West Newton, MA — The Lois Weber Film Festival (LWFF) returns for its 4th year with a three-day celebration honoring women in film—past, present, and future. Held at West Newton Cinema, the festival brings together both historic and contemporary storytelling to honor pioneer filmmaker Lois Weber and shine a spotlight on emerging talent.
Opening Night (5:00-9:00 PM) features a red carpet celebration, a special Board of Directors Showcase, and a rare silent film presentation of Weber’s acclaimed feature The Blot, with live music by accompanist Jeff Rapsis.
Saturday Night (5:00-9:00 PM) showcases short films by women filmmakers from across the country, followed by a feature presentation of Riot in Bloom, directed by award-winning filmmaker Brett C. Levner (MTV and Comedy Central).
Sunday (1:00-5:00 PM) highlights the world premiere of Punkie, a raw, behind-the-scenes portrait by Emmy-nominated producer Audrey Olsen about stand-up comedian and Saturday Night Live star Punkie Johnson. The day continues with local Massachusetts short films, an exclusive Women in Film panel hosted by Kim Douglas of Boston’s Bold Like Her podcast with special guests Michele Meek, Jodi Purdy, Alecia Orsini, and Marilyn Busch, and concludes with LWFF’s signature Genie Lamp Award Ceremony.
Single-day and weekend passes are available through West Newton Cinema online or at the box office. Get the complete festival lineup at loisweberfilmfestival.org
Festival Schedule at a Glance:
Friday, March 20
• Opening Night Red Carpet Party — 5:00 PM
• Board of Directors Short Film Showcase — 6:30 PM
• The Blot (1914) with live music by Jeff Rapsis — 7:00 PM
Saturday, March 21
• Short Films by Women Filmmakers (USA) — 5:00 PM
• Feature Presentation: Riot in Bloom — 7:00 PM
Sunday, March 22
• World Premiere: Punkie — 1:00 PM
• Local New England Short Films — 2:30 PM
• Women in Film Panel Discussion — 3:30 PM
• Genie Lamp Award Ceremony — 4:30 PM