Blast Off to the Cosmic Holler Film Fest
A Sci-Fi Celebration That Is Out of This World
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
Science fiction enthusiasts, mark your calendars! On Sept. 29, Ashland will become the epicenter of intergalactic storytelling as the Cosmic Holler Film Fest makes its highly anticipated return to our thriving and creative city. This inaugural event promises a day brimming with out-of-this-world cinematic experiences, creative networking, and a celebration of all things science fiction.
The Cosmic Holler Film Fest offers a unique blend of local charm and out-of-this-world adventure. The festival will be hosted at the Paramount Arts Center, a venue renowned for its classic elegance and modern amenities, making it the perfect setting for a day dedicated to imaginative storytelling and futuristic visions. The festival will showcase a diverse range of films across several categories such as:
Animation: Featuring films created through frame-by-frame photography of drawings, paintings, or illustrations.
Feature: Full-length films ranging from 60 to 180 minutes, offering expansive narratives and complex characters.
Documentary: Films that explore real-life events or individuals, grounded in factual content.
Music Video: Videos that blend musical tracks with visual artistry, designed for promotional or artistic purposes.
Experimental: Innovative films that push the boundaries of traditional cinema, often using unconventional techniques or soundscapes.
Short: Films with a runtime of 40 minutes or less, delivering impactful stories in a compact format.
At the conclusion of the film festival, special awards will be given out not only to celebrate the creative excellence each film brings to the table, but to also honor the exceptional films and creators. Awards will be given out for the following categories:
Grand Prize (Best in Show): Awarded to the overall best film, as selected by both the audience and festival staff.
Karbler’s Choice Award: Named in honor of Lieutenant General Daniel L. Karbler, this award recognizes the film with the highest number of audience votes.
Best Feature Film: Celebrating the top feature-length film.
Best Short Film: Recognizing excellence in short-format storytelling.
Best Documentary: Awarded to the best documentary film.
Cosmic Holler Creative Award: Given to the best film created by a Kentucky resident or someone with strong ties to the state.
*Additional categories may be announced depending on the volume and quality of submissions.
This year’s lineup is absolutely captivating and will certainly leave you on the edge of your seat wanting more. With a full line up of creative genius, you can experience various genres of films that will take you deep into the world of Sci-Fi. This year’s selection includes a variety of films, including those listed below.
The UFO’s of Soesterberg: A documentary exploring a mysterious 1979 sighting over a Dutch air base, amid Cold War tensions.
We All Belong to the Tower: A drama about a tower’s sudden appearance and its profound impact on a woman’s life and sanity.
The Path of the Greys: An imaginative journey in the Star Wars universe, where a Grey pupil undergoes a critical test.
Memory Card: A nostalgic adventure that blends retro gaming with reality, as two friends chase hidden coordinates.
The Parallels of Loneliness: A poignant tale of a woman who awakens to find herself the last person on Earth.
Crystal Quest: A space opera where Erik Starburn ventures across the galaxy to find a cure for his ailing love.
Heart-Ware: Set in a future where AI has replaced many human roles, this film follows a game director’s creative revival through a personal connection.
Purgatory: A visual exploration of a man trapped between life and the afterlife.
Vale: A reflective narrative about an investigator confronting the consequences of his lifelong pursuits.
Prepare for lift-off and join in at the Cosmic Holler Film Fest – a galactic adventure awaits, and you won’t want to be light-years away when it all begins. Whether you're a seasoned sci-fi aficionado or just curious about venturing into new realms of storytelling, this festival promises a day of cinematic marvels and creative encounters that you won't want to miss. From the enigmatic UFOs of Soesterberg to the futuristic adventures of Heart-Ware, each film is a portal to a different dimension, each story a star in the vast constellation of science fiction.
So, grab your space gear and set your coordinates for Ashland. This is more than just a film festival; it's an opportunity to be part of something truly stellar. Witness the magic of cinema, connect with creators who dare to dream beyond the stars, and celebrate the boundless creativity that fuels the universe of science fiction. Tickets are now available at the Paramount Arts Center’s box office and online at paramountartscenter.com. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., with the festival starting at 10 a.m.
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