his collaboration with executive producer Matthew Modine. He also described his goals for the film, aiming to spark reflection on AI’s impact: