Programming is designed to not only bring together Williamsburg residents, students of the College of William & Mary, and international filmmakers, but to engage them in the festival experience and bring about a better understanding of international film and its place in our community. This year’s theme is Film & Youth, focusing on films about youth, for youth, and by youth.

The festival strives to highlight global filmmaking showing films from a variety of international locales and bringing in visiting filmmakers from all over the world. The 2013 theme of Film & Youth will bring the community together to reflect on the connectedness of youth have across the globe.

This year the festival continues its commitment to promoting student work through two film competitions, the 24Speed Competition and the DIY/FIY Competition, featuring international as well as local submissions of narrative, documentary, and animated student-produced short films. The winners of these films will be announced at various pre-screening events and receptions during the festival weekend.

Programming also includes two pre-festival event series. The first is held on Wednesday nights starting January 16. A series of five films will be introduced by members of the William & Mary faculty or other experts who give insight into the context of the film and its interpretation. This year the pre-festival series will run every Wednesday night through February 13. The second series is the family matinees starting January 19. A series of four family films will be played every Saturday morning through February 9th.