Middleburg, Virginia, October 17-20. The weather was classic Virginia autumnal splendor complete with blue skies and crisp bright mornings. The little rain that fell on Sunday did not dampen the spirits of the movie-goers. Walking between venues was ideal after sitting in full length movies. However, luxury shuttle buses transported those in a hurry to catch the next film.

Celebrating their seventh year of the Middleburg Film Festival, 34 films (33% were sold out) were presented. In addition to films, the Festival hosted conversations with critics and bloggers and a Tribute Concert with Terence Blanchard, composer of the score for Harriet. The films and conversations were open to the public for the price of a ticket. Receptions and after-parties enhanced the experience.

Many films were followed by question and answer presentations with directors, producers, creators, or participants of the films. The Festival, headquartered in the luxurious Salamander  Resort, filled the charming Virginia town of Middleburg. Middleburg,  known for horses, fox hunting, and a country chic atmosphere was a gracious host. In addition to Salamander Resort, The Middleburg Community Center, The Hill School, and the National Sporting Library and Museum hosted films.

It is impossible to see all films or to participate in every event, so we chose carefully based on our interests and tastes. With me this year, was a dear college ski friend, Sharon, and my adult daughter, Tiffany. For the most part, we viewed the same films with a few exceptions. I love documentaries. My friend loves adventure and photographic artistry. My daughter enjoys plot twists and satirical comedies. There was something for each of us. We experienced eleven films, a conversation about Oscar contenders in the richly appointed Salamander Library, and Concert and Tribute to composer, Terence Blanchard.

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The Festival experience is multi-layered and goes far beyond movie viewing. It is replete with the vision, passion, and accomplishment of the producers and directors. Some producers have carried scripts and ideas for nearly a decade until the time was right. Getting that inside glimpse of the inspiration of a film, is priceless to the overall experience.

The brief reviews of the films that we viewed:

• The Capote Tapes: Troubled; vindictive,  Gifted writer.
• Varda By Agnes: Vision, passion, and sharing –  in French
• The Aeronauts: Breathtaking.
• Harriet: Heart rending  – Live Free or Die!
• Blow the Man Down: Women rule.
• The Hoy Boys:  Mid-century photo journalism connects the dots…
• The Traitor: The unraveling of tough guys – in Italian
• A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood: Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers – Simply faithful.
• Ford v Ferrari:  Determination, ambition, speed!
• The Irishman: Jimmy Hoffa, Lee Harvey Oswald, Cuba, Kennedys, more…
• Knives Out:  Who done it?? Plot twists and turns amid seriously funny episodes.