ONFilm Festival Goes Independent

After an 11-year run as a retrospective film festival, the 2009 Old Dominion University/City of Norfolk (ONFilm) Festival is getting competitive. The festival, which runs March 25-28, will feature screenings of independently produced features, documentaries, shorts and short-shorts from around the world on the ODU campus and at various Norfolk venues.

Film producer Stephen Israel will chair the jury. The panel of judges comprises film directors and producers, as well as film industry executives, and includes Virginian-Pilot film critic Mal Vincent. Israel, who is probably best known for executive-producing the critically acclaimed sleeper hit “Swimming with Sharks,” starring Kevin Spacey, is a prominent figure in the film festival world, having served as a programmer for both Outfest and the Slamdance Film Festival.

In addition to screenings, the festival will offer lectures, panels and other events. “A Conversation with Richard Dreyfuss” is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. March 25 in the Big Blue Room at the Ted Constant Convocation Center.

Hampton Roads Film Office Commissioner Jeffery Frizzell notes: “Having the ONFilm Festival as a competitive festival generates great economic impact opportunities in a wide range of business sectors. Not only does it serve to promote tourism to the destination in general, it also brings a significant cultural contribution and helps put the region on the map for film directors, producers and photographers eager to find attractive, exciting locations for their shoots.”

Acting ODU President John R. Broderick adds: “Old Dominion University is pleased to continue its partnership with the city of Norfolk as the ONFilm Festival transforms into a competitive, annual event. The festival had a productive 11-year run as a retrospective series, and we look forward to this new venture.”

For festival updates and a complete schedule of events, go to www.onfilmfest.com.