The Prison City Film Festival returns this year, bringing a diverse selection of films from around the world to the Huntsville community.
Reflecting on the festival, Festival Director Corinne Attaya shared her deep-rooted love for movies, comparing them to cherished childhood memories like peanut butter sandwiches and leisurely bike rides under the sun. Recalling the excitement of Friday nights eagerly awaiting movie screenings, she reminisced about family traditions of homemade cheese pizza paired with root beer, while eagerly anticipating the latest Blockbuster releases and timeless cinema classics.
As her cinematic preferences evolved over the years, Attaya and her family delved into various genres, exploring experimental and fringe cinema alongside mainstream hits. Transitioning into adulthood, her interest expanded to include documentaries, offering new perspectives and narratives.
Having spent her formative years in Huntsville, discussions with her father, Paul Shiver, owner of the Old Town Theater, sparked ideas about utilizing the venue for diverse productions, including film festivals. Inspired by a past horror and gore-themed festival, the concept of the Prison City Film Festival began to take shape, aiming to encompass a broad spectrum of genres and styles.
The festival’s ethos of inclusivity and opportunity for filmmakers to showcase their work resonates in its tagline, “Where filmmakers ‘Break Out.’” While not claiming credit for filmmakers’ subsequent successes, Attaya expressed pride in contributing to their journey.
Approaching the 7th annual festival, the focus remains on engaging the local community and highlighting the diverse range of films on offer. The festival schedule, divided into 2-hour film blocks, features a mix of genres and lengths carefully curated to captivate and surprise audiences.
Attendees can explore the lineup on the festival website, with each film block offering a unique viewing experience. From comedic shorts to poignant documentaries, the selection includes both international submissions and local talent, including works from Sam Houston State University students.
Highlighted films for this year’s festival include the world premiere of “Carnage Radio,” a gripping thriller, and “Betrayal,” a poignant period piece. Other notable selections range from the comedic action of “Leverage” to the insightful documentary “The Man in the Red Beret.”
With a diverse array of films set to screen from February 28 to March 2, the Prison City Film Festival promises an enriching cinematic experience for all attendees. For more information on the films, trailers, and tickets, visit the festival’s website.