Scout Theater
1:00PM - 7:00PM
Feature Film & WVIA Workshops

1:00PM - FEATURE: Small Town Universe
Dir. Katie Dellamaggiore
In Green Bank, West Virginia, lies the world’s most sensitive radio telescope and the only U.S. town that bans Wi-Fi and cell phones. In this unplugged Appalachian community, scientists are on the hunt for signs of extraterrestrial life while residents experience everyday moments of joy and loss. But when government defunding threatens the telescope’s future, the town must consider which connections matter most.
3:00PM - WVIA WORKSHOP 1
Production Management 101 with Ron Andruscavage
Film Production Management 101 covers the essential processes of organizing, budgeting, and scheduling a film production from pre-production to post-production. It involves coordinating logistics, managing crew and resources, and ensuring the project stays on time and within budget. Effective production management is crucial for a smooth workflow, minimizing risks, and bringing a creative vision to life efficiently.


5:00PM - WVIA WORKSHOP 2
Real Life to Reel: Crafting Authentic Documentaries with Tim Novotney
This is an interactive workshop on documentary filmmaking that explores techniques for identifying real-life stories, conducting insightful interviews, and capturing spontaneous moments. Participants will also examine ethical filmmaking practices and learn strategies to transform raw footage into compelling narratives, all within an engaging and supportive environment.
Main Theater
12:00PM - 9:00PMShort Films & the Mystery Box Challenge
Documentary Block 1
12PM - 1:30PMA WALK WITH RICHARD (12min) Dir. Jonathan Walley
An intimate portrait of a first- generation Japanese immigrant and restaurateur, Richard Matsushima, who firmly believes in “protecting” the customer, his business and his legacy.
TERRY'S LITTLE VILLAGE (6min 45sec) Dir. Jack Kukolic
Terry Wilson is a 70-year-old lifelong resident of Meadowvale Village, Ontario’s first heritage district. As development looms and begins to destroy Terry’s favourite place in the world, he recreates pieces of history in his backyard, crafting an oasis where it feels like nothing has changed. Terry passionately fights to preserve history in a world that’s too anxious for change.
THE METALSMITH (6min 56sec) Dir. Sean Mowry
The story of Binghamton jeweler, Gina Mowry-McHugh.
GARDNER OF THE GALAXY (10min 43sec) Dir. Nick Natalicchio
World renowned astrophysicist and planetary scientist Dr. Edward Guinan reflects on his life, work, and involvement in the “Red Thumbs Mars Garden Project” at Villanova University, which experiments with growing sustainable food sources on Mars.
PANELS AND PASTURES (17min 39 sec) Dir. Tucker Gragg
Daniel Dotterer, a 7th-generation Pennsylvania farmer, and other family farms who bring new life into their land through solar grazing. Their stories capture the decline of small, independent farms and the hope for a new beginning. By uniting farming and energy production, these farmers are preserving their family legacies while helping to power America’s future.
PRIDE OF TEXAS (7min 17sec) Dir. Ashley Seering
A look at the Texas Gay Rodeo Association and its participants who prove that rodeo, and Texas, is a place for everyone.
Comedy Block
1:30PM - 3:30PMGOOD BAD ADVICE (8min 12sec) Dir. Pawel Grajnert
A father overcomes his greatest fear as he dishes out good bad advice.
ONE STUNNING DAY (13min 2sec) Dir. John Bradley
The tale of a recently heartbroken man searching for a silver bullet solution to self-fulfillment.
CHEESE PUFF SMOOTHIE (18min 37sec) Dir. Jason Hayner Jr.
Two roommates go on an adventure to create the ultimate form of cheese puff and save their friend.
VIATICUM (14min 10sec) Dir. Derek Frey
A priest performing Last Rites is challenged by a hospice nurse who believes her patient should not be absolved of a deadly sin.
ON THIN ICE (13min 15sec) Dir. Chelsea Komorowski
Max, a quiet, socially awkward man in his 30s, who is utterly obsessed with famous professional hockey player Connor Hamilton, concocts a bizarre plan to bring Connor into his life when he is traded away.
A FAST STOP (3min) Dir. Hunter Wilde
Safety is important, especially on the road. Thankfully, your friendly neighborhood Speeder-Man is here to teach you the importance of respecting the law!
A DAY WITH... (3min 31sec) Dir. Grant Hamilton
A day with Phil.
THE SPACE BETWEEN (18min 59sec) Dir. Luke Baker
Two college students, who on the outside couldn’t be more different from each other, happen to meet at a party and form a deep connection where they find self-discovery, forgiveness and hope for the future.
Mystery Box Film Challenge
5PM - 7PM
What's in the Box?
Enjoy premieres, Q&A’s, and an awards ceremony for the participants of the Mystery Box Film Challenge! Be sure to celebrate the filmmakers that stepped up to the challenge.
Special Feature Showcase
7PM - 9PM7:00PM - Shadows of the Past
Dir. Luz Cabrales
Four teens target a wealthy mansion owned by a lonely host. In exchange for safety and the freedom to take anything within the mansion, the host compels them to listen to haunting stories of the past.
